24 False Friends

False Friends

Sometimes words in two languages sound or look very similar, but have different meanings. (bekommen ≠ become). Such words are called a ‘false friends’. Pay close attention to them if you don’t want to shoot yourself in the foot. 

Here are a few examples:

• • • • arm = poor
      • aktuell = current
      • die Art = kind/sort
      • bald = soon
      • bekommen = to receive
      • der Bodybag = backpack
      • eventuell = possibly
      • das Gift = poison