Write Better English: 8 Tips for Compelling Texts

Active Instead of Passive: Write More Vividly

German texts use the passive voice very frequently – especially in business correspondence and academic writing. In English, however, too much passive voice sounds weak, impersonal, and hard to read.

The difference is simple:

• Passive: The report was written by the team.
• Active: The team wrote the report.

The active form is shorter, more direct, and more dynamic. It immediately makes clear who is doing what. Of course, there are situations where the passive is appropriate – for example, in scientific texts or when the doer is unimportant. But as a general rule: Prefer the active form.

The Perfect Paragraph: Topic Sentence + Details

A common mistake German writers make is placing the main idea at the end of a paragraph. In English, it works the other way around: the most important sentence comes first.

English paragraph structure follows a clear pattern:

1. Topic Sentence – The first sentence states the main point of the paragraph.
2. Supporting Details – The following sentences provide evidence, examples, or explanations.
3. Concluding Sentence (optional) – A final sentence summarises or transitions to the next paragraph.

Think of the structure like an inverted pyramid: The most important point goes at the top, with details following below. This way, the reader can quickly grasp the main idea.

Transition Words: Connect Your Texts Smoothly

Transition words are the secret to smooth English texts. They show the reader how ideas relate to each other – whether you are adding, contrasting, explaining, or summarising.

Without transition words, a text reads like a list of individual facts. With the right connecting words, it becomes a coherent, convincing text.

The most important categories:

• Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition, also
• Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, although
• Cause/Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result, because
• Example: for example, for instance, such as, specifically
• Summary: in conclusion, to sum up, overall, in short
• Sequence: firstly, secondly, finally, meanwhile

Common Writing Mistakes by German English Learners

Certain mistakes occur again and again with German speakers. They arise from directly transferring German structures into English. If you know these mistakes, you can actively avoid them.

1. Wrong word order: In German, the verb often goes at the end of a subordinate clause. In English, the word order Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) almost always stays the same.

2. False friends: Words like 'become' (not 'bekommen'), 'gift' (not 'Gift/poison'), 'actual' (not 'aktuell/current') lead to misunderstandings.

3. Unnecessary commas: Germans use significantly more commas than is standard in English. There is never a comma before 'that' in English.

4. Missing uncountable nouns: 'Information', 'advice', 'feedback' are uncountable in English – they do not take 'a/an' and have no plural form.

Formal vs. Informal: Striking the Right Tone

In English, there are fewer gradations than in German between formal and informal. Nevertheless, it is important to choose the right tone for each situation.

Formal style (business reports, academic texts):

• No contractions: 'do not' instead of 'don't'
• No colloquial expressions
• Complete sentences, no fragments
• Impersonal tone where appropriate

Informal style (emails to colleagues, blog posts):

• Contractions allowed: 'don't', 'won't', 'I've'
• Direct address of the reader
• Shorter sentences, more relaxed tone
• Phrasal verbs instead of formal verbs: 'find out' instead of 'discover'