You don’t sound rude. You sound German.

If I could tell every English learner just one thing, it’s this. You don’t sound rude. You sound German. And that’s fine.

A client asked me last week whether her directness in English came across as harsh. She’d started softening every sentence, just in case. That’s the worry underneath a lot of German English, not the grammar, but the fear of sounding impolite.

Here’s the truth. Directness isn’t rudeness. It’s clarity, and plenty of English speakers wish they had more of it.

You don’t need three sentences of cushioning before your point. One warm word is enough. Say what you mean, then add the warmth.

Quick win. Swap “sorry to bother you, but…” for “quick question.” Same politeness, half the apology.