See
Meaning: Actually means 'lake' (der See) or 'sea' (die See). To see is sehen.
Language: German
Looks like: see
Category: Places
Origin: A Germanic cousin of English 'sea' that also came to mean an inland lake.
More false friends — Places
- Fattoria — Actually means 'farm'. A factory is una fabbrica.
- Livraria — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is uma biblioteca.
- Balcão — Actually means 'counter' — in a shop, bar or bank. A balcony is uma varanda.
- Grind — Actually means 'gate' — the garden or field kind. To grind is mala.
- Librairie — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.
- Coin — Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.
More German false friends
- 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.
- 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.
From our compliments & insults
- Schlauberger — A know-it-all smartass who never misses a chance to show off their cleverness.
- Dickkopf — A pig-headed, unyielding person — their skull is so thick no new idea can penetrate it.
- Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte — You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.