Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In the matter of the case, it is crucial that we carefully consider the evidence, which the defendant presented, carefully. Although the witness testified that he saw the accused at the scene, it is important, that weo verify the reliability of his statement. Furthermore, the contract, which the parties signed, must be examined to determine if any clauses were violated.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for word order."

In the matter of the case, it is crucial that we carefully consider the evidence which the defendant presented. Although the witness testified that he saw the accused at the scene, it is important to verify the reliability of his statement. Furthermore, the contract which the parties signed must be examined to determine if any clauses were violated.

In the matter of the case, it is crucial that we consider the evidence, which the defendant presented, carefully. Although the witness testified that he saw the accused at the scene, it is important, that we verify the reliability of his statement. Furthermore, the contract, which the parties signed, must be examined to determine if any clauses were violated.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

In tThe case at hand, it is argueds that the contract was breached by the defendant, and the damages were incurred by the plaintiff as a direct result. It is further submitted that the evidence was not properly considered by the lower court, and the judgment was therefore flawed. The legal principles applicable to this matter were not adequately applied, and an appeal is sought to rectify these errors.

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

"Just a couple of changes to make verb tense consistent. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

The case at hand argues that the contract was breached by the defendant, and the damages were incurred by the plaintiff as a direct result. It is further submitted that the evidence was not properly considered by the lower court, and the judgment was therefore flawed. The legal principles applicable to this matter were not adequately applied, and an appeal is sought to rectify these errors.

In the case at hand, it is argued that the contract was breached by the defendant, and the damages were incurred by the plaintiff as a direct result. It is further submitted that the evidence was not properly considered by the lower court, and the judgment was therefore flawed. The legal principles applicable to this matter were not adequately applied, and an appeal is sought to rectify these errors.