Common English Mistakes in Agreements by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

This Aagreement is made between the Ccompany and the Eemployee on this Dday ofin October. The Pparties agree to the Tterms and Cconditions set forth in this Ddocument. The Eemployee shall perform Dduties as outlined in the Jjob Ddescription and comply with all Ccompany Ppolicies.

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)."

This agreement is made between the company and the employee on this day in October. The parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this document. The employee shall perform duties as outlined in the job description and comply with all company policies.

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Employee on this Day of October. The Parties agree to the Terms and Conditions set forth in this Document. The Employee shall perform Duties as outlined in the Job Description and comply with all Company Policies.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

This agreement is made between the parties, and it is agreed thatthe terms will be followed byon both sides. The buyer is to make thepayment, is to be mande by the buyseller, andexpects the delivery of goodsis expected by the seller. Any disputes arising from this agreement will be resolved by arbitration, and it is ensured thatboth parties are bound by the decision.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed to reduce the use of passive voice. Otherwise it sounds great! "

This agreement is made between the parties, and the terms will be followed on both sides. The buyer is to make the payment, and the seller expects the delivery of goods. Any disputes arising from this agreement will be resolved by arbitration, and both parties are bound by the decision.

This agreement is made between the parties, and it is agreed that the terms will be followed by both sides. The payment is to be made by the buyer, and the delivery of goods is expected by the seller. Any disputes arising from this agreement will be resolved by arbitration, and it is ensured that both parties are bound by the decision.