False friendEverydayGerman

Brief

Meaning: Actually means 'letter' (the kind you post). For brief (short), say kurz.

Origin: From Latin breve, 'short document' — a short note became a full letter in German.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Chef Actually means 'boss' or 'manager'. A cook is ein Koch.
  • Smoking Actually means 'tuxedo' or 'dinner jacket'. The verb (smoking cigarettes) is rauchen.
  • Eventuell Actually means 'possibly' or 'perhaps'. Eventuell komme ich = Maybe I'll come — not 'I'll…
  • Mist Actually means 'manure' or 'dung'. Foggy mist is Nebel or Dunst.
  • Oldtimer Actually means 'vintage car' or 'classic aircraft'. A veteran person is ein Veteran.
  • Pretendere Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.

More German false friends

  • Gymnasium Actually means 'grammar school' or 'academic high school'. A sports hall is eine Turnhall…
  • Bekommen Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
  • Rat Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.
  • 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.

Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

  • Griesgram A perpetual grump who radiates dissatisfaction and sucks the joy out of every room.
  • Pantoffelheld A man who is only bold and brave at home — a henpecked pushover who bluster turns into a…
  • Schlauberger A know-it-all smartass who never misses a chance to show off their cleverness.

Browse all compliments & insults →

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