Category: Denglish English

Hi everyone!

I’ve mentioned before that many German speakers know that Handy does not mean mobile phone in English but are there any other Denglish words that you are using by mistake?

Here are a few more examples that I often hear:

Public viewing.  In English this has nothing to do with watching a live sporting event as part of a large crowd.  In American English it is used to describe the viewing of a body after someone has died.

Oldtimer.  I hear this word often used in Germany to describe old cars.  I’d never heard it used in that way until I came to Germany.  In Britain we use the words ‘vintage car’ or ‘classic car’.  Oldtimer is a (not very nice!) way to describe an older man.

Neckholder.  I hear this word used to describe clothing but it always sounds to me like someone wants to strangle the other person!  Just say halter neck top instead.

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise

Hi everyone!

I’ve mentioned before that many German speakers know that Handy does not mean mobile phone in English but are there any other Denglish words that you are using by mistake?

 

Here are a few more examples that I often hear:

 

Donkey bridge (Eselsbrücke).  This has nothing to do with making connections between languages and vocabulary to help you learn.  For that you need a memory aid or a mnemonic.

 

Dressman.  This has nothing to do with a good-looking man.  Just use the word model (or male model).

 

Mobbing.  This has nothing to do with verbal attacks or aggression (in the workplace).  Here we use the words bullying or harassment (in the workplace) .

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise

Hi everyone!

Many German speakers know that Handy does not mean mobile phone in English but are there any other Denglish words that you are using by mistake?

Here are three examples I often hear:

Beamer.  This has nothing to do with making a presentation.  For that you may need a projector.  Beamer in some parts of Britain is slang for a BMW car.

Smoking.  This has nothing to do with wearing fancy clothes at a glitzy evening event.  For that you will need a tuxedo or a dinner jacket.

Shooting.  This has nothing to do with models and photos.  Here we use the word photoshoot.  Shooting involves guns and bullets!

Have fun learning English!

Louise