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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 Learn English Fast

2023-07-09T11:28:17+01:00

Last week here on the Bespeaking blog, we talked about how to incorporate (to add into) more English into your everyday life. We got a TON of feedback from other language learners – thank you! - and wanted to share their tips on how to learn English fast with you here: Change your phone / Facebook / social media We all use our smartphones every day. Think about it - they are always in our hands! And how many times a day do you check Facebook for messages, news, or to see what your friends are up to? Changing the [...]

How to Learn English Fast2023-07-09T11:28:17+01:00

How to Use More English Every Day

2022-10-30T15:18:14+01:00

If you're determined to learn English (or any language, for that matter), the hardest part can be using it consistently.  To use more English everyday, you need a plan. When I first started learning German in college, I complained a little bit about having German class Monday to Friday for an hour and a half. Then my dad told me that it was necessary to learn the language, as I needed all the practice I could get. As it turns out, he was right (thanks, Dad!). When learning a new language, you need to practice a lot. It's a "use [...]

How to Use More English Every Day2022-10-30T15:18:14+01:00

Learning English Online

2022-09-30T03:44:11+01:00

If you've finally decided to take the plunge and learn English, the next step is to find a school that's right for you. The possibilities are virtually (ha!) endless with many types of schools to suit all types of students when learning English online. If you have the time and the access, a physical school might be the right fit for you. But for those of us (English teachers, too!) who just can't seem to find enough hours in the day, learning English online can be the perfect solution. What's Different About Learning English Online? Not much, honestly. As an [...]

Learning English Online2022-09-30T03:44:11+01:00

German Loan Words Part 2

2022-09-30T03:40:03+01:00

Last week here on the Bespeaking blog, we started our exploration into German loan words in English. And while we won't finish that this week (a teacher's work is never done!), we'll dive a bit deeper still. Here are five more German loan words in English. Are there any that you find surprising? Gestalt Did you ever hear the term gestalt mentioned in your psychology (the science of the mind) class in college? If you did, you have the Germans to thank for it. In German, Gestalt is a shape or a form, and this is part of what's behind [...]

German Loan Words Part 22022-09-30T03:40:03+01:00

Is English Vocabulary Hard?

2023-06-28T19:12:36+01:00

We're shaking it up a bit (doing something different) this week on the Bespeaking blog! People always ask me if German is a hard language to learn and my answer always goes a little something like this: “To an extent, yes.” The grammar can be quite difficult. But when it comes to English vocabulary words themselves, it's relatively easy. If we are talking about loan words, or words that have been borrowed from another language, English usually takes the cake as the "cool" language to borrow words from. But did you know that these four English vocabulary words are actually [...]

Is English Vocabulary Hard?2023-06-28T19:12:36+01:00

The Perils of Word-for-Word Translation

2022-09-30T03:36:34+01:00

When I first started taking French in high school, and later when I switched to German at the beginning of college, my professors kept telling me that I shouldn't use Google Translate if I couldn't figure out how to say something. Of course being 14 (and then 18 years old), I thought I knew better and that I could fool them, so I translated a paper through Google Translate when I had too little sleep and a big deadline one night. Needless to say (clearly), that did not go well! While I still might think that I know better than [...]

The Perils of Word-for-Word Translation2022-09-30T03:36:34+01:00

To, Too, or Two?: Fun with English Homophones

2022-09-30T03:35:01+01:00

Have you heard of  English homophones? Do you know the difference between wound and wound? What about to, too, and two? If you do, you're probably a pretty proficient (experienced, skilled) English speaker. But even fluent speakers need a brush up once in a while! English homophones are two or more words that sound the same but have different spellings and/or meanings. Check out this list of English homophones and see how many you get right! To, Too, Two There are three different spellings for the word to (or too, or two), all pronounced the same way. To means expressing [...]

To, Too, or Two?: Fun with English Homophones2022-09-30T03:35:01+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
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