False friendEverydayGerman

Fast

Meaning: Actually means 'almost'. For fast/quick, say schnell.

Origin: Ich bin fast fertig = I'm almost done — not 'I'm fast finished'.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Actual Actually means 'current' or 'present'. For actual (real), say real or verdadero.
  • Largo Actually means 'long'. For large, say grande.
  • Carpeta Actually means 'folder' or 'binder'. A carpet is una alfombra.
  • Lectura Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
  • Compromiso Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
  • Pretender Actually means 'to aim for', 'to try to achieve', or 'to claim'. For pretend (fake), say…

More German false friends

  • Rock Actually means 'skirt'. A rock (stone) is ein Stein.
  • Brief Actually means 'letter' (the kind you post). For brief (short), say kurz.
  • Chef Actually means 'boss' or 'manager'. A cook is ein Koch.
  • Gymnasium Actually means 'grammar school' or 'academic high school'. A sports hall is eine Turnhall…
  • 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…

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