Common English Mistakes in Technical Reports by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In this technical report, we analyze the data collected from the experiment, which we conducted last month. The results show that when the temperature increases, the reaction rate significantly increases. It is important to note that, although the equipment was calibrated, some deviations in the measurements occurred. This suggests that, if the experiment is repeated, more precise instruments should be used to ensure accuracy.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"There aren't any issues with the word order in this text."

In this technical report, we analyze the data collected from the experiment, which we conducted last month. The results show that when the temperature increases, the reaction rate significantly increases. It is important to note that, although the equipment was calibrated, some deviations in the measurements occurred. This suggests that, if the experiment is repeated, more precise instruments should be used to ensure accuracy.

In this technical report, we analyze the data collected from the experiment, which we conducted last month. The results show that when the temperature increases, the reaction rate significantly increases. It is important to note that, although the equipment was calibrated, some deviations in the measurements occurred. This suggests that, if the experiment is repeated, more precise instruments should be used to ensure accuracy.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

The Ppurpose of this Ttechnical Rreport is to analyze the Pperformance of the new Ssoftware Ssystem implemented in our Ccompany. The Ddata collected over the past three Mmonths indicates a significant Iimprovement in the Eefficiency of our Ooperations. However, there are still some Iissues with the Iintegration of the Ssystem with existing Iinfrastructure, which need to be addressed to ensure optimal Ffunctionality.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"In English, we do not routinely capitalize common nouns. "

The purpose of this technical report is to analyze the performance of the new software system implemented in our company. The data collected over the past three months indicates a significant improvement in the efficiency of our operations. However, there are still some issues with the integration of the system with existing infrastructure, which need to be addressed to ensure optimal functionality.

The Purpose of this Technical Report is to analyze the Performance of the new Software System implemented in our Company. The Data collected over the past three Months indicates a significant Improvement in the Efficiency of our Operations. However, there are still some Issues with the Integration of the System with existing Infrastructure, which need to be addressed to ensure optimal Functionality.