Common English Mistakes by German Speakers

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

Category:Technical & Scientific Writing
Writing for scientific and technical subjects.
Common Users:Engineers, Scientists, Tech Writers.
Mistake Example #1

Technical & Scientific Writing / Engineering Specification

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

The Eengineering Sspecification outlines the Ddesign Rrequirements for the new Hhydraulic Ssystem. The Ssystem must operate under Ppressure Cconditions of up to 300 Bbars and maintain Eefficiency Llevels above 85 Ppercent. All Ccomponents should be made from Ccorrosion-Rresistant Mmaterials to ensure Llongevity and Rreliability in various Eenvironmental Cconditions.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the capital letters to lower case, per the rules of English grammar. Nice job overall!"

The engineering specification outlines the design requirements for the new hydraulic system. The system must operate under pressure conditions of up to 300 bars and maintain efficiency levels above 85 percent. All components should be made from corrosion-resistant materials to ensure longevity and reliability in various environmental conditions.

The Engineering Specification outlines the Design Requirements for the new Hydraulic System. The System must operate under Pressure Conditions of up to 300 Bar and maintain Efficiency Levels above 85 Percent. All Components should be made from Corrosion-Resistant Materials to ensure Longevity and Reliability in various Environmental Conditions.

Mistake Example #2

Technical & Scientific Writing / Grant Proposal

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

The proposed research project aims to develop a new method for renewable energy storage, which is crucial for sustainable development. We believe that, iIf the project is funded,we believe that it will significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. The innovative approach, wthichat we have developed, allows for more efficient energy storage and retrieval. It is essential that, when the project is implemented, the environmental impact is minimizedwhen the project is implemented.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have reordered some of the subordinate clauses so that the language flows more naturally. "

The proposed research project aims to develop a new method for renewable energy storage, which is crucial for sustainable development. If the project is funded, we believe that it will significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. The innovative approach that we have developed allows for more efficient energy storage and retrieval. It is essential that the environmental impact is minimized when the project is implemented.

The proposed research project aims to develop a new method for renewable energy storage, which is crucial for sustainable development. We believe that, if the project is funded, it will significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. The innovative approach, which we have developed, allows for more efficient energy storage and retrieval. It is essential that, when the project is implemented, the environmental impact is minimized.

Mistake Example #3

Technical & Scientific Writing / Patent Application

Overuse of passive voice

The description explains the invention is described in detail, and the porocughly outliness byhowhich the device isoperateds. iIt shows explainedhow thoroughly. The components are assembled, andillustrates the method by which theof energy isconvertedsis illustratedon. TheIt advanlso highlightagesof the invention's ardvantagehighlighted,s and explores ithes potential applicationsare discussed.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made changes to reduce the use of passive voice. Otherwise, it sounds good!"

The description explains the invention in detail and thoroughly outlines how the device operates. It shows how the components are assembled and illustrates the method of energy conversion. It also highlights the invention's advantages and explores its potential applications.

The invention is described in detail, and the process by which the device is operated is explained thoroughly. The components are assembled, and the method by which the energy is converted is illustrated. The advantages of the invention are highlighted, and the potential applications are discussed.

Mistake Example #4

Technical & Scientific Writing / Scientific Paper

Overuse of passive voice

In rRecent studies,have extensively investigated the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity. Researchers being inhavestigated extensively. The data is collecteddata from various oceanic regions, and analyzed the resultsare analyzed to determine the impact on different species. It isThey observed that temperature fluctuations are causing shifts in habitat ranges, and these changes are beingy documentedthese changes meticulously.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"When possible, use active voice to make your writing stronger. Nice job overall!"

Recent studies have extensively investigated the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity. Researchers have collected data from various oceanic regions and analyzed the results to determine the impact on different species. They observed that temperature fluctuations are causing shifts in habitat ranges, and they documented these changes meticulously.

In recent studies, the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity are being investigated extensively. The data is collected from various oceanic regions, and the results are analyzed to determine the impact on different species. It is observed that temperature fluctuations are causing shifts in habitat ranges, and these changes are being documented meticulously.

Mistake Example #5

Technical & Scientific Writing / Technical Report

Overuse of passive voice

TWe conducted the experiment was conductedto determine the effectsofw temperature onaffects the reaction rate. TWe prepared the samples were preparedandwere analyzedthem using the spectrometer. It was observed that tThe results walignere consistentd with theour hypothesis, and thwedata was collecteddata over a period of two weeks.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

We conducted the experiment to determine how temperature affects the reaction rate. We prepared the samples and analyzed them using the spectrometer. The results aligned with our hypothesis, and we collected data over a period of two weeks.

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of temperature on the reaction rate. The samples were prepared and were analyzed using the spectrometer. It was observed that the results were consistent with the hypothesis, and the data was collected over a period of two weeks.

Mistake Example #6

Technical & Scientific Writing / User Manual

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

To Bbegin the Iinstallation of the Ssoftware, please Iinsert the CD into the Ccomputer's Ddrive. The Ssetup Pprogram will automatically Sstart, and you will be Gguided through the Pprocess with clear Iinstructions on the Sscreen. If you encounter any Pproblem during the Iinstallation, please refer to the Ttroubleshooting Ssection of this Mmanual for further Aassistance.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

To begin the installation of the software, please insert the CD into the computer's drive. The setup program will automatically start, and you will be guided through the process with clear instructions on the screen. If you encounter any problem during the installation, please refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual for further assistance.

To Begin the Installation of the Software, please Insert the CD into the Computer's Drive. The Setup Program will automatically Start, and you will be Guided through the Process with clear Instructions on the Screen. If you encounter any Problem during the Installation, please refer to the Troubleshooting Section of this Manual for further Assistance.

Mistake Example #7

Technical & Scientific Writing / White Paper

Overuse of passive voice

In this white paper, the potential of renewable energy sources is being explored in detail. The benefits of solar and wind power are being highlighted, and the challenges faced by the industry are being discussed. It is believed that with the right investments, a significant reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved. The role of government policies in promoting sustainable energy is being emphasized, and the importance of international cooperation is being underlined.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The text actually has some issues, but since this is a white paper, the use of the passive voice is acceptable."

In this white paper, the potential of renewable energy sources is being explored in detail. The benefits of solar and wind power are being highlighted, and the challenges faced by the industry are being discussed. It is believed that with the right investments, a significant reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved. The role of government policies in promoting sustainable energy is being emphasized, and the importance of international cooperation is being underlined.

In this white paper, the potential of renewable energy sources is being explored in detail. The benefits of solar and wind power are being highlighted, and the challenges faced by the industry are being discussed. It is believed that with the right investments, a significant reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved. The role of government policies in promoting sustainable energy is being emphasized, and the importance of international cooperation is being underlined.