Common English Mistakes in Legal Memos by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it is important that we consider, whether the terms of the contract have been fulfilled. Although the agreement states, that the delivery of goods should occur within 30 days, it appears that delays have been frequent. We must determine, if the client has been notified properly about these delays, and whether any penalties are applicable under the current terms.

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

" "

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it is important that we consider, whether the terms of the contract have been fulfilled. Although the agreement states, that the delivery of goods should occur within 30 days, it appears that delays have been frequent. We must determine, if the client has been notified properly about these delays, and whether any penalties are applicable under the current terms.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it is important that we consider, whether the terms of the contract have been fulfilled. Although the agreement states, that the delivery of goods should occur within 30 days, it appears that delays have been frequent. We must determine, if the client has been notified properly about these delays, and whether any penalties are applicable under the current terms.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations The Ppurpose of this Mmemo is to Aaddress the recent Ddispute regarding the Llease Aagreement between our Ccompany and the Ttenant. It has come to our Aattention that the Ttenant has failed to comply with the Ppayment Tterms outlined in the Ccontract. We recommend initiating Llegal Pproceedings to ensure Eenforcement of the Aagreement and Rrecovery of outstanding Rrent. Please review the attached Ddocuments and provide your Ffeedback by the Eend of the Wweek.

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

"I removed the capitalization of the first letter in the common nouns in these sentences. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations The purpose of this memo is to address the recent dispute regarding the lease agreement between our company and the tenant. It has come to our attention that the tenant has failed to comply with the payment terms outlined in the contract. We recommend initiating legal proceedings to ensure enforcement of the agreement and recovery of outstanding rent. Please review the attached documents and provide your feedback by the end of the week.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations The Purpose of this Memo is to Address the recent Dispute regarding the Lease Agreement between our Company and the Tenant. It has come to our Attention that the Tenant has failed to comply with the Payment Terms outlined in the Contract. We recommend initiating Legal Proceedings to ensure Enforcement of the Agreement and Recovery of outstanding Rent. Please review the attached Documents and provide your Feedback by the End of the Week.