Common English Mistakes in Patient Information Leaflets by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Overuse of passive voice

TYou are to take this medicationis taken by you once daily with water. It is recommended that the tablet is swallowed whole and not chewed. If you experienceany side effectsare experienced by you, a doctor should be consulted immediately. The medication ishould be stored in a cool, dry place, and it is ensured that it iskept out of reach of children.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please be mindful of errors such as the following: "This medication is taken by you once daily with water." should be "You are to take this medication once daily with water." and "If any side effects are experienced by you" should be "If you experience any side effects"."

You are to take this medication once daily with water. It is recommended that the tablet is swallowed whole and not chewed. If you experience any side effects, a doctor should be consulted immediately. The medication should be stored in a cool, dry place, and kept out of reach of children.

This medication is taken by you once daily with water. It is recommended that the tablet is swallowed whole and not chewed. If any side effects are experienced by you, a doctor should be consulted immediately. The medication is stored in a cool, dry place, and it is ensured that it is kept out of reach of children.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Before you take this medicine, it is important that you readcarefullyread the instructions. If you haveany questions about how the medicine works, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist. WhenIf you experience any side effects, it is recommended that you immediately contact your healthcare provider.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I made some changes to improve the flow of the text and fixed an issue with the word order."

Before you take this medicine, it is important that you carefully read the instructions. If you have any questions about how the medicine works, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience any side effects, it is recommended that you immediately contact your healthcare provider.

Before you take this medicine, it is important that you read carefully the instructions. If you have questions about how the medicine works, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist. When you experience any side effects, it is recommended that you immediately contact your healthcare provider.