False friendEverydayGerman

Smoking

Meaning: Actually means 'tuxedo' or 'dinner jacket'. The verb (smoking cigarettes) is rauchen.

Looks like: Smoking (the act)

Origin: From the Victorian 'smoking jacket'; German borrowed the garment and kept the name.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Eventuell Actually means 'possibly' or 'perhaps'. Eventuell komme ich = Maybe I'll come — not 'I'll…
  • Mist Actually means 'manure' or 'dung'. Foggy mist is Nebel or Dunst.
  • Oldtimer Actually means 'vintage car' or 'classic aircraft'. A veteran person is ein Veteran.
  • 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.

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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