Common English Mistakes in Social Media Posts by German Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native German speakers from Germany when writing a Social Media Post in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

Today itI was decided by me toll share my thoughts on the new movie that wmasny watchedby many last weekend. ThEveplryot wasne enjoyed bythe everyplone,t and highly praised the special effectswere praised highly. It is hoped by me that more movies like this will bare made in the future.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have converted some instances of passive voice to active voice, which generally makes writing stronger. "

Today I will share my thoughts on the new movie that many watched last weekend. Everyone enjoyed the plot and highly praised the special effects. I hope that more movies like this are made in the future.

Today it was decided by me to share my thoughts on the new movie that was watched by many last weekend. The plot was enjoyed by everyone, and the special effects were praised highly. It is hoped by me that more movies like this will be made in the future.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

JI just finished watching the new movie, which I think wasvery excitingwas! The plot twists kept me guessing until the end, and the actors, who are all very talentedare, did an amazing job. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend youdefinitely yshouldo!

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the word order and made a few small tweaks so the English would sound more natural."

I just finished watching the new movie, which I think was very exciting! The plot twists kept me guessing until the end, and the actors, who are all very talented, did an amazing job. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend you definitely should!

Just finished watching the new movie, which I think very exciting was! The plot twists kept me guessing until the end, and the actors, who all very talented are, did an amazing job. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend definitely you do!

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

I just had the Bbest Wweekend ever! We went to the Bbeach and enjoyed the Ssun and the Wwaves. My Ffriend brought her Ddog, and it was so much Ffun watching him play in the Wwater. Can't wait for the next Aadventure with my amazing Ffriends!

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Only proper nouns should be capitalized. Capitals are not necessary for common nouns (non-specific people, places, things, or ideas)."

I just had the best weekend ever! We went to the beach and enjoyed the sun and the waves. My friend brought her dog, and it was so much fun watching him play in the water. Can't wait for the next adventure with my amazing friends!

I just had the Best Weekend ever! We went to the Beach and enjoyed the Sun and the Waves. My Friend brought her Dog, and it was so much Fun watching him play in the Water. Can't wait for the next Adventure with my amazing Friends!