False friendEverydayGerman

Gift

Meaning: Actually means 'poison'. A present is ein Geschenk.

Origin: Once meant 'something given'; in German it narrowed to a deadly dose.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Éxito Actually means 'success'. An exit is una salida.
  • Handy Actually means 'a mobile phone'. For handy/useful, say praktisch.
  • Fast Actually means 'almost'. For fast/quick, say schnell.
  • 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.

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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