Common English Mistakes in Personal Statements by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

I am Wwriting to express my Iinterest in the Pposition of Mmarketing Sspecialist at your esteemed Ccompany. My Eexperience in the Ffield of Ddigital Mmarketing and my Ppassion for innovative Sstrategies make me an ideal Ccandidate for this Rrole. I am eager to contribute my Sskills and Kknowledge to your Tteam and help drive the Ssuccess of your Bbusiness.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

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

I am writing to express my interest in the position of marketing specialist at your esteemed company. My experience in the field of digital marketing and my passion for innovative strategies make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to your team and help drive the success of your business.

I am Writing to express my Interest in the Position of Marketing Specialist at your esteemed Company. My Experience in the Field of Digital Marketing and my Passion for innovative Strategies make me an ideal Candidate for this Role. I am eager to contribute my Skills and Knowledge to your Team and help drive the Success of your Business.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

As a dedicated professional with over five years of experience in project management, it isI believed by me that my skills and expertise will be a valuable addition to your team. Throughout my career, I lednumerous successful projects were leand by me, anduilt strong relationships with clientswere built. It is hoped by me thatI may have an opportunity for an interviewwill be provided, wherewe can discuss further details about my qualificationscan be discussed.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I just changed the passive voice constructions to the active voice. "

As a dedicated professional with over five years of experience in project management, I believe that my skills and expertise will be a valuable addition to your team. Throughout my career, I led numerous successful projects and built strong relationships with clients. I hope that I may have an opportunity for an interview, where we can discuss further details about my qualifications.

As a dedicated professional with over five years of experience in project management, it is believed by me that my skills and expertise will be a valuable addition to your team. Throughout my career, numerous successful projects were led by me, and strong relationships with clients were built. It is hoped by me that an opportunity for an interview will be provided, where further details about my qualifications can be discussed.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

I am applying for the position of Marketing Specialist because I believe that my skills and experiences, I can contribute significantly to your team. During my studies, I have learned that effective communication and strategic thinking are essential in marketing, which I have developed through various projects. I am confident that in your company, I will grow professionally and help achieve your goals.

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

" "

I am applying for the position of Marketing Specialist because I believe that my skills and experiences, I can contribute significantly to your team. During my studies, I have learned that effective communication and strategic thinking are essential in marketing, which I have developed through various projects. I am confident that in your company, I will grow professionally and help achieve your goals.

I am applying for the position of Marketing Specialist because I believe that my skills and experiences, I can contribute significantly to your team. During my studies, I have learned that effective communication and strategic thinking are essential in marketing, which I have developed through various projects. I am confident that in your company, I will grow professionally and help achieve your goals.