This glossary provides a brief overview of common problems when translating from German to English. The main reason is that, while a word of expression might look English, it has another use in English-speaking cultures.
| German | Correct English | Problem | Meaning |
| (Sitzungs-) Protokoll | minutes | protocol |
|
| Agenda | diary (UK), daily planner (US) | agenda | = Traktanden |
| Beamer | video projector | beamer | = BMW (US slang, negative) |
| Chef | boss | chief, chef | = Häuptling, Koch |
| die verantwortliche / zuständige Person | the person responsible | the responsible person | = die zuverlässige Person |
| engagiert | involved, committed | engaged | = verlobt, besetzt |
| Erfahrung | (have) experience | experiences | = Erlebnisse |
| eventuell | may, might, possibly | eventually | = schliesslich, endlich |
| kontrollieren | inspect, check | control | = beherrschen, die Kontrolle haben über |
| Menu | daily special | menu | = Speisekarte |
| Möglichkeit | opportunity, chance, option | possibility | * |
| Natel | (cell/mobile) phone | handy | = nützlich |
| Prospekte | brochures | prospects | = Aussichten |
| rentabel | profitable, lucrative | rentable | = mietbar |
| SMS | text message | short message system |
|
| Termin | appointment | date | = (romantische) Verabredung |
* possibility = not used with the infinitive form to, but rather with of, that:
There was a small possibility that he would join our team.
We were most worried about the outside possibility of the project’s failure.
