Smoking

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

Language: German

Literally: smoking (the act)

Category: Everyday

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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