Common English Mistakes in Contracts by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

This Agreement, between the parties, shall be effective from the date when the signatures are affixed. The obligations of the parties, they shall be fulfilled in accordance with the terms specified herein. If any dispute arises, it shall be resolved through arbitration, which the parties agree to be binding.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made several corrections, but did not see any word order problems."

This Agreement between the parties shall be effective from the date when the signatures are affixed. The obligations of the parties shall be fulfilled in accordance with the terms specified herein. If any dispute arises, it shall be resolved through arbitration, which the parties agree to be binding.

This Agreement, between the parties, shall be effective from the date when the signatures are affixed. The obligations of the parties, they shall be fulfilled in accordance with the terms specified herein. If any dispute arises, it shall be resolved through arbitration, which the parties agree to be binding.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

This Agreement is entered into by the parties, and it is agreed that the services will be provided by the Contractor. The payment terms are outlined, and it is ensured that the payment will be made within 30 days of invoice receipt. Any disputes arising from this contract are to be resolved through arbitration, and it is specified that the arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the rules.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The passive voice is appropriate for this context."

This Agreement is entered into by the parties, and it is agreed that the services will be provided by the Contractor. The payment terms are outlined, and it is ensured that the payment will be made within 30 days of invoice receipt. Any disputes arising from this contract are to be resolved through arbitration, and it is specified that the arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the rules.

This Agreement is entered into by the parties, and it is agreed that the services will be provided by the Contractor. The payment terms are outlined, and it is ensured that the payment will be made within 30 days of invoice receipt. Any disputes arising from this contract are to be resolved through arbitration, and it is specified that the arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the rules.