Common English Mistakes in Personal Statements by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how the world works, and this curiosity led me to pursue a degree in physics. It is important for me that Io study at your university because of the excellent research opportunities it offers. Although I have learned much in my previous studies, I believe that only through your programI can truly reach my potentialthrough your program.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I reordered some of the words to improve the flow. "

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how the world works, and this curiosity led me to pursue a degree in physics. It is important for me to study at your university because of the excellent research opportunities it offers. Although I have learned much in my previous studies, I believe that I can truly reach my potential through your program.

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how the world works, and this curiosity led me to pursue a degree in physics. It is important for me that I study at your university because of the excellent research opportunities it offers. Although I have learned much in my previous studies, I believe that only through your program I can truly reach my potential.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

As a student who has always been fascinated by the world of engineering, it wasI decidedby me to pursue a degree in Mmechanical Eengineering. MInnovative designs created by engineers inspired my passion for this fieldwas inspired by the innovative designs that are created by engineers, and it isI hoped by me that I cano contribute to this exciting industry. Throughout my academic journey, I facedmany challengeswere faced by me, butI saw each onewas seen as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

As a student who has always been fascinated by the world of engineering, I decided to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Innovative designs created by engineers inspired my passion for this field, and I hope to contribute to this exciting industry. Throughout my academic journey, I faced many challenges, but I saw each one as an opportunity to learn and grow.

As a student who has always been fascinated by the world of engineering, it was decided by me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My passion for this field was inspired by the innovative designs that are created by engineers, and it is hoped by me that I can contribute to this exciting industry. Throughout my academic journey, many challenges were faced by me, but each one was seen as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

I am writing my Ppersonal Sstatement to apply ftor the Mmaster's Pprogram in Ccomputer Sscience at your esteemed Uuniversity. My Ppassion for Ttechnology and Iinnovation has driven me to pursue this Ffield, and I believe that your Pprogram will provide me with the necessary Sskills and Kknowledge. I am particularly interested in the Rresearch Oopportunities and the diverse Sstudent Ccommunity that your Uuniversity offers.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Great job! Very few changes were needed to remove capital letters from common nouns. "

I am writing my personal statement to apply to the master's program in computer science at your esteemed university. My passion for technology and innovation has driven me to pursue this field, and I believe that your program will provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge. I am particularly interested in the research opportunities and the diverse student community that your university offers.

I am writing my Personal Statement to apply for the Master Program in Computer Science at your esteemed University. My Passion for Technology and Innovation has driven me to pursue this Field, and I believe that your Program will provide me with the necessary Skills and Knowledge. I am particularly interested in the Research Opportunities and the diverse Student Community that your University offers.