A Spark a day.
One idea. Every weekday. Under a minute.SPARKS OF ENGLISH
Notes from the real world of English at work. The mistakes, breakthroughs and surprising moments that happen when English leaves the textbook and enters the meeting room.
You already speak the language. But under pressure, it does not always feel that way. That’s when overthinking and second-guessing tend to appear.
The Sparks are short prompts for exactly those moments – and now and then, something you can try out straight away.
Designed specifically for German-speaking professionals who want to speak clearly without checking every sentence before they say it.
After a few weeks, many readers notice they:
- Keep talking, even when the perfect word is missing.
- Respond faster when a conversation shifts unexpectedly.
- Stop losing precision in the moments that count.
_________
✦ Your welcome gift: “50 Quick Fixes for Clearer English”. So small details don’t slow you down.
What readers say
❝Einer der ganz wenigen Newsletter, auf die ich mich an jedem (!) Werktag aufs Neue freue.❞
Barbara Gölz
Get your Sparks + free eBook
🔒 freeㆍpracticalㆍunsubscribe anytime
Drop your details below to get tomorrow’s Spark or scroll down to browse the archive first.
The 3 Words You Should Delete From Every English Email (and What to Use Instead)
Ever notice how polite German-style emails can sound weak in English? A few small words are often to blame. ❌ “I just wanted to…”❌ “I think we could...
The Mistake 90% of German Professionals Make With the Present Perfect — and How to Fix It
Quick test. Which sentence sounds right in English? ❌ “I have visited the trade fair yesterday.”✅ “I visited the trade fair yesterday.” If you...
One Simple Trick to Cure Your German ‘Bandwurmsätze’ in English
Germans love long sentences. Verbs at the end. Clauses stacked on top of each other. Like a linguistic game of Jenga. And yes, I caught the habit...
What Nobody Tells You About Speaking English at Work
Nobody warns you that small talk feels harder than a presentation. Or that you’ll spend more time doubting yourself than actually practising. Or...
Advice, Not Advices — Sparks Plus, Week 7
Welcome to this week’s Sparks Plus — your quick, practical boost for clearer, more confident English.Five short sections, all easy to read and use...
If You’re Not Making Mistakes, You’re Not Learning
I often hear: “I can’t open my mouth in English without making a mistake.” My answer? Perfect. You’re already doing better than the people who stay...
The German Word That Always Tripped Me Up
For years, the German word 'Eichhörnchen' was my personal enemy. It should come with a health warning: may cause tongue injuries if pronounced too...
From Small Talk to Real Talk: The Shift That Changes Everything
We’ve all heard the advice: “Just ask questions. People love talking about themselves.” But here’s the truth: asking questions isn’t the same as...
Are Your English Emails Stuck in the Dinosaur Age?
So many professionals still write as if business English has to sound stiff and formal:“In response to your request…”“Please do not hesitate to...
Address
Rother Straße 18
52525 Waldfeucht
Germany
Contact
Social Media
