That might sound strange coming from an English coach. But hear me out.

Most professionals already know far more words than they actually use.

The challenge isn’t learning another list. It’s making the words you already know easier to find when you need them.

So stop collecting new words like stamps. Start using them. Write one sentence. Say them in a meeting. Use them in an email.

That’s when words becomes yours.

Quick win: Pick one useful word today and use it three times before tomorrow.

You’ll remember it far better than if you simply read it ten times.

People often ask me, “Should I learn lots of idioms and funny English expressions?“

My answer? Not at the beginning.

Expressions like:

• hit the hay
• going to see a man about a dog
• in the departure lounge
• not the sharpest pencil in the box

…are interesting.

They might even make you smile. But they won’t help you lead a meeting, present an idea or build trust with a client.

I’d rather teach you how to say something clearly than memorise expressions you may never use.

Quick win: The next time you come across a strange English expression, don’t feel you have to learn it.

Ask yourself, “Will this help me communicate at work?“

If not, enjoy it… and move on.

Have you ever had a moment where you know exactly what you want to say in German, but English just doesn’t seem to have the right word?

Take ‘Fingerspitzengefühl.’

It’s a beautiful German word.

It describes the ability to handle a sensitive situation with care, tact and good judgement.

Maybe you’re giving difficult feedback.
Maybe you’re negotiating.
Maybe you’re dealing with a disagreement.

In English, we need a few words:

tact
diplomacy
sensitivity
good judgement

Or we might say, “She handled the situation with great tact and sensitivity.“

English doesn’t have one magic word for this.

But that’s the interesting thing about languages. Different languages highlight different ideas.

German often creates precise words by combining concepts. English often explains the idea with several words.

Neither is better. They simply organise the world differently.

Quick win: When you can’t find a direct translation, don’t ask.

“What is the English word?“

Ask, “What do I really want to say?“

That question will improve your English much faster.

A small detail. A common mistake. And something German speakers often notice when writing emails in English.

In German, we write:

“Sehr geehrter Herr Müller,
vielen Dank für Ihre Nachricht.”

The first word after the greeting stays lowercase.

But in English, we write:

“Dear Mr Müller,
Thank you for your message.”

Why the difference?

In English, the greeting is treated as a complete opening. The message starts after it, so the first word gets a capital letter.

Think of it like this:

“Dear Sarah,
I hope you are well.”

The greeting is finished. The message begins.

Quick win: When writing emails in English, don’t copy German punctuation and capitalisation rules.

Small details create a professional impression. And this is one of those small details that is easy to fix.

Imagine this.

You finally meet someone you admire. Maybe a famous author, a speaker or a business leader.

You smile, hold out your pen, and say,

“Could I have your autogram, please?“

The person looks confused.

What happened?

Your German brain did exactly what brains love to do. It found a familiar word and quickly translated it.

But “Autogramm” is a false friend.

In German: Autogramm
In English: autograph

The good news?

Native speakers will probably understand what you mean. Communication is often more forgiving than we think.

But if you want the safer option, simply ask:

“Could I have your signature, please?“

No confusion. No awkward moment.

Quick win: When you learn a new English word, don’t only learn the translation. Check if the word is a “false friend” too.

Your brain is trying to help you. Sometimes it just needs a little guidance.