Learn English with Simmonds
The Simmonds Blog
Tips, tricks and interactive lessons for learning English – from our experienced native trainers.
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English Proofreading for Academic Texts: What You Need to Know
Writing academic texts in English is challenging – proofreading them even more so. Sound familiar? You have finished your research paper, but during proofreading you are unsure: Is the tone formal enough? Is the hedging language correct? Are the citations in the right format? In this interactive lesson, you will learn the key rules for proofreading English academic papers and practise academic style, hedging language and formal expressions in hands-on exercises.
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English Proofreading for Academic Texts: What You Need to Know
Writing academic texts in English is challenging – proofreading them even more so. Sound familiar? You have finished your research paper, but during proofreading you are unsure: Is the tone formal enough? Is the hedging language correct? Are the citations in the right format? In this interactive lesson, you will learn the key rules for proofreading English academic papers and practise academic style, hedging language and formal expressions in hands-on exercises.
Academic Writing in English: The Complete Guide for German Students
Academic writing in English differs significantly from German scholarly style. While German texts tend to be complex and nested, English prefers clarity and precision. Discover the key differences -- from text structure to hedging language and formal vocabulary. With interactive exercises, you will practise thesis statements, topic sentences, and the academic vocabulary you need for your next essay, paper, or dissertation.
English Proofreading: 10 Tricks for Error-Free Texts
Sound familiar? You send an important business email in English and only discover an embarrassing mistake hours later. It doesn't have to be that way! In this lesson, you'll learn professional proofreading techniques that really work – from the reverse reading method to comma rules and the most commonly confused word pairs. With interactive exercises, you'll train yourself to systematically spot and avoid typical errors that German English learners make.
Untranslatable: 20 English Words with No German Equivalent
Some English words simply cannot be translated into German. Words like "awkward", "serendipity", and "cringe" have no direct equivalent. In this interactive article, you will learn the most important untranslatable English words, understand their cultural background, and practice them in numerous exercises.
Common Mistakes in German-to-English Translation in Business Contexts
German native speakers consistently make the same mistakes when speaking English. From false friends like "become" and "gift" to word order errors and preposition problems – in this interactive article, you will learn about the most common mistakes and practice correct usage.
Expressing Emotions in English: Vocabulary and Phrases for Every Situation
Does this sound familiar? You want to express how you feel in English, but all you can think of is "happy" and "sad". Yet the English language offers a fascinating variety of emotion words – from mild expressions like "pleased" to strong feelings like "devastated" or "ecstatic". In this interactive lesson, you will learn over 16 important emotion words, popular idioms like "over the moon" and "feeling blue", as well as body language expressions. With numerous exercises, you will practice expressing feelings precisely and naturally in English.
Write Better English: 8 Tips for Compelling Texts
Writing better English is not a matter of talent but of the right techniques. From clear sentence structure to active verbs to compelling paragraphs – learn the most important strategies for better English texts with interactive exercises.
Signal Words and Linking Words: Write Better English with Connectors
Signal words make the difference between a good and an excellent English text. They show your reader where your argument is heading -- whether a contrast, an addition, or an example is coming. But many German connectors cannot be translated directly: "also" means something completely different in English\! In this interactive lesson, you will learn the most important discourse markers sorted by function, correct punctuation rules, and the difference between formal and informal transitions. With numerous exercises, you will consolidate your knowledge straight away.
Academic Writing in English: The Most Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistakes in scientific writing in English are almost unavoidable for German academics -- unless you know the typical pitfalls. Overly long sentences, incorrect articles, insufficient hedging, and nominalisations that make the text cumbersome. In this interactive lesson, we analyse the eight most common sources of error and show you how to significantly improve your academic writing style in English. Through targeted exercises, you will learn to recognise and avoid these mistakes.
Academic Writing in English: 11 Practical Tips for German Students
Writing an academic paper in English is a special challenge. From the right structure to citation conventions to useful phrases for each section – here you will find the most important tips with interactive exercises. Whether bachelor thesis, master thesis, or dissertation: learn the IMRaD scheme, academic reporting verbs, and the art of hedging. With practical examples and immediately applicable phrases, you will master any English-language publication.
Academic Writing in English: 50+ Essential Phrases and Expressions
The right phrases make all the difference in an academic paper. Do you find yourself staring at a blank screen, searching for the perfect way to open your thesis? From "This paper examines..." to "Further research is needed..." – every section has its own linguistic conventions. In this interactive lesson, you will learn the most important academic expressions for introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion – with exercises you can apply immediately.
Greeting in English: Formal and Informal Greetings for Every Situation
How do you properly greet someone in English? From formal business greetings to casual expressions among friends – the right greeting is your first impression. In this interactive lesson, you will learn the most important English greetings, farewells, and small talk phrases for every situation. With practical exercises, you will train what you have learned and avoid typical mistakes that German native speakers often make.
English Linking Words: The Complete Guide for Advanced Learners
Do your English texts sound choppy despite correct grammar? The secret ingredient you are missing is linking words -- connectors like however, moreover, and nevertheless. These small words make the difference between beginner-level writing and professional communication. In this interactive lesson, you will learn the most important English connectors sorted by function and practise their correct usage, including punctuation rules that German speakers particularly struggle with.
Learning English: How You Benefit Professionally and Personally
Why is it worth learning English? Many people ask themselves this question – and the answer is impressively diverse. From better career opportunities and higher salaries to the freedom to travel the world without language barriers, to scientifically proven cognitive benefits. Discover the most important reasons for learning English and test your knowledge in interactive exercises.
Experiencing Shakespeare in English: Hannover and the English Theatre Tradition
Understanding Shakespeare in English -- does that sound impossible? Not at all! Shakespeare's language is closer to modern English than many people think. In this interactive lesson, you will discover the most famous Shakespeare quotes, learn essential theater vocabulary, and explore how Hannover's theater scene keeps the English tradition alive. With 12 exercises and a video, you will train your English at B2 level -- from Early Modern English to Shakespeare idioms you use every day.
English for Holidays: Asking for Directions and Finding Places
Asking for and understanding directions in English is one of the most essential skills for any traveller. Whether you need to find your way in London, hail a taxi in New York, or catch a bus in Edinburgh -- the right phrases will get you where you need to go. In this lesson, you will learn key expressions for giving and receiving directions, prepositions of place, and practical travel situations. With 12 interactive exercises, you will practise everything from polite questions to understanding complex instructions.
When Only English Is Spoken in Hannover
Hannover is becoming increasingly international -- and English has long become the second business language. Whether at Continental, TUI, or the Hannover Messe: anyone who wants to build a career here needs strong English skills. In this article, you will discover why Lower Saxony's capital is increasingly turning to English, where to find the growing expat community, and how to improve your business English effectively. With interactive exercises and a final quiz, you can test your knowledge right away.
Study Shows: You Speak Less English Than You Think
Do you really speak English as well as you think? Studies show that most Germans overestimate their level by an entire CEFR grade. The Dunning-Kruger effect means we cannot recognize our own gaps. In this article, you will learn why self-assessment is so deceptive, which areas are most commonly overestimated, and how to honestly test your actual English level with five concrete methods.
The Hannover Quiz: How Well Do You Know Lower Saxony's Capital?
How well do you really know Hannover -- and can you express your knowledge in English? In this interactive quiz, you will test your local knowledge about the capital of Lower Saxony while training your English vocabulary. From the Herrenhausen Gardens to the Maschsee, from the New Town Hall to the personal union with Great Britain -- 12 varied exercises will challenge your knowledge and expand your vocabulary.
8 Good Reasons Why You Should Learn English
Why should you learn English? Many professionals in Germany ask themselves this question. The answer is clear: English opens doors -- professionally, personally, and privately. In this article, we present 8 compelling reasons why learning English is worth it. From better career opportunities to unforgettable travel experiences to mental fitness -- discover how English can enrich your life.
The Herrenhausen Gardens: Hannover's English Connection
The Herrenhausen Gardens are far more than a magnificent baroque garden -- they are a living testament to the close connection between Hannover and the British Crown. Did you know that the Kings of Great Britain came from Hannover for over 100 years? In this lesson, you will discover the fascinating history of the personal union while learning essential English vocabulary about gardens, history, and architecture. Complete with interactive exercises and practical phrases for your next visit with English-speaking guests.
Corporate English Training: How Niermann Ofenbau Uses Tailored Language Training
Does this sound familiar? Your international clients expect professional communication in English, but your team lacks the right technical vocabulary. This was exactly the problem Niermann Ofenbau from the Hannover region faced. In this case study, you will learn how the traditional industrial furnace manufacturer revolutionized their international communication through tailored English training. With interactive exercises on technical manufacturing vocabulary, you can improve your own Business English right away.
ChatGPT and English Proofreading: Why AI Alone Is Not Enough (2026)
Can ChatGPT really improve your English texts? Learn the best prompts, understand the limitations of AI proofreading, and find out when you should hire a human editor instead. With hands-on exercises, test right away how well AI helps with proofreading – and where you need to be careful.
Berlin: City of Startups – Why Business English Is Essential Here
Berlin is Europe's startup capital – and Business English is the key to this dynamic ecosystem. Whether pitching to investors, networking at tech events, or interviewing at N26: without confident English, you won't get far in Berlin's startup scene. In this lesson, you'll learn the most important pitch vocabulary, networking phrases, and interview strategies you need for Berlin's international working world. With 12 interactive exercises, you'll practise real-world skills for everyday startup life.
Speaking English in Berlin: Is It Becoming Essential?
Speaking English in Berlin -- is it becoming impossible without it? The capital is growing ever more international: over 200 nationalities, thousands of start-ups with English as their working language, and entire districts where you hear English on the streets more often than German. But what does this mean for the job market, your daily life, and the German language? In this lesson, we analyse the trend and give you practical exercises to strengthen your English for international Berlin.
Business English in Berlin: Why the Capital Works in English
Business English in Berlin -- sounds simple, right? But the reality is different: in meetings you can't find the right phrases, at networking events you lack the appropriate small talk, and your emails sound stiffer than intended. Berlin is now one of Europe's most important international business locations, and confident Business English is not optional but essential here. In this interactive lesson, you'll learn industry-specific vocabulary, diplomatic phrases, and the cultural nuances that make all the difference.
What is Business English? Definition, Content and Why It Matters
What exactly is Business English -- and why is good everyday English not enough for the workplace? Many professionals and managers in Germany face this question when international emails, meetings, or negotiations come up. Business English encompasses far more than specialist vocabulary: it is about the right tone, the appropriate register, and cultural conventions. In this interactive lesson, you will explore the five core areas of Business English, avoid common mistakes German speakers make, and practise both formal and informal phrases with hands-on exercises.
Typical German Expressions in English: 15 Idioms You Should Know
Translating typical German expressions into English correctly is trickier than you might think. If you translate "Ich drücke dir die Daumen" literally, you will only get confused looks. In this lesson you will learn 15 of the most popular German idioms and their correct English equivalents. From "Butter bei die Fische" to "Das ist mir Wurst" — with interactive exercises and a final quiz you will master the most important idioms for work and everyday life.
Online Meetings in English: 10 Tips for Professional Video Conferences
Does this sound familiar? You're in a Zoom call with international colleagues and struggling to find the right English words. You want to sound professional, but technology issues arise and you're missing the right phrases. This lesson is here to help. You'll learn the essential phrases for every stage of an online meeting -- from greeting to discussion to closing. With practical exercises and real meeting scenarios, you'll confidently handle any video call in the future.
The Berlin Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Berlin's International Side
How well do you know Berlin's international side in English? Berlin is one of the most diverse cities in Europe, with over 190 nationalities and a thriving start-up scene where English is the lingua franca. In this interactive quiz, you will test your knowledge about Berlin's landmarks, boroughs, and culture -- while expanding your English vocabulary at the same time. With 12 varied exercises from multiple choice to sentence building, you will improve your English in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Essential Business English Phrases: Expressions for Every Professional Situation
Business English idioms make the difference between sounding correct and sounding professional. You know the feeling -- you're in a meeting with international colleagues, understanding every single word, but the meaning of the phrase remains unclear. 'Get the ball rolling', 'touch base', 'think outside the box' -- these expressions are part of everyday life in English-speaking companies. In this interactive lesson, you'll master the most important business idioms, avoid typical translation traps, and learn phrasal verbs for meetings, emails, and negotiations.
English Job Interview Preparation: How to Impress Your Interviewer
Do you have an English job interview coming up? For many professionals in Germany, the English job interview is a real challenge. The right phrases, confident answers to typical questions, and a professional impression -- all of this needs to be learned. In this lesson, you will prepare specifically for the most common interview questions. With practical exercises and proven answer strategies, you will be perfectly prepared for your next English job interview.
Business Emails in English: Essential Phrases
Do you ever stare at a blank email, searching for the right English phrases? Should it be "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern"? And how do you close professionally without sounding too stiff? This lesson takes the guesswork out of writing business emails in English. You will learn the essential phrases for every situation -- from polite enquiries and follow-ups to confident closings and replies. With real-world examples from everyday business life, interactive exercises, and a memory game, you will practise until these phrases become second nature. By the end, you will handle any professional email with confidence and ease.
Present Perfect vs. Simple Past: The Complete Guide
Do you ever struggle to choose between the present perfect and simple past when speaking English? For German speakers, this is one of the trickiest grammar points because German uses the Perfekt and Praeteritum almost interchangeably. In English, however, clear rules determine which tense to use. This lesson walks you through each rule step by step. With signal words, interactive exercises, and a final quiz, you will master the difference with confidence.
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