Common English Mistakes in Prescription Guides by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

For the Treatmlientf of Hheadaches, take one Ttablet of the prescribed Mmedication with a Gglass of Wwater every six Hhours. If Pthe pain persists, consult your Ddoctor before increadjusting the Ddosage. Store the Mmedicatione in a cool, dry Pplace, away from direct Ssunlight. and kKeep out of reach of Cchildren.

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)."

For the relief of headaches, take one tablet of the prescribed medication with a glass of water every six hours. If the pain persists, consult your doctor before adjusting the dosage. Store the medication in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

For the Treatment of Headache, take one Tablet of the prescribed Medication with a Glass of Water every six Hours. If Pain persists, consult your Doctor before increasing the Dosage. Store the Medicine in a cool, dry Place away from direct Sunlight and keep out of reach of Children.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

Take the medication is to be taken twice daily, and itbe isurecommended that it iso consumedit with food. The dosage isctor adjusted bys the doctorsage based onhow the patient's respondse to the treatment. If you experienceany side effectsare experienced, contheact your healthcare provider should be contactedimmediately.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

Take the medication twice daily, and be sure to consume it with food. The doctor adjusts the dosage based on how the patient responds to the treatment. If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The medication is to be taken twice daily, and it is recommended that it is consumed with food. The dosage is adjusted by the doctor based on the patient's response to the treatment. If any side effects are experienced, the healthcare provider should be contacted immediately.