Common English Mistakes in Life Advice Columns by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

Dear Advice Seeker, it ispeople often saidy that happiness is found in small things, and thiseveryone shouldbe remembered by everyonethis. Whenyou feel that life isfeeling overwhelming, itis suggakested that a walk in natureis taken, as it ismany believed that fresh air can clear the mind. ProblWems caren often solvedproblems by simply taking a step back and allowing time to pass. It is hoped that these small changes will bring you peace and clarity.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"This is very nicely written overall. Generally, using the active voice makes for stronger writing, so I have made a number of edits to address this."

Dear Advice Seeker, people often say that happiness is found in small things, and everyone should remember this. When you feel that life is overwhelming, take a walk in nature, as many believe that fresh air can clear the mind. We can often solve problems by simply taking a step back and allowing time to pass. I hope these small changes will bring you peace and clarity.

Dear Advice Seeker, it is often said that happiness is found in small things, and this should be remembered by everyone. When life is feeling overwhelming, it is suggested that a walk in nature is taken, as it is believed that fresh air can clear the mind. Problems are often solved by simply taking a step back and allowing time to pass. It is hoped that these small changes will bring you peace and clarity.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Dear Advice Column,I have a problem with my friend, who always when we meet,talks only about himselfwhenever we meet. It feels like he never listens to me, even when I havesomething important to sayhave. How can I make him understand that friendship is about both people sharing and listening?

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just needed to fix a few issues with word order."

Dear Advice Column, I have a problem with my friend, who always talks only about himself whenever we meet. It feels like he never listens to me, even when I have something important to say. How can I make him understand that friendship is about both people sharing and listening?

Dear Advice Column, I have a problem with my friend, who always when we meet, talks only about himself. It feels like he never listens to me, even when I something important to say have. How can I make him understand that friendship is about both people sharing and listening?

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

Dear Advice Columnist,I am having Ttrouble with my Rrelationship and I am seeking Gyour guidance. My Ppartner and I have bkeenp having Aarguments about small Tthings, like Hhousehold Cchores and Wweekend Pplans. I would appreciate any Aadvice you could give uson how to improve Cour communication and bring back Hharmonyback into our Hhome.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I made some changes to improve the flow and fix some issues with capital letters."

Dear Advice Columnist, I am having trouble with my relationship and I am seeking your guidance. My partner and I keep having arguments about small things, like household chores and weekend plans. I would appreciate any advice you could give us on how to improve our communication and bring harmony back into our home.

Dear Advice Columnist, I am having Trouble with my Relationship and I am seeking Guidance. My Partner and I have been having Arguments about small Things, like Household Chores and Weekend Plans. I would appreciate any Advice you could give on how to improve Communication and bring back Harmony into our Home.