False friendEverydayGerman

Oldtimer

Meaning: Actually means 'vintage car' or 'classic aircraft'. A veteran person is ein Veteran.

Looks like: Old-timer (experienced person)

Origin: Borrowed from English but repurposed for classic vehicles — not a person with long experience.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Pretendere Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.
  • Parente Actually means 'relative'. A parent (mother or father) is un genitore.
  • Firma Actually means 'signature'. Metti la tua firma = Put your signature here.
  • Conveniente Actually means 'affordable', 'good value', or 'suitable'. È conveniente = It's a good dea…
  • Fart Actually means 'speed' or 'momentum'. Full fart = full speed ahead.
  • Semester Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.

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: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Backpfeifengesicht A face that is just begging to be slapped — someone so smug you can't help the urge.
  • Schadenfreude The guilty little pleasure of taking satisfaction in someone else's misfortune.
  • Fernweh An aching longing for far-off places you've never been — the opposite of homesickness.

Browse all untranslatable words →

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