The German word Beamer may sound pretty English, but in fact it’s a classic false friend (a word which looks or sounds the same in both languages, but actually has completely different meanings). The English word for Beamer is projector. The word Beemer (with double e) is used to talk about a BMW.
False friends are a common source of confusion, amusement and embarrassment.

Test yourself

Have a look at the sentences below. Each one contains a false friend. See if you can find the word which is wrong and replace it.

  • Just a moment, I need to make some notices.
  • How much provision would the sales reps get?
  • Can you fill in the formula and send it back by the end of the week?
  • We’re starting a big new sales action next month.
  • I’m not 100% sure at the moment, but eventually we can finish the project by the end of June.

How did you do?

Here are my suggestions – there are other possibilities, of course – and the explanations:

Just a moment, I need to make some notes.
notices = Aushänge, Ankündigungen
Notizen = notes

How much commission would the sales reps get?
provision has many meanings including Bereitstellung, Vorschrift, Vorkehrung
Provision = commission

Can you fill in the form and send it back by the end of the week?
formula = Formel
Formular = form

We’re starting a big new sales campaign next month.
action = Handlung, Handeln, Vorgehen
Aktion = campaign

I’m not 100% sure at the moment, but maybe we can finish the project by the end of June.
eventually = schließlich
eventuell = possibly, maybe

Two more to watch out for  

Billion
In English a billion is one thousand million (= German: Milliarde). A trillion is one million million (= German Billion)

Tricky
Although tricky can mean trickreich, but it’s more often used in the sense of kniffelig or heikel. Examples of this usage are:
That’s a tricky question.
We’re in a tricky situation.

For more on false friends see Can I become a beefsteak

Posted on May 7, 2016 in false friends and idioms
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Porträt Nicola Bartlett
Nicola Bartlett
I’ve been an English trainer for over 25 years, helping adults to get their message across in English – clearly and appropriately. Successful communication in English requires more than just a good knowledge of the language. An understanding of different mentalities and a feeling for the best approach are vital, too. » more