False friendEveryday
German
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.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Du bist ein Schatz You're a sweetheart.
- Du hast doch einen Vogel You're a bit out of your mind.
- Du gehst mir auf den Keks You're getting on my nerves.
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