False friendEverydayGerman

Handy

Meaning: Actually means 'a mobile phone'. For handy/useful, say praktisch.

Origin: A pseudo-English coinage that never meant 'convenient' in German.

More false friends — Everyday

  • 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.
  • Lectura Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
  • Compromiso Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…

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…

Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults

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

  • Du bist klasse You're brilliant — excellent, impressive, top-notch.
  • Faulpelz A lazybones — someone who lounges around and avoids any effort, as warm and inert as a fu…
  • Griesgram A perpetual grump who radiates dissatisfaction and sucks the joy out of every room.

Browse all compliments & insults →

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