Common English Mistakes by German Speakers

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

Category:Government & Policy Writing
Writing used for policy-making and government communication.
Common Users:Government Officials, Non-profits, Public Policy Analysts.
Mistake Example #1

Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy In response to recent developments, it is necessary that we implementthe new policyimplement by the end of the month. It is important, thatfor all departments to review their proceduresreview to ensure compliance. Should any questions arise, please contact the policy team, who will beavailable will be to assist.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good job overall! It just needed some changes to the word order."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy In response to recent developments, it is necessary that we implement the new policy by the end of the month. It is important for all departments to review their procedures to ensure compliance. Should any questions arise, please contact the policy team, who will be available to assist.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy In response to recent developments, it is necessary that we the new policy implement by the end of the month. It is important, that all departments their procedures review to ensure compliance. Should any questions arise, please contact the policy team, who available will be to assist.

Mistake Example #2

Government & Policy Writing / Grant Application

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

We are submitting this Ggrant Aapplication to request Ffunding for our innovative Pproject aimed at improving Rrenewable Eenergy Ssolutions in Uurban Aareas. Our Tteam of dedicated Rresearchers has developed a unique Aapproach that combines Ssolar Ppanels with advanced Bbattery Sstorage Ssystems to maximize Eenergy Eefficiency. We believe that this Iinitiative will significantly contribute to the Rreduction of Ccarbon Eemissions and promote Ssustainable Ddevelopment in our Ccommunity.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This was well-written, but I needed to change some of the upper-case letters to lower-case letters."

We are submitting this grant application to request funding for our innovative project aimed at improving renewable energy solutions in urban areas. Our team of dedicated researchers has developed a unique approach that combines solar panels with advanced battery storage systems to maximize energy efficiency. We believe that this initiative will significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and promote sustainable development in our community.

We are submitting this Grant Application to request Funding for our innovative Project aimed at improving Renewable Energy Solutions in Urban Areas. Our Team of dedicated Researchers has developed a unique Approach that combines Solar Panels with advanced Battery Storage Systems to maximize Energy Efficiency. We believe that this Initiative will significantly contribute to the Reduction of Carbon Emissions and promote Sustainable Development in our Community.

Mistake Example #3

Government & Policy Writing / Legislative Report

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

The Llegislative Rreport outlines the recent Ddevelopments in the Eenergy Ssector, focusing on the Iimplementation of Rrenewable Eenergy Ssources. The Ggovernment has allocated significant Ffunds to support the Ttransition from Ffossil Ffuels to Ssustainable Aalternatives. This Iinitiative aims to reduce the Nnation's Ccarbon Ffootprint and promote Eenvironmental Ssustainability, aligning with the Iinternational Aagreements on Cclimate Cchange.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Some of these words did not need to be capitalized, so I changed them to lower case. Otherwise, it sounds great!"

The legislative report outlines the recent developments in the energy sector, focusing on the implementation of renewable energy sources. The government has allocated significant funds to support the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. This initiative aims to reduce the nation's carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability, aligning with the international agreements on climate change.

The Legislative Report outlines the recent Developments in the Energy Sector, focusing on the Implementation of Renewable Energy Sources. The Government has allocated significant Funds to support the Transition from Fossil Fuels to Sustainable Alternatives. This Initiative aims to reduce the Nation's Carbon Footprint and promote Environmental Sustainability, aligning with the International Agreements on Climate Change.

Mistake Example #4

Government & Policy Writing / Official Statement

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

The FedGermaln Ggovernment of Germanyis Ccommitted to Eenhancing the Ccooperation betweeamong Nnations to Aaddress the Gglobal Cchallenges of Cclimate Cchange. The Ministry of Environment has Aannounced a Nnew Iinitiative to Ssupport the Ddevelopment of Rrenewable Eenergy Pprojects in Ppartnership with Iinternational Oorganizations. This Iinitiative Aaims to Ffoster Iinnovation and Ppromote the Ssustainable Uuse of Nnatural Rresources for the Bbenefit of Ffuture Ggenerations.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have corrected the use of capitalization to reflect US English conventions. "

The German government is committed to enhancing cooperation among nations to address the global challenges of climate change. The Ministry of Environment has announced a new initiative to support the development of renewable energy projects in partnership with international organizations. This initiative aims to foster innovation and promote the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

The Federal Government of Germany is Committed to Enhancing the Cooperation between Nations to Address the Global Challenges of Climate Change. The Ministry of Environment has Announced a New Initiative to Support the Development of Renewable Energy Projects in Partnership with International Organizations. This Initiative Aims to Foster Innovation and Promote the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources for the Benefit of Future Generations.

Mistake Example #5

Government & Policy Writing / Policy Brief

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In light of recent developments, it is crucial that we, to address the climate change challenges,by implementing more sustainable energy policies. While the government has made progress, it is essential that, to achieve our goals, we increase investment in renewable energy sourcesto achieve our goals. Furthermore, it is important that, to ensure public support, we engage with local communities and stakeholders effectivelyto ensure public support.

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

"I rearranged the order of some subordinate clauses to improve fluidity and readability of the sentences."

In light of recent developments, it is crucial that we address the climate change challenges by implementing more sustainable energy policies. While the government has made progress, it is essential that we increase investment in renewable energy sources to achieve our goals. Furthermore, it is important that we engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively to ensure public support.

In light of recent developments, it is crucial that we, to address the climate change challenges, implement more sustainable energy policies. While the government has made progress, it is essential that, to achieve our goals, we increase investment in renewable energy sources. Furthermore, it is important that, to ensure public support, we engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Mistake Example #6

Government & Policy Writing / Public Notice

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Attention Residents: The city council ihas anfnormsunced that, due to maintenance work, the water supply will be interrupted on Thursday, from 8 AM until 4 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we ask that you, if possiblre,duce water usage reducif possible during this time. For further information, you can contact the city office, where staff will assist you with any questions you have.

Text corrected by:
Howard B., NJ, USA

"I have changed the order of some words to conform to English grammar and removed some extra punctuation for more native English reading."

Attention Residents: The city council has announced that due to maintenance work, the water supply will be interrupted on Thursday from 8 AM until 4 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we ask that you reduce water usage if possible during this time. For further information, you can contact the city office, where staff will assist you with any questions you have.

Attention Residents: The city council informs that, due to maintenance work, the water supply will be interrupted on Thursday, from 8 AM until 4 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we ask that you, if possible, water usage reduce during this time. For further information, you can contact the city office, where staff will assist you with any questions you have.