Common English Mistakes in Tweets by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

I just saw the most beautiful Ssunset at the Bbeach today! The Ccolors inof the Ssky were so vibrant, it waslooked like a Ppainting. CI can't wait to share the Pphotos with my Ffriends and Ffamily.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Several of the nouns in this text did not need to be capitalized, so I changed them. Good work overall!"

I just saw the most beautiful sunset at the beach today! The colors of the sky were so vibrant, it looked like a painting. I can't wait to share the photos with my friends and family.

I just saw the most beautiful Sunset at the Beach today! The Colors in the Sky were so vibrant, it was like a Painting. Can't wait to share the Photos with my Friends and Family.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Just finished watching the new series, andit was amazing! I think that although sometimesthe plot, walthoughs sometimes confusing, itwas, kept me on the edge of my seat. If anyone else has seen it, what do you think about the ending,? wWas it surprising for you, too?

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

"I changed the word order in some of the phrases to make the sentences grammatically correct. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Just finished watching the new series, and it was amazing! I think that although sometimes the plot was sometimes confusing, it kept me on the edge of my seat. If anyone else has seen it, what do you think about the ending? Was it surprising for you, too?

Just finished watching the new series, it was amazing! I think that the plot, although sometimes confusing it was, kept me on the edge of my seat. If anyone else has seen it, what do you think about the ending, was it surprising for you too?

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

JI just saw the new movie and was really impressed! The special effects were done so well, and the story was told in such an engaging way. It is hoped that more movies like this will be made in the future.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Try to avoid overusing the passive voice. Otherwise, this looks good!"

I just saw the new movie and was really impressed! The special effects were done so well, and the story was told in such an engaging way. I hope that more movies like this will be made in the future.

Just saw the new movie and was really impressed! The special effects were done so well, and the story was told in such an engaging way. It is hoped that more movies like this will be made in the future.