Common English Mistakes in Motivational Speeches by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

Dear Friends,Today is the Dday to embrace your Ddreams and pursue your Ppassions with all your Hheart. Remember, every Cchallenge is an Oopportunity to grow and become a better Vversion of yourself. Let us take this Jjourney together and support each other in achieving our Ggoals and Aaspirations.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just changed some of the capital letters to lower case, in keeping with the rules of English grammar."

Dear Friends, Today is the day to embrace your dreams and pursue your passions with all your heart. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and become a better version of yourself. Let us take this journey together and support each other in achieving our goals and aspirations.

Dear Friends, Today is the Day to embrace your Dreams and pursue your Passions with all your Heart. Remember, every Challenge is an Opportunity to grow and become a better Version of yourself. Let us take this Journey together and support each other in achieving our Goals and Aspirations.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Ladies and gGentlemen, tToday I want to remind you that when you believe in yourself, anythingyou can achieveanything. It is important that you remember, no matter how difficult the path is, if you stay determined, success will follow you. In moments of doubt, think about the times when you overcame challenges because you believed in your strength. Let us all strive to be the best version of ourselves, so that we can inspire others to do the same.

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

"I corrected the word order in one of the clauses. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Ladies and Gentlemen, Today I want to remind you that when you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. It is important that you remember, no matter how difficult the path is, if you stay determined, success will follow you. In moments of doubt, think about the times when you overcame challenges because you believed in your strength. Let us all strive to be the best version of ourselves, so that we can inspire others to do the same.

Ladies and gentlemen, today I want to remind you that when you believe in yourself, anything you can achieve. It is important that you remember, no matter how difficult the path is, if you stay determined, success will follow you. In moments of doubt, think about the times when you overcame challenges because you believed in your strength. Let us all strive to be the best version of ourselves, so that we can inspire others to do the same.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

Ladies and gentlemen, today it iswe remindedyou that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. It isMany believed by many that success is achieved by those who never give up. Yourhave potential ithat's waiting to be unlocked, and it iswe encouraged that youto take the first step towards your dreams. Remember, iti's not the destination that defines you, bu—it's the journeythat is embraced.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

Ladies and gentlemen, today we remind you that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Many believe success is achieved by those who never give up. You have potential that's waiting to be unlocked, and we encourage you to take the first step towards your dreams. Remember, it's not the destination that defines you—it's the journey.

Ladies and gentlemen, today it is reminded that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. It is believed by many that success is achieved by those who never give up. Your potential is waiting to be unlocked, and it is encouraged that you take the first step towards your dreams. Remember, it is not the destination that defines you, but the journey that is embraced.