Common English Mistakes in Short Stories by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

In the quiet village of Grünwald, the townsfolk had been whispering abouta mysterious eventwas being whispered about by the townsfolk. The old clock tower, which had stood for centuries, was said to be haunted by the spirit of a long-lost watchmaker. Every night, the sound of ticking wascould be heard, even though the clock had stopped working years ago. The villagers were frightened, and the mayor calleda meetingwas called by the mayor to discuss what should be done about the ghostly presence.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This is a great start to your story! I just changed some (not all) of the passive voice constructions to the active voice to improve the flow of your narrative."

In the quiet village of Grünwald, the townsfolk had been whispering about a mysterious event. The old clock tower, which had stood for centuries, was said to be haunted by the spirit of a long-lost watchmaker. Every night, the sound of ticking could be heard, even though the clock had stopped working years ago. The villagers were frightened, and the mayor called a meeting to discuss what should be done about the ghostly presence.

In the quiet village of Grünwald, a mysterious event was being whispered about by the townsfolk. The old clock tower, which had stood for centuries, was said to be haunted by the spirit of a long-lost watchmaker. Every night, the sound of ticking was heard, even though the clock had stopped working years ago. The villagers were frightened, and a meeting was called by the mayor to discuss what should be done about the ghostly presence.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In the small village, where the sun always shines brightly, lived a young girl named Lena. She loved to explore the forest, which wasbehind her housewas, and often she would find hidden treasures. One day, when she ventureddeep into the woodsventured, she discovered a mysterious old book that heldsecrets of the pastheld.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Be mindful of your order of words: "which behind her house was" should be "which was behind her house" and "when she deep into the woods ventured" should be "when she ventured deep into the woods"."

In the small village, where the sun always shines brightly, lived a young girl named Lena. She loved to explore the forest, which was behind her house, and often she would find hidden treasures. One day, when she ventured deep into the woods, she discovered a mysterious old book that held secrets of the past.

In the small village, where the sun always shines brightly, lived a young girl named Lena. She loved to explore the forest, which behind her house was, and often she would find hidden treasures. One day, when she deep into the woods ventured, she discovered a mysterious old book that secrets of the past held.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In a Ssmall Vvillage, there was a Yyoung Ggirl named Anna who Lloved to Eexplore the Fforest near her Hhome. One Dday, she Ddiscovered a Hhidden Ppath that Lled to a Mmagical Ggarden filled with Ccolorful Fflowers and Ssinging Bbirds. Anna was Aamazed by the Bbeauty and Ddecided to Vvisit the Ggarden every Aafternoon,. wThere, she would Ddream about Aadventures and Nnew Ffriends.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with capitalization. Otherwise, it sounds lovely!"

In a small village, there was a young girl named Anna who loved to explore the forest near her home. One day, she discovered a hidden path that led to a magical garden filled with colorful flowers and singing birds. Anna was amazed by the beauty and decided to visit the garden every afternoon. There, she would dream about adventures and new friends.

In a Small Village, there was a Young Girl named Anna who Loved to Explore the Forest near her Home. One Day, she Discovered a Hidden Path that Led to a Magical Garden filled with Colorful Flowers and Singing Birds. Anna was Amazed by the Beauty and Decided to Visit the Garden every Afternoon, where she would Dream about Adventures and New Friends.