Fast

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

Language: German

Literally: fast

Category: Everyday

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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