False Friends Between English and German

What are German and English false friends?

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to mastering vocabulary. However, false friends, words that look or sound similar in two languages but have completely different meanings, can add an extra layer of complexity to the learning process. In the case of German and English, there are many false friends that can cause confusion and even embarrassment if used incorrectly.

This is particularly true for English speakers learning German, as the two languages share many words that have different meanings.

Navigating False Friends Between English and German

For example, “gift” in German means “poison,” not “present” as it does in English. Imagine the confusion if a German speaker offered you a “gift” and you accepted it, thinking it was a present! Similarly, “bekommen” in German means “to receive,” not “to become” as in English. So if someone asks you, “Was bekommen Sie?” they are asking what you received, not what you became.

Another false friend between English and German is “aktuell.” In German, “aktuell” means “current” or “up-to-date,” not “actual” as it does in English. So if you say, “Das ist nicht aktuell” to mean “That is not actual,” a German speaker might be confused, as they would interpret it to mean “That is not current.”

Even words that sound similar can be false friends between English and German. For example, “handy” in German means “mobile phone,” not “useful” or “handy” as it does in English. So if you tell a German speaker that something is “very handy,” they might think you mean it’s a great mobile phone, rather than useful.

Some other false friends between English and German include “chef,” which means “boss” or “manager” in German, not “cook,” and “hose,” which means “pants” or “trousers,” not “hose” as it does in English. “Note” in German means “grade” or “mark,” not “note,” and “sinn” means “meaning” or “sense,” not “sin.”

To avoid misunderstandings when speaking German, it’s important to be aware of false friends and their meanings. This is particularly important when traveling or doing business in Germany, where miscommunications can have serious consequences. By taking the time to learn the correct meanings of words, you can avoid getting lost in translation and build stronger relationships with German speakers.

False friends can be a stumbling block for language learners, particularly between English and German. By familiarizing yourself with the correct meanings of words, you can avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships with native speakers. So don’t let false friends trip you up – take the time to learn the language and culture, and you’ll be on your way to fluency in no time!

Here are 35 German-English false friends