Vocabulary
10 German false friends that trick English speakers
Some German words look like English but mean something completely different. Here are 10 false friends to avoid embarrassing mistakes.
Cognates are your friends — but “false friends” look familiar and mean something else entirely. Learn these so you don't say the wrong thing.
Giftpoison (not a present!)
bekommento get / receive (not to become)
Ratadvice (not the animal)
Chefboss (not a cook)
Handymobile phone
Why this matters
False friends are some of the most common beginner mistakes because the brain trusts the familiar shape of the word. A little awareness goes a long way.
- When a word looks too easy, double-check the meaning.
- Learn the example sentence, not just the word.
- Hear it spoken so the right meaning sticks.
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