False friendEverydayGerman

Mist

Meaning: Actually means 'manure' or 'dung'. Foggy mist is Nebel or Dunst.

Looks like: Mist (fog)

Origin: From Old High German mist, 'dung'. Usually treated as a separate word from English 'mist' (fog), though the roots sit close enough that etymologists still debate it.

More German false friends

  • 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.
  • Fast Actually means 'almost'. For fast/quick, say schnell.

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