Common English Mistakes in Personal Essays by German Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native German speakers from Germany when writing a Personal Essay in English.

Mistake Example #1

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

WI remember that when I was a child, I remember that my grandmother always told me stories before I went to bed. She said that if I ever felt lost, I should look to the stars, because they would guide me home. It was in those moments, when the world seemed so big and mysterious, that I realized how much I loved the night sky.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to improve flow :) Nice work!"

I remember that when I was a child my grandmother always told me stories before I went to bed. She said that if I ever felt lost, I should look to the stars because they would guide me home. It was in those moments, when the world seemed so big and mysterious, that I realized how much I loved the night sky.

When I was a child, I remember that my grandmother always told me stories before I went to bed. She said that if I ever felt lost, I should look to the stars, because they would guide me home. It was in those moments, when the world seemed so big and mysterious, that I realized how much I loved the night sky.

Mistake Example #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

When I was a Cchild, I often spent Ssummers at my Ggrandparents' Hhouse in the Ccountryside. The Ggarden was full of beautiful Fflowers, and I loved to watch the Bbutterflies dance around them. One Dday, my Ggrandfather showed me how to plant Sseeds, and I felt a great Jsense of joy when I saw the first Ssprouts appear.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Great job! Remember: Only proper nouns should be capitalized. Capitals are not necessary for common nouns (non-specific people, places, things, or ideas)."

When I was a child, I often spent summers at my grandparents' house in the countryside. The garden was full of beautiful flowers, and I loved to watch the butterflies dance around them. One day, my grandfather showed me how to plant seeds, and I felt a great sense of joy when I saw the first sprouts appear.

When I was a Child, I often spent Summers at my Grandparents' House in the Countryside. The Garden was full of beautiful Flowers, and I loved to watch the Butterflies dance around them. One Day, my Grandfather showed me how to plant Seeds, and I felt a great Joy when I saw the first Sprouts appear.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

When I was a child,I was raised in a small village in Germanywas where I was raised. The winters were long and cold, and thesveryonow wase often admired bythe everysnonew. My grandmother'stold storieswere told by the fireplace, andwe always felt the warmth of her voicewas always felt. The vVillage festivals were celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the traditions were passed down through generations.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I changed some of the phrases from passive voice to active voice. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

When I was a child, I was raised in a small village in Germany. The winters were long and cold, and everyone often admired the snow. My grandmother told stories by the fireplace, and we always felt the warmth of her voice. Village festivals were celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the traditions were passed down through generations.

When I was a child, a small village in Germany was where I was raised. The winters were long and cold, and the snow was often admired by everyone. My grandmother's stories were told by the fireplace, and the warmth of her voice was always felt. The village festivals were celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the traditions were passed down through generations.