Do you know these words: Wiener schnitzel, sauerkraut, apple strudel? Yes, they’re German - but English speakers use them too! And guess what? There are also many English-sounding words in German. But be careful - some of them are false friends!
English to go – February 2026
by Charlie Weber
English February 2026
English? German? Both?
Listen and read along
Beamers and Handys
Beamers and Handys
Most classrooms today have beamers, and we all use Handys to make calls or write an SMS. At home, you might have a Hometrainer to stay topfit. These words sound English, but they were actually originally German! English-speaking people might not understand them. Why? Because in English, a beamer is something from a sci-fi spaceship that transports people! In classrooms, we use projectors. The word Handy sounds English, but in English, we say smartphone or simply phone. The word handy means “praktisch”! And SMS? It stands for “Short Message Service,” but in English people say text instead.
Now, listen to the next part. Then answer the question and go on reading.
“Gesundheit!“
Question: In what countries do people say “Gesundheit” when somebody sneezes?
Answer: a) Only in Germany and Austria b) In Germany, Austria and the USA
Now you will hear some more information about huge shopping malls.
When you have finished listening, click on the worksheet and do the exercises.
False Friends
Time for a Joke:
Why does Germany have the biggest population in Europe?
Answer: Because there are GerMANY!
Go on to the February Quiz now!
