Common English Mistakes in Public Notices by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

Attention Residents, tThe City Council would like to inform all Ccitizens about the upcoming Rroad Cconstruction on Main Street. The Wwork will begin on Monday and is expected to last for two Wweeks. We apologize for any Iinconvenience this may cause and appreciate your Ppatience and Ccooperation during this Ttime.

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

"I decapitalized the first letter of the common nouns in these sentences. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Attention Residents, The City Council would like to inform all citizens about the upcoming road construction on Main Street. The work will begin on Monday and is expected to last for two weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time.

Attention Residents, the City Council would like to inform all Citizens about the upcoming Road Construction on Main Street. The Work will begin on Monday and is expected to last for two Weeks. We apologize for any Inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your Patience and Cooperation during this Time.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

Attention: is drawnDue tothe upcoming road maintenance workthat will be conducted on, Main Street. The road will be closed to all traffic from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday. RPleasidents are advised that alternative remoutves should be used during this time. It is requested that all vehiclesare removed from the street before this timeand use alternative routes during this workis started. Your cooperation is appreciated, and we apologize forany inconveniencecaused is regretted.

Text corrected by:
Howard B., NJ, USA

"I have edited this text to be more concise and direct by using active voice. I also moved the vehicle removal warning since this is the most important instruction and comes first chronologically."

Attention: Due to upcoming road maintenance work, Main Street will be closed to all traffic from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday. Please remove all vehicles from the street before this time and use alternative routes during this work. Your cooperation is appreciated, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Attention is drawn to the upcoming road maintenance work that will be conducted on Main Street. The road will be closed to all traffic from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday. Residents are advised that alternative routes should be used during this time. It is requested that all vehicles are removed from the street before the work is started. Your cooperation is appreciated, and any inconvenience caused is regretted.