Denglish that actually works

Some Denglish is confusing.

But some Denglish is perfectly fine – and even native speakers use it without noticing.

A client told me this week: “I keep stopping myself because I’m afraid something sounds too German.”

When we looked closer, half of what she was worried about wasn’t wrong. It was just… English with a German flavour.

And here’s the thing:

Plenty of everyday English phrases sound like Denglish but aren’t.

“Make a photo” is wrong.

“Make a plan” is perfect.

“Control the process” is fine.

“Discuss about it” isn’t.

The goal isn’t to eliminate every German influence.

The goal is to know which parts matter – and which don’t.

Most Denglish doesn’t block understanding.

Stopping yourself does.

Quick win:

Pick one phrase you often hesitate over because it “sounds German.”

Check if it’s actually wrong.

If it isn’t, use it freely this week – without the pause.