German False Friends

A curated set of 14 false friends in German — literal translations, real meanings, and where each one comes from.

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• 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. Literally: Chef (cook).
• Gymnasium — Actually means 'grammar school' or 'academic high school'. A sports hall is eine Turnhalle. Literally: Gymnasium / gym.
• Smoking — Actually means 'tuxedo' or 'dinner jacket'. The verb (smoking cigarettes) is rauchen. Literally: Smoking (the act).
• Eventuell — Actually means 'possibly' or 'perhaps'. Eventuell komme ich = Maybe I'll come — not 'I'll eventually come'. Literally: Eventually.
• Mist — Actually means 'manure' or 'dung'. Foggy mist is Nebel or Dunst. Literally: Mist (fog).
• Oldtimer — Actually means 'vintage car' or 'classic aircraft'. A veteran person is ein Veteran. Literally: Old-timer (experienced person).
• Bekommen — Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden. Literally: Become.
• 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.

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