Common English Mistakes by German Speakers

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

Category:Healthcare & Medical Writing
Writing for the healthcare and medical industry.
Common Users:Doctors, Medical Writers, Researchers.
Mistake Example #1

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Clinical Study

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

The Cclinical Sstudy was conducted to evaluate the Eeffectiveness of the new Ddrug in treating Ppatients with Cchronic Ppain. The Sstudy involved 100 Pparticipants from various Hhospitals across Germany, and the Rresults showed a significant Iimprovement in Ppain Llevels after six Wweeks of Ttreatment. Further Rresearch is needed to confirm these Ffindings and to explore the potential Sside Eeffects of the Ddrug.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the new drug in treating patients with chronic pain. The study involved 100 participants from various hospitals across Germany, and the results showed a significant improvement in pain levels after six weeks of treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential side effects of the drug.

The Clinical Study was conducted to evaluate the Effectiveness of the new Drug in treating Patients with Chronic Pain. The Study involved 100 Participants from various Hospitals across Germany, and the Results showed a significant Improvement in Pain Levels after six Weeks of Treatment. Further Research is needed to confirm these Findings and to explore the potential Side Effects of the Drug.

Mistake Example #2

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Health Article

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In recent studies, it has been shown that when patients with chronic back pain exercise regularly, they experience significant improvement in their symptoms. It is important that, bBefore starting any new exercise regimen,it is important that patients consult with their healthcare provider to ensure that the exercises are suitable for their condition. Additionally, it is recommended that, if patients notice any increase in pain, they should stop the exercises immediately and seek medical advice.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just changed the word order in one sentence."

In recent studies, it has been shown that when patients with chronic back pain exercise regularly, they experience significant improvement in their symptoms. Before starting any new exercise regimen, it is important that patients consult with their healthcare provider to ensure that the exercises are suitable for their condition. Additionally, it is recommended that if patients notice any increase in pain, they should stop the exercises immediately and seek medical advice.

In recent studies, it has been shown that when patients with chronic back pain exercise regularly, they experience significant improvement in their symptoms. It is important that, before starting any new exercise regimen, patients consult with their healthcare provider to ensure that the exercises are suitable for their condition. Additionally, it is recommended that, if patients notice any increase in pain, they should stop the exercises immediately and seek medical advice.

Mistake Example #3

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Medical Report

Overuse of passive voice

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. A thorough examination was conducted, and it was determined that an appendectomy was needed. The surgery was performed successfully, and the patient was monitored closely in the recovery room. It is recommended that the patient is discharged tomorrow if no complications are observed.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The passive voice is appropriate here."

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. A thorough examination was conducted, and it was determined that an appendectomy was needed. The surgery was performed successfully, and the patient was monitored closely in the recovery room. It is recommended that the patient is discharged tomorrow if no complications are observed.

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. A thorough examination was conducted, and it was determined that an appendectomy was needed. The surgery was performed successfully, and the patient was monitored closely in the recovery room. It is recommended that the patient is discharged tomorrow if no complications are observed.

Mistake Example #4

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Patient Information Leaflet

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

This Ppatient Iinformation Lleaflet is to inform you about the Uuse of this Mmedicine. Please read this Lleaflet carefully before you start taking the Mmedicine. If you have any Qquestions, ask your Ddoctor or Ppharmacist. This Mmedicine is used to treat high Bblood Ppressure and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your Hhealthcare Pprovider.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to correct capitalization errors."

This patient information leaflet is to inform you about the use of this medicine. Please read this leaflet carefully before you start taking the medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

This Patient Information Leaflet is to inform you about the Use of this Medicine. Please read this Leaflet carefully before you start taking the Medicine. If you have any Questions, ask your Doctor or Pharmacist. This Medicine is used to treat high Blood Pressure and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your Healthcare Provider.

Mistake Example #5

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Prescription Guide

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

When you take this medication, it is important that you carefullyad the instructions careadfully. If you experience any side effects, you should immedicontactely your doctor conimmediatactely. Theis medication should be taken with food, unless your doctor something elserecommendsotherwise.

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

"I rearranged the word order of some phrases and replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. "

When you take this medication, it is important that you read the instructions carefully. If you experience any side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately. This medication should be taken with food, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

When you take this medication, it is important that you carefully the instructions read. If you experience any side effects, you should immediately your doctor contact. The medication should be taken with food, unless your doctor something else recommends.

Mistake Example #6

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Research Study

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In the recent study, we investigated howthe treatment effectiveness is influenced by patient adherence to medication. It was observed that, when patients do not followthe prescribed dosagenot follow,the outcomesvary significantly vary. Furthermore, the research highlights that, ifthe communication between healthcare providers and patients is improveds,the adherence rates could potentially increase.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some fixing to correct word order problems, and other tweaks."

In the recent study, we investigated how treatment effectiveness is influenced by patient adherence to medication. It was observed that, when patients do not follow the prescribed dosage, outcomes vary significantly. Furthermore, the research highlights that, if communication between healthcare providers and patients improves, adherence rates could potentially increase.

In the recent study, we investigated how the treatment effectiveness is influenced by patient adherence to medication. It was observed that, when patients the prescribed dosage not follow, the outcomes significantly vary. Furthermore, the research highlights that, if the communication between healthcare providers and patients is improved, the adherence rates could potentially increase.