Common English Mistakes in News Articles by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In a surprising turn of events, the local government announced yesterday that the new policy, which last monthwas introducedlast month, will be postponed. The decision, officials said, was made after it became clear that the necessary resources, to implement the changes, were not yet available. Residents, whoheard the newsheard, expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the delay while others voiced frustration over the lack of progress.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just made some changes to the word order and took out some commas."

In a surprising turn of events, the local government announced yesterday that the new policy, which was introduced last month, will be postponed. The decision, officials said, was made after it became clear that the necessary resources to implement the changes were not yet available. Residents who heard the news expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the delay while others voiced frustration over the lack of progress.

In a surprising turn of events, the local government announced yesterday that the new policy, which last month was introduced, will be postponed. The decision, officials said, was made after it became clear that the necessary resources, to implement the changes, were not yet available. Residents, who the news heard, expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the delay while others voiced frustration over the lack of progress.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

In Berlin, a new art exhibitionwas opened yesterday, and it is expected to attract many visitors. The exhibition is organized by thecity's cultural departmentorganized the exhibition, and it is dedicated to contemporary artists. The artworks are displayed in a way that allows for an immersive experience, and the feedback from the attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very nice! I changed some of the passive voice constructions to the active voice to enhance readability."

In Berlin, a new art exhibition opened yesterday, and it is expected to attract many visitors. The city's cultural department organized the exhibition, and it is dedicated to contemporary artists. The artworks are displayed in a way that allows for an immersive experience, and the feedback from the attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

In Berlin, a new art exhibition was opened yesterday, and it is expected to attract many visitors. The exhibition is organized by the city's cultural department, and it is dedicated to contemporary artists. The artworks are displayed in a way that allows for an immersive experience, and the feedback from the attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In a recent Sstudy conducted by the University of Berlin, Sscientists have discovered a new Sspecies of Bbird in the Fforests of Bavaria. The Bbird, which has been named the Bavarian Blue, was first spotted by a Ggroup of Hhikers who reported their Ssighting to the local Aauthorities. This Ddiscovery has sparked Iinterest among Oornithologists and Nnature Eenthusiasts, who are eager to learn more about the Hhabitat and Bbehavior of this unique Ccreature.

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

"I changed the first letter of the common nouns to lower case. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In a recent study conducted by the University of Berlin, scientists have discovered a new species of bird in the forests of Bavaria. The bird, which has been named the Bavarian Blue, was first spotted by a group of hikers who reported their sighting to the local authorities. This discovery has sparked interest among ornithologists and nature enthusiasts, who are eager to learn more about the habitat and behavior of this unique creature.

In a recent Study conducted by the University of Berlin, Scientists have discovered a new Species of Bird in the Forests of Bavaria. The Bird, which has been named the Bavarian Blue, was first spotted by a Group of Hikers who reported their Sighting to the local Authorities. This Discovery has sparked Interest among Ornithologists and Nature Enthusiasts, who are eager to learn more about the Habitat and Behavior of this unique Creature.