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English Idioms You Should Know: Quiz 2

2022-10-30T20:55:32+01:00

Last week's blog post was our most popular ever! Thanks for that! Here is Part Two of “The List” of English idioms you should know to help you translate your thoughts and understand what is being said to you. Good luck! Check out these ten more common German everyday phrases in English. Can you get them all right? Echt? a) Genuine? b) Real? c) Really? d) B or C While you can use echt in German to talk about the reality of something (for example, echtes Leder instead of Kunststoff), when echt is phrased as a question, the best is, [...]

English Idioms You Should Know: Quiz 22022-10-30T20:55:32+01:00

Everyday English Phrases Quiz Part 1

2022-10-30T15:30:04+01:00

No matter how good your English (or German) is, there are some things that trip up (confuse) even the best non-native speaker. This week we're bringing a bit of fun to the Bespeaking blog... can you translate these everyday English phrases correctly*? Try out this English phrases quiz, and see how many you get right! *brought to you by “The List.” If you know, you know! Mir geht's gut/ Es geht mir gut a) Me goes it good / It goes me good. b) I'm good. c) I'm doing fine / I'm alright / I’m well. d) B and C [...]

Everyday English Phrases Quiz Part 12022-10-30T15:30:04+01:00

How to Write a University Motivation Letter

2022-10-30T15:27:11+01:00

For those of you who are starting your last year of high school, or know someone who is, it's time to start writing your university motivation letter and applying to college! Applying for university or college can be a challenging task…and I remember it well. You're trying to manage (handle, do) your normal school work, but at the same time you're trying to find the right school to guide you into the future you want. And once you send out your applications, you check the mailbox (or Inbox) nervously (worried or anxious) every day for their response (answer). But first [...]

How to Write a University Motivation Letter2022-10-30T15:27:11+01:00

Improve Your Business English Conversation Interview Skills

2022-10-30T15:25:00+01:00

Looking for a new job is stressful (feeling worried or anxious) enough. All the applications you need to send, cover letters you need to write, all the selling yourself while at the same time using your English conversation interview skills... it can be quite (very) tiring. And then finally, you get a reply from a company and they want to bring you in for an interview! That's great news! However, the interview can be the most stressful part of the whole process. You have to really sell yourself, while trying to stay humble (not proud) at the same time. It's [...]

Improve Your Business English Conversation Interview Skills2022-10-30T15:25:00+01:00

How to Speak Body Language

2022-09-30T03:31:16+01:00

Learning to speak a language isn't just learning vocabulary and pronunciation. It's also about learning to speak body language, learning facial expressions, and how you should react (act in response) to certain things. Learning to speak body language is an important part of any language and culture, so check out this list to get a well-rounded language learning experience! Crossed Arms If you're talking to someone with crossed arms, it could mean one of a few things. Either that position is a) super comfortable for them, b) they're thinking over something, or c) they're unhappy. This one has to do [...]

How to Speak Body Language2022-09-30T03:31:16+01:00

Saying “Hello” in English!

2022-09-30T03:32:12+01:00

As in any language, there are many ways of saying "hello" in English with different levels of familiarity (closeness) and meaning attached to them. Learning how to say hello in English is a necessary (essential) part of learning the language and will help you out immensely (a lot). Here are some of the most common ways to say hello- and when you should use them. Good morning/afternoon/evening This is a greeting that can be formal or informal, which is great because it means that it's versatile (usable in many situations). Coming into the office? Meeting someone for the first time? [...]

Saying “Hello” in English!2022-09-30T03:32:12+01:00

So You’re Traveling to the United States…

2022-09-30T00:10:51+01:00

With vacation season in full swing (at its height), it seems like a good time to talk about the United States. Whether you're traveling to the United States for business or pleasure, your tickets are booked, you've taken the time off, and your bags are just about packed. Now it's time to figure out some of the cultural differences. While it may not seem like Germany and the US are that different, there are definitely things that you should be aware of before you go. From some very small differences, to some very large ones, here are your travel must-knows. [...]

So You’re Traveling to the United States…2022-09-30T00:10:51+01:00

False Friends in English: Part Two

2022-09-30T00:06:23+01:00

Did you love our post last week about false friends in English and German? Then just for you, here's part two. If you missed out, find part one here! And in case you need a little catching up as to what false friends are, they're words in languages that look the same, but have different meanings. If you're looking to expand (grow, make bigger) your language knowledge, here are six more false friends in English and German and their meanings! Wonder/sich wundern Do you wonder about differences between German and English? Could it be the difference between wonder and sich [...]

False Friends in English: Part Two2022-09-30T00:06:23+01:00

False Friends – Not Just People

2022-09-30T00:02:37+01:00

One of the most confusing things when you're learning a new language are called false friends. Thankfully, they're not people who only pretend (behave in a certain way, when they actually think the opposite) to be your friend! “False friends” refers to words in two languages that look similar, but have different meanings. These words can be frustrating (annoying) when you're learning a new language, because false friends look so similar. However, we're here to help! Here you'll find some of the most pesky English/German false friends and their meanings. Read on and improve your skills (in both languages)! Become/ bekommen Become and bekommen are [...]

False Friends – Not Just People2022-09-30T00:02:37+01:00

7 More English Idioms You Should Learn

2023-04-29T10:26:20+01:00

Learning idioms is a great way to gain fluency when you're studying a language. Idioms are short phrases (combinations of words) that probably don't make sense on their own, but the whole phrase together provides (gives) greater meaning. Idioms are usually unique to (special to) a language, and are used often by native speakers. If you want to become fluent in a language, learning idioms is essential (necessary). With that in mind, there are several English idioms you should learn if you want to be fluent.If you loved last week's post on English idioms and were eager to know more, here [...]

7 More English Idioms You Should Learn2023-04-29T10:26:20+01:00

7 English Idioms You Should Know

2022-09-29T23:52:47+01:00

Idioms are one of the best indicators (gauge, signs) of your path to fluency in a language. It can be extremely (very) confusing when you hear an idiom for the first time, as the words seem (look like) to have nothing to do with each other at all. However, there are many English idioms you should know, because we use them all the time! Don't get stuck in language limbo (an intermediate state)! Here are 7 common English idioms you should know that you may hear in the boardroom or on the street: Bite the bullet Don't worry, this doesn't [...]

7 English Idioms You Should Know2022-09-29T23:52:47+01:00

The Joys of German Directness

2023-03-08T21:25:04+01:00

The Joys of German Directness One of the biggest stereotypes that Americans have about Germans is that they're very direct. And I've gotta say, since I moved to Germany, it's become one of my favorite things about Germans. I think that many Americans are so used to beating around the bush and hiding behind politeness, that true directness can be seen as rude. But there is definitely a case for being direct and saying what you think. Here's why I love German directness, and why Americans should start taking on this trait: You Know Where You Stand My German friends [...]

The Joys of German Directness2023-03-08T21:25:04+01:00
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