Common English Mistakes in Official Statements by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In response to recent developments, the Ministry announces that,citizens will benefit greatly when the new policy is implemented, will the citizens benefit greatly. It is essential that, as the changes take effect, are all departmentsare prepared to support the transition. We assure the changest,ake aeffect. Although challenges may arise, willthe government willprovide the necessary resources to ensure a smooth adaptation.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I've just corrected a few things with the word order."

In response to recent developments, the Ministry announces that citizens will benefit greatly when the new policy is implemented. It is essential that all departments are prepared to support the transition as the changes take effect. Although challenges may arise, the government will provide the necessary resources to ensure a smooth adaptation.

In response to recent developments, the Ministry announces that, when the new policy is implemented, will the citizens benefit greatly. It is essential that, as the changes take effect, are all departments prepared to support the transition. We assure that, although challenges may arise, will the government provide necessary resources to ensure a smooth adaptation.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

TheMinistry of Environment announced a new policy regarding environmental regulationshas been announced by the Ministry of Environment. It is expected that sSignificant improvements in air quality willare expected to be achieved by the end of the year. The measures have been carefully considered and will be implemented by local authorities across the country.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some (not all) of the passive voice constructions to the active voice. Nice work!"

The Ministry of Environment announced a new policy regarding environmental regulations. Significant improvements in air quality are expected to be achieved by the end of the year. The measures have been carefully considered and will be implemented by local authorities across the country.

The new policy regarding environmental regulations has been announced by the Ministry of Environment. It is expected that significant improvements in air quality will be achieved by the end of the year. The measures have been carefully considered and will be implemented by local authorities across the country.