I read a post this week. It compared British and German messages on LinkedIn. A bit exaggerated, but very true.

The British version says sorry a lot. “Sorry to bother you. Feel free to block me.” “Just popping this back to the top of your inbox.”

The German version gets straight to the point. “I checked your work. Accept my request.” “Booked Friday, 9am. Be there.“

When German speakers switch to English, they often try to sound British. More polite. More careful. Quietly saying sorry. But that’s hard to keep up when you’re under pressure. Sentences get longer. You sound less sure of yourself. Soon you’re saying sorry just for being there.

One small fix helps. Keep your German clearness. Add just a little British warmth, not a whole paragraph of it. A soft opener is enough. “Quick thought.” “Small question.” “One idea for you.“

Quick win: Start with two or three warm words, then say exactly what you mean. 

A German colleague introduces you to someone new.

You want to say something nice, so you smile and say:

“You are very sympathetic.“

Good intention. Wrong word.

In German, ‘sympathisch‘ means someone is likeable, pleasant or someone you immediately feel comfortable with.

But in English, ‘sympathetic‘ means someone who understands your feelings and shows compassion.

For example: “My manager was very sympathetic when I explained my situation.”

Your manager showed understanding and kindness.

So what can you say instead of ‘sympathisch‘?

Try:

• You are very likeable.
• You are really nice to talk to.
• I immediately felt comfortable with you.
• You seem like a lovely person.

Quick win: When you meet someone new in English, don’t translate the German word you want to use. Think about the meaning you want to communicate.

Your brain loves shortcuts. Sometimes it takes you on a little detour first.

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.