Common English Mistakes in Medical Reports by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

PThe patient was admitted to Hthe hospital with Ssymptoms of severe Hheadache and Ddizziness. Upon Eexamination, Dthe doctor noted that Pthe patient has Ha history of Mmigraines and prescribed Mmedication to alleviate Pthe pain. FA follow-up Aappointment is scheduled for next Wweek to monitor Pthe patient's Pprogress and adjust Ttreatment if necessary.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work. I made some corrections to the capitalization and added some missing articles."

The patient was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of severe headache and dizziness. Upon examination, the doctor noted that the patient has a history of migraines and prescribed medication to alleviate the pain. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for next week to monitor the patient's progress and adjust treatment if necessary.

Patient was admitted to Hospital with Symptoms of severe Headache and Dizziness. Upon Examination, Doctor noted that Patient has History of Migraine and prescribed Medication to alleviate Pain. Follow-up Appointment is scheduled for next Week to monitor Patient's Progress and adjust Treatment if necessary.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

The patient, who yewasterday admitted wyesterdasy, presents with symptoms of severe abdominal pain. It is important that we, bBefore proceeding with any treatment,it is important that we conduct a thorough examination. The results of the blood test, which was takenlast nighttaken were, indicate an elevated white blood cell count.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with the word order. Well done!"

The patient, who was admitted yesterday, presents with symptoms of severe abdominal pain. Before proceeding with any treatment, it is important that we conduct a thorough examination. The results of the blood test, which was taken last night, indicate an elevated white blood cell count.

The patient, who yesterday admitted was, presents with symptoms of severe abdominal pain. It is important that we, before proceeding with any treatment, conduct a thorough examination. The results of the blood test, which last night taken were, indicate an elevated white blood cell count.