German False Friends
16 German words that look like English but mean something completely different. Don't let these tricky words catch you off guard.
False friends (faux amis) are one of the biggest sources of embarrassing mistakes for English speakers learning German. A word that looks familiar can mean something wildly different — and sometimes hilariously inappropriate.
Actually means: poison
Geschenk = gift
Tip: GIFT in German = POISON! Never offer someone a 'Gift'!
Actually means: boss
Koch = chef/cook
Tip: CHEF in German = BOSS. A cook = Koch.
Actually means: to receive/get
werden = become
Tip: BEKOMMEN = to GET/receive, not 'to become' (werden)
Actually means: well-behaved
mutig = brave
Actually means: almost
schnell = fast
Actually means: child
nett = kind
Actually means: mobile phone
praktisch = handy
Tip: HANDY in German = mobile phone. Nothing to do with convenient!
Actually means: current/up-to-date
Eigentlich = actual
Tip: AKTUELL = current/up-to-date, not 'actual' (eigentlich)
Actually means: factory
Stoff = fabric
Actually means: high school
Turnhalle = gymnasium
Tip: GYMNASIUM = academic high school, not a gym (Turnhalle)!
Actually means: sensitive
Vernünftig = sensible
Tip: Like French: sensibel = sensitive, not sensible
Actually means: box/crate
Küsste = kissed
Actually means: advice/council
Ratte = rat
Tip: RAT in German = ADVICE. Ask for Rat = ask for advice.
Actually means: lake (der See) / sea (die See)
Same word, different gender = different meaning!
Tip: CONTEXT! Der See = lake, die See = sea. Gender matters!
Actually means: wall
Zauberstab = wand
Actually means: bath/bathroom
Schlecht = bad
Frequently Asked Questions
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