A few days ago, during a coaching session, a German CEO accidentally thanked me for the curse (instead of the course). And honestly? I couldn’t stop laughing 😂.

But the best part? These kinds of mix-ups happen all the time—and they’re absolute gold.

Let me share a few more gems I’ve heard over the years that still make me chuckle:

• “I want to be pregnant” (said very earnestly… by a male executive 😳. For context: ‘pregnant’ means ‘schwanger.’)
• “I became a coffee” (instead of: “I’ll have a coffee.” Instant transformation, anyone?)
• “Please control my work” (instead of: “Please check my work.” Imagine the HR department’s reaction to that email…)
• “I’m boring” (when they meant: “I’m bored.” The irony is almost too perfect!)

These moments aren’t just funny—they’re a reminder that making mistakes is a natural and necessary part of learning a language.

Even top-level executives—people who lead global teams and make high-stakes decisions—slip up sometimes.

And you know what? That’s okay.

In fact, I’d argue it’s better than okay.

These little linguistic mishaps are more than just mistakes; they’re connection points. They create opportunities to laugh, learn and bond with others. They remind us that language isn’t just about mastering rules or perfect pronunciation—it’s about communication, growth, and, yes, a little humour along the way.

So, to everyone learning English—or any other language—here’s my message:

• It’s not about being perfect.
• It’s about being understood.
• It’s about being brave enough to try.

So, go ahead. Speak up. Make mistakes. Mix up your words. Laugh about it. And know that every time you do, you’re getting one step closer to fluency.

Now, let’s make this fun: What’s the funniest English mistake you’ve made or heard?

(I see you hovering over that “Buy Now” button…)

Look, after 20+ years of teaching English to German business professionals, I’ve noticed something:

Most of my clients already have…

1. Premium subscriptions they forgot about.
2. Countless YouTube playlists saved.
3. Unused language exchange credits.
4. Grammar books collecting dust.
5. 3-4 unfinished online courses.
6. Multiple English learning apps.

Yet they still struggle with confidence in meetings.

Here’s the truth:

Another course won’t magically improve your English 👀

What you actually need is to:

1. Practise consistently.
2. Get real feedback.
3. Use what you already have.
4. Focus on speaking, not just learning.
5. Stop looking for the “perfect” solution

The shiny new course might look tempting, but…

Your current resources are probably enough.

Start using them. Today.

Remember: Taking action beats collecting courses. Always ✌️

P.S. If you’ve got unopened English learning materials, this is your sign to dust them off and actually use them.

P.P.S. Or time to join my free Speed Networking sessions! 

In German, we have this fantastic word: “eierlegende Wollmilchsau”—literally an egg-laying, wool-and-milk-producing pig 😊.

But sometimes, simpler is better. That’s why the English word “versatile” just feels so much more efficient:

1. It’s actually usable in business contexts
2. It’s short and sweet
3. It’s professional

While Germans need a whole mythical creature to describe someone who can do it all, English speakers just need one elegant word.

You can use “versatile” everywhere:

• During interviews
• In job descriptions
• In business presentations
• When describing skill sets

And my clients love it because:
↳ It’s powerful in meaning
↳ It’s easy to pronounce
↳ It’s instantly understood

The best part?
It doesn’t make you explain a fantasy farm animal in serious business meetings. 😉

Do you have a favourite “Swiss Army knife” word in English that replaces a complex expression from your native language?

Let’s build a collection together. 👀

(And if you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, feel free to share it ♻️)

P.S. What other English words do you find surprisingly efficient? Let’s chat about them!

Let me tell you a secret: English mistakes aren’t the enemy—they’re part of the fun! 😊

Think about it:

• Saying, “Can you borrow me your pen?” instead of “lend me your pen.”
• “I’m exciting about the meeting!” when you mean “excited.”

These little slip-ups? They’re not failures—they’re stories waiting to be told. Here’s why:
💡 They’re conversation starters—who doesn’t love a good laugh?
💡 They’re learning moments—because growth is built on mistakes.
💡 Even native speakers mess up!

The truth? Perfection isn’t the goal. Communicating your ideas is what counts. And with each mix-up, you get braver, better—and closer to fluency.

So, keep talking, keep learning and keep smiling. Mistakes are proof you’re trying—and that’s something to celebrate!

P.S. What’s the funniest English mistake you’ve ever made? I’d love to hear it! 😉

We had this word the other day. Would you know how to translate it?

Let me help you out…

In English, we have several terms for this:

1. Long-standing customer
2. Regular customer
3. Repeat customer
4. Loyal customer

The most commonly used and natural-sounding term is “regular customer.” It perfectly captures what “Stammkunde” means in a business context.

Pro tip:

When you say “I’m a regular here” or “I’m a regular customer,” native speakers instantly understand your relationship with the business 👀

No need to overcomplicate it. Sometimes the simplest term is the most effective 😊

Quick cultural note:

English speakers often take pride in being a “regular” somewhere. It’s seen as a badge of honour.

Are you a regular somewhere? 

P.S. Listen to the text here:

P.P.S. Generate high-quality text-to-speech for free. Go to Kokoro TTS Demo (Not sponsored!)

Growing up in Britain, I’ve observed thousands of interactions. I’ve picked up countless euphemisms and mastered the art of being indirect.

But why is British politeness such an essential part of our identity?

We say “please” in almost every sentence. We ask, “Would you mind?” instead of making direct requests. We apologise, even when someone bumps into us.

The most entertaining part? Our euphemisms. When a Brit says “it’s interesting,” they probably hate it.

When they say, “I’ll bear it in mind,” they’ve already forgotten about it.

In business meetings, you’ll hear “perhaps we could consider” instead of “we should.”

In emails, “I was wondering if” replaces “I want.”

This indirect way of speaking can be confusing for people from other countries. British communication often mixes both direct and indirect styles, depending on the situation. The reason we prefer to be indirect is to avoid conflict, protect others’ feelings—and keep good relationships.

It’s not just about the words—it’s about our identity, how we navigate conversations—and how we show respect. 😊