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Chef

Meaning: Actually means 'boss' or 'manager'. A cook is ein Koch.

Language: German

Literally: chef (cook)

Category: Everyday

Origin: From French chef, 'head' — German kept the management meaning; English narrowed it to the kitchen.

More false friends — Everyday

  • 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.
  • Parente — Actually means 'relative'. A parent (mother or father) is un genitore.

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.

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