Common English Mistakes by German Speakers

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

Category:Legal & Formal Writing
Writing used in legal and formal contexts.
Common Users:Lawyers, Paralegals, Law Students.
Mistake Example #1

Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

This Agreement is entered into by the parties, who agree that, if the terms are fulfilled, the contract will be extended. It is important that, the conditions are met, the payment will be processed within 30 days. The parties agree that, should any disputes arise, they will be resolved through arbitration.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The text has some issues, but none with word order."

This Agreement is entered into by the parties, who agree that, if the terms are fulfilled, the contract will be extended. It is important that, the conditions are met, the payment will be processed within 30 days. The parties agree that, should any disputes arise, they will be resolved through arbitration.

This Agreement is entered into by the parties, who agree that, if the terms are fulfilled, the contract will be extended. It is important that, the conditions are met, the payment will be processed within 30 days. The parties agree that, should any disputes arise, they will be resolved through arbitration.

Mistake Example #2

Legal & Formal Writing / Contract

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

This Ccontract is made on the Ffirst Dday of October between the Company and the Client. The Company agrees to provide Sservices to the Client in accordance with the Tterms and Cconditions set forth in this Aagreement. Both Pparties acknowledge that any Ddispute arising from this Ccontract shall be resolved under the Llaws of Germany.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the capital letters to lower case, in keeping with the rules of English and the conventions of writing a contract."

This contract is made on the first day of October between the Company and the Client. The Company agrees to provide services to the Client in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement. Both parties acknowledge that any dispute arising from this contract shall be resolved under the laws of Germany.

This Contract is made on the First Day of October between the Company and the Client. The Company agrees to provide Services to the Client in accordance with the Terms and Conditions set forth in this Agreement. Both Parties acknowledge that any Dispute arising from this Contract shall be resolved under the Laws of Germany.

Mistake Example #3

Legal & Formal Writing / Court Document

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In the matter of the defendant, it is argued that the evidence, whichwas presentedwas, does not sufficiently prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The witness, whose testimony was given, stated that at the time of the incident, the defendant was not present at the scene. Therefore, it is requested that the charges, whichare against the defendantare, be reconsidered in light of the new information provided.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some fixes to correct word order problems."

In the matter of the defendant, it is argued that the evidence which was presented does not sufficiently prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The witness whose testimony was given stated that at the time of the incident, the defendant was not present at the scene. Therefore, it is requested that the charges which are against the defendant be reconsidered in light of the new information provided.

In the matter of the defendant, it is argued that the evidence, which presented was, does not sufficiently prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The witness, who testimony was given, stated that at the time of the incident, the defendant was not present at the scene. Therefore, it is requested that the charges, which against the defendant are, be reconsidered in light of the new information provided.

Mistake Example #4

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Brief

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In the Mmatter of the Ccontract Ddispute between the Parties, it is Eessential to Cconsider the Tterms outlined in the Agreement. The Plaintiff asserts that the Bbreach of Contract occurred due to the Defendant's Ffailure to deliver the Ggoods on the specified Ddate. Furthermore, the Plaintiff seeks Ccompensation for the Ddamages incurred as a Rresult of this Bbreach, as outlined in the Cclause of the Contract.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This was well-written, but I had to change some of the capital letters to lower case, per the rules of English grammar."

In the matter of the contract dispute between the Parties, it is essential to consider the terms outlined in the Agreement. The Plaintiff asserts that the breach of Contract occurred due to the Defendant's failure to deliver the goods on the specified date. Furthermore, the Plaintiff seeks compensation for the damages incurred as a result of this breach, as outlined in the clause of the Contract.

In the Matter of the Contract Dispute between the Parties, it is Essential to Consider the Terms outlined in the Agreement. The Plaintiff asserts that the Breach of Contract occurred due to the Defendant's Failure to deliver the Goods on the specified Date. Furthermore, the Plaintiff seeks Compensation for the Damages incurred as a Result of this Breach, as outlined in the Clause of the Contract.

Mistake Example #5

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Memo

Overuse of passive voice

The contract was reviewed by the legal team,reviewed the contract andit was found that several clauses were not compliant with the current regulations. It is recommended by tThe departmentrecommends that further analysis isbe conducted to ensure all legal requirements are met. The board will make thefinal decisionwill be made by the board after all necessary adjustments are completed.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to make the writing less passive. "

The legal team reviewed the contract and found that several clauses were not compliant with the current regulations. The department recommends that further analysis be conducted to ensure all legal requirements are met. The board will make the final decision after all necessary adjustments are completed.

The contract was reviewed by the legal team, and it was found that several clauses were not compliant with the current regulations. It is recommended by the department that further analysis is conducted to ensure all legal requirements are met. The final decision will be made by the board after all necessary adjustments are completed.

Mistake Example #6

Legal & Formal Writing / Privacy Policy

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Our company is committed to protecting your privacy, and we ensure that your personal data is handled with care. When you visit our website, we collect information about how you interact with our services, so we can improve user experience. It is important that you understand, how we use your data and for what purposes it is processed. If you have questions about our privacy practices, please contact us, so we can assist you further.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Everything is correct and clear."

Our company is committed to protecting your privacy, and we ensure that your personal data is handled with care. When you visit our website, we collect information about how you interact with our services, so we can improve user experience. It is important that you understand, how we use your data and for what purposes it is processed. If you have questions about our privacy practices, please contact us, so we can assist you further.

Our company is committed to protecting your privacy, and we ensure that your personal data is handled with care. When you visit our website, we collect information about how you interact with our services, so we can improve user experience. It is important that you understand, how we use your data and for what purposes it is processed. If you have questions about our privacy practices, please contact us, so we can assist you further.

Mistake Example #7

Legal & Formal Writing / Terms & Conditions

Overuse of passive voice

The user and the company agree to these Terms and Conditionsare agreed upon by the user and the company. It is required that tThe services are required to be used in accordance with the providedguidelinesprovided. Any breach of these terms will be considered a violation, and actions will be taken bythe companywill take actions. The user holds the responsibility for compliance iandsheould by thensusrer, and all necessary measuresshould be ensured by them.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed corrections to reduce the use of passive voice."

The user and the company agree to these Terms and Conditions. The services are required to be used in accordance with the provided guidelines. Any breach of these terms will be considered a violation, and the company will take actions. The user holds the responsibility for compliance and should ensure all necessary measures.

These Terms and Conditions are agreed upon by the user and the company. It is required that the services are used in accordance with the guidelines provided. Any breach of these terms will be considered a violation, and actions will be taken by the company. The responsibility for compliance is held by the user, and all necessary measures should be ensured by them.

Mistake Example #8

Legal & Formal Writing / Will & Testament

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

I, Johann Müller, being of Ssound Mmind and Bbody, do hereby declare this to be my Llast Wwill and Ttestament. I appoint my Ddaughter, Anna Müller, as the Eexecutor of my Eestate. It is my Wwish that all my Pproperty, including my Hhouse and Ccar, be distributed equally among my Cchildren. In the Eevent of any Ddispute, I request that my Llawyer, Herr Schmidt, be consulted to ensure my Wwishes are respected.


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, Johann Müller, being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my daughter, Anna Müller, as the executor of my estate. It is my wish that all my property, including my house and car, be distributed equally among my children. In the event of any dispute, I request that my lawyer, Herr Schmidt, be consulted to ensure my wishes are respected.

I, Johann Müller, being of Sound Mind and Body, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I appoint my Daughter, Anna Müller, as the Executor of my Estate. It is my Wish that all my Property, including my House and Car, be distributed equally among my Children. In the Event of any Dispute, I request that my Lawyer, Herr Schmidt, be consulted to ensure my Wishes are respected.