False Friends
Everybody knows that specialised translation requires a sound knowledge of the given sector. However, what many people don’t realise is that everyday speech also has its pitfalls. These so-called “false friends” are a common source of error, being words which sound or look similar but often have a completely different meaning.
| German word | similar to: | but the correct translation is: |
| aktuell | acutal | current, topical, relevant |
| Ampel | ampel | traffic light |
| Angel | angel | fishing rod |
| Art | art | type, species |
| bald | bald | soon |
| bekommen | to become | go get |
| brav | brave | well-behaved |
| Brief | brief | letter |
| Chef | chef | boss, chief |
| Dom | dome | cathedral |
| eventuell | eventually | possibly, potentially |
| Fabrik | fabric | factory |
| Gift | gift | poison |
| Gymnasium | gymnasium | higher secondary school |
| Handel | handel | trade, commerce |
| Handy | handy | mobile phone |
| Igel | eagle | hedgehog |
| Marmelade | marmelade | jam |
| Mist | mist | horse dung |
| sensible | sensible | sensitive |
| Slip | slip | briefs, panties |
| sympatisch | sympathetic | pleasant, appealing |
