Ever feel like something’s missing in your English? Like you’ve studied hard but still can’t speak fluently? Here’s the thing: It’s not just about more vocabulary or grammar. It’s about practice.

Let me tell you about Sarah, a client of mine.

Sarah runs her own business, but her English is holding her back. She has a huge presentation coming up at the beginning of next year and needs to confidently present her ideas to a room full of international experts. (She’s got other things in the pipeline, but we won’t talk about those now.)

Sarah knows she needs a sustainable plan to improve her spoken English. She’s created a strategy that can fit seamlessly into her busy life:

Weekly 1:1 Coaching: We meet once a week for personalised coaching sessions, focusing on conversation skills and presentation preparation, peppered with just the right amount of grammar to keep Sarah’s language sharp and polished.

Spicy Learning: Sarah will be joining my “Chilipepper” group, where she can practise English with other business professionals in a fun and dynamic environment once a week. I’ve also suggested she find a conversation buddy in the group for additional practice.

Vocab In-Between: Sarah has downloaded an app called Repetico to help her learn new vocabulary during any short breaks.

Babbel in the Breaks: She has also started to use the Babbel app to learn English at her own pace.

Podcast Power: During her weekly long-distance drive to a client, Sarah listens to podcasts on business topics that interest her and discusses the topics out loud to herself in English. (A technique I love.)

This isn’t about cramming endless grammar rules. It’s about consistent, practical exposure to the language. 

Sarah knows she needs to practise regularly to improve. Continuous training is her secret weapon. She understands the path can be tough, but she also knows that every master was once a beginner. By sticking with her program, Sarah will succeed.

What’s your top tip for improving your English? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

As you dive into the depths of English, those pesky pitfalls are just waiting to trip you up. But fear not—we’re here to navigate this language labyrinth together.

Verb Tenses: Das ewige Problem

Let’s talk about verb tenses—das ewige Problem, right? 😅 In German, you might be used to saying “Ich habe es gestern gesehen” for past actions, but in English, the simple past reigns: “I saw it yesterday.” 

Another common mistake is using the present continuous tense when the simple present tense is more appropriate. For example, saying “I’m doing it every day“ instead of “I do it every day.” 

Each tense tells its own story, so let’s get them straight. Practise forming sentences in different tenses to get a feel for their distinct uses.

False Friends: The Betrayers

And then there are those treacherous false friends—words that look familiar but betray you with a different meaning. 

Watch out for “become” (which means “werden,” not “bekommen”) and “sympathetic” (which means “mitfühlend,” not “sympathisch”). Oh, and “aktuell” meaning “currently” and not “actually.” 

Keep a list of these deceptive words handy to review regularly. You’ll find a comprehensive list of false friends here.

Prepositions: The Devil in the Details

Ach, prepositions! Direct translations can be a pitfall.

So, pay attention to common phrases and their prepositions; practice will make these details second nature. Consider phrases like “interested in,” not “interested on,” and “depend on,” not “depend from.”

Pronunciation: Taming Tricky Sounds

Now let’s address pronunciation—English sounds can trip up even the most seasoned “Sprachkünstler*innen”. 

The sound ‘w’ is often pronounced as ‘v’ by German speakers of English. Practise with this  resource here.

Don’t let those tricky sounds dampen your spirit. Use online resources or language apps to practise pronunciation regularly.

Idiomatic Expressions

Directly translating idioms from German to English can lead to confusion or incorrect usage. Familiarise yourself with common English idioms to use them correctly and understand their meanings or avoid them completely!

Join the Conversation

Du bist nicht allein auf dieser Reise! Share your own experiences or tips with me. Let’s create a space where we can chuckle over our mistakes and celebrate our progress together. Who knows—you might just help someone dodge an English faux-pas today. 😊

Remember, learning a new language is a journey full of small victories and occasional slip-ups. Keep practising, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback.

Together, we can navigate these challenges and celebrate every milestone. Happy learning! 🌟

Your English-speaking guests are eager to experience real German food?

There’s no better place to start than a proper German Brauhaus. 

Imagine warm wood tones, the scent of freshly baked pretzels wafting through the air, and a buzzing beer garden at the back. This is where the real magic happens.

🍴 On the Menu 🍴

Sauerbraten: Marinated for days in a tangy, sweet, and slightly sour sauce, this melt-in-your-mouth roast will make you wonder why you ever looked forward to a hot dog.

Kartoffelklöße (Potato Dumplings): Fluffy clouds of mashed potato goodness.  Don’t let the name fool you.

Rotkohl (Red Cabbage): Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-flavourful. Perfect with the Sauerbraten.

Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel): The king of desserts. Flaky pastry filled with warm, spiced apples. Forget apple pie!

But Wait, There’s More!

No German meal is complete without a proper drink. Whether it’s a frothy Weizenbier (wheat beer) or a crisp Pilsner to quench your thirst, the options are plentiful. And for the adventurous, a shot or two of Obstler (fruit schnapps) might just have you singing German folk songs. 

Beyond the Food: The Joys of Gemütlichkeit

But wait, it’s not just about the food. Gemütlichkeit means cosiness, warmth and friendliness. The whole vibe. So, sit back, relax, and soak in the atmosphere—and prepare to have your mind (and stomach) blown.

Let’s go!  🎉

Ach, wie liebe ich die Stunden mit Christine. Langsam fühle ich mich sicherer. Die Angst, Fehler zu machen, wird immer weniger. Und ich weiß jetzt, dass es nur eine Übungssache ist.

Gestern habe ich etwas Neues gelernt. Als Christine mich nach meinem Werdegang fragte, fing ich an: “In former times … “

Christine zwinkerte und erklärte, dass der Ausdruck für ihre englischen Ohren ungewöhnlich und altmodisch klingen würde. Native Speaker verwenden die Formulierung “used to”. Dies bedeutet nicht nur “früher gewohnt”, sondern kann auch eine Gewohnheit aus der Vergangenheit beschreiben.

Im Meeting heute wurde ich sogar nach meinem Werdegang gefragt. Und siehe da, es hat geklappt. Meine Antwort: “I used to live in Hamburg and work in an office with a view to the Aussenalster.” Niemand guckte ratlos. Die Teilnehmenden nickten zustimmend. Ach, es war ein großartiges Gefühl.

Es liegt an uns, die Nuancen zu lernen und anzupassen. Unser Englisch wird dadurch einfach besser und authentischer klingen! 💬💪 So werden wir nicht nur verstanden, sondern auch als wortgewandte Mitstreiter wahrgenommen.

Ist es nicht großartig?

Deine Greta

Imagine someone pays you a compliment. How do you react? Do you freeze up like a deer in headlights, or do you brush it off as if it’s no big deal? 

Many of us struggle with accepting compliments graciously, often downplaying the praise we receive. But what if we tried something different?

Gracious Acceptance

If your first reaction is to say, “Oh no, that’s really not true,” you’re definitely not alone. Let’s practise accepting compliments gracefully.

Here are some possible responses that won’t make you feel like you’re stuck in an awkward situation:

• “Thank you so much. That’s very nice of you.” (Simple and sweet.)
• “Thank you, it makes my day to hear that.” (A little appreciation can go a long way.)
• “Thanks. I’m happy to know that you feel that way.” (It’s always nice to know people appreciate you.)
• “Thank you so much. It feels great coming from you.” (Extra points for flattery!)

Humorous Responses

Or, if you’re feeling a bit cheeky, try a witty response. You can say something like:

• “I told her to say that,” if other people are around.
• “I love it. Keep going. Tell me more!” (Because who wouldn’t want to hear more nice things about themselves?)

Reflection and Sharing

So, how do you respond to a compliment? Do you go for the gracious acceptance, or do you prefer the humorous route?  I’d love to know.

Ever wondered what Brits say before they start their meals? 🤔

In Germany, people say “Mahlzeit” or “Guten Appetit.” But in England, it’s a whole mixed bag. 🎉

Formal Fancies 🍷 Imagine you’re at a classy restaurant. You might hear “Enjoy your meal” or even “Bon appétit.” It adds a touch of elegance to the dining experience, doesn’t it?

Casual Feasts 🍔 In a friend’s cosy kitchen, you might hear “Dig in!” “Tuck in!” or just “Enjoy!” Or even, “Hope you enjoy what I’ve made for you.” It’s all about keeping it fun and relaxed, to make everyone feel at home.

Praising the Cook 👩‍🍳 Some people like to compliment the cook with “This looks delicious! Thank you!” It’s like giving the chef a thumbs up for their effort and creativity.

A Touch of Tradition 🙏 In some homes, a pre-meal prayer is a cherished tradition. (We used to  say “Grace” before our school lunch.) It adds a special moment of gratitude and reflection before diving into the meal.

The Takeaway 🎁 Next time you’re sharing a meal in Englandor with speakers of English, listen out for some of these phrases. Pick your favourite and get ready for a delightful adventure. And remember, the best part is always the food. 😋