False friendEverydayGerman

Bekommen

Meaning: Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.

Looks like: Become

Origin: The classic German trap — 'Ich bekomme ein Steak' means 'I'll get a steak', not 'I become a steak'.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Rat Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.
  • Ropa Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.
  • Once Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.
  • Monnaie Actually means 'change' or 'coins'. Money in general is l'argent.
  • Pasta Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.
  • Big Actually means 'piglet'. For big, say groot.

More German false friends

  • See Actually means 'lake' (der See) or 'sea' (die See). To see is sehen.
  • Gift Actually means 'poison'. A present is ein Geschenk.
  • Handy Actually means 'a mobile phone'. For handy/useful, say praktisch.
  • Fast Actually means 'almost'. For fast/quick, say schnell.
  • Rock Actually means 'skirt'. A rock (stone) is ein Stein.
  • Brief Actually means 'letter' (the kind you post). For brief (short), say kurz.

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Sturmfrei The liberating feeling of having the house entirely to yourself — when parents or a partn…
  • Waldeinsamkeit The serene, faintly mystical feeling of being alone in the woods, at peace with nature.
  • Backpfeifengesicht A face that is just begging to be slapped — someone so smug you can't help the urge.

Browse all untranslatable words →

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