Oldtimer

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

Language: German

Literally: old-timer (experienced person)

Category: Everyday

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.

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