Common English Mistakes in Terms & Conditionss by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

These Terms & Conditions apply to all users who usethe servicesuse. It is important that you readcarefullyread these terms before you proceed. If you have questions, you can contact our support team, who isavailableis to assist you.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good job! I just needed to fix a couple of issues with the word order."

These Terms & Conditions apply to all users who use the services. It is important that you carefully read these terms before you proceed. If you have questions, you can contact our support team, who is available to assist you.

These Terms & Conditions apply to all users who the services use. It is important that you read carefully these terms before you proceed. If you have questions, you can contact our support team, who available is to assist you.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

These Tterms and Cconditions govern the Uuse of our Sservice and outline the Rrights and Oobligations of all Uusers. By accessing or using the Sservice, you agree to be bound by these Tterms. If you disagree with any Ppart of the Tterms, you may not access the Sservice. The Ccompany reserves the Rright to modify or replace these Tterms at any Ttime,. and iIt is your Rresponsibility to review them periodically.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Aside from capitalizing the first word in each sentence, we generally only capitalize proper nouns in English. Common nouns are in lowercase. "

These terms and conditions govern the use of our service and outline the rights and obligations of all users. By accessing or using the service, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you disagree with any part of the terms, you may not access the service. The company reserves the right to modify or replace these terms at any time. It is your responsibility to review them periodically.

These Terms and Conditions govern the Use of our Service and outline the Rights and Obligations of all Users. By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any Part of the Terms, you may not access the Service. The Company reserves the Right to modify or replace these Terms at any Time, and it is your Responsibility to review them periodically.