Common English Mistakes in Screenplays by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY TANNA sipped the coffeewas being sipped by ANNA as she sat by the window. Her eyes were drawn to the bustling street outside, where peoplthe were beingd hurried peoplealongby the wind. ANNA held a bookwas being held in her other hand, but her attention was beingcaptured by the scene outside.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the passive voice sentences to the active voice."

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY ANNA sipped the coffee as she sat by the window. Her eyes were drawn to the bustling street outside, where the wind hurried people along. ANNA held a book in her other hand, but her attention was captured by the scene outside.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY The coffee was being sipped by ANNA as she sat by the window. Her eyes were drawn to the bustling street outside, where people were being hurried along by the wind. A book was being held in her other hand, but her attention was being captured by the scene outside.

Mistake Example #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY Anna sits at a Ttable, sipping her Ccoffee. She looks around the Rroom, noticing the Ppeople chatting and the Bbarista making Ddrinks. Suddenly, her Ffriend, Max, enters the Sshop, waving enthusiastically. MAX Hey Anna! I didn't expect to see you here. How is the Bbook coming along? ANNA Oh, the Bbook is a bit of a Cchallenge. I keep getting stuck on the Pplot. But being in this Ccafé helps me think.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

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

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY Anna sits at a table, sipping her coffee. She looks around the room, noticing the people chatting and the barista making drinks. Suddenly, her friend, Max, enters the shop, waving enthusiastically. MAX Hey Anna! I didn't expect to see you here. How is the book coming along? ANNA Oh, the book is a bit of a challenge. I keep getting stuck on the plot. But being in this café helps me think.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY Anna sits at a Table, sipping her Coffee. She looks around the Room, noticing the People chatting and the Barista making Drinks. Suddenly, her Friend, Max, enters the Shop, waving enthusiastically. MAX Hey Anna! I didn't expect to see you here. How is the Book coming along? ANNA Oh, the Book is a bit of a Challenge. I keep getting stuck on the Plot. But being in this Café helps me think.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY LISA sits at a small table, nervously tapping her fingers. Across from her, JOHN sips his coffee, watching her intently. LISA (softly) I think that we should, if possible, postponethe meetingpostpone. It is too soon, and I am not ready yet. JOHN (nodding) I understand, but if we missthe deadlinemiss, it will be difficult to explain. We must becarefulbe with our timing.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Great job! Very few changes were needed to fix word order mistakes. "

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY LISA sits at a small table, nervously tapping her fingers. Across from her, JOHN sips his coffee, watching her intently. LISA (softly) I think that we should, if possible, postpone the meeting. It is too soon, and I am not ready yet. JOHN (nodding) I understand, but if we miss the deadline, it will be difficult to explain. We must be careful with our timing.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY LISA sits at a small table, nervously tapping her fingers. Across from her, JOHN sips his coffee, watching her intently. LISA (softly) I think that we should, if possible, the meeting postpone. It is too soon, and I am not ready yet. JOHN (nodding) I understand, but if we the deadline miss, it will be difficult to explain. We must careful be with our timing.