02 Jun Taste or smell?
In Swiss German, the verb schmecken is used for both smell and taste in English. This is why some Swiss speakers only use one of these two verbs. But in English, they don't mean the same thing. So when should I use smell, and when should I use taste?
25 May Should I say ‘mobbing’ or ‘bullying’?
In German and Swiss German, bullying is called Mobbing. The word mobbing does indeed exist in English, however, there is a slight difference in meaning. Let's compare the two words by having a look at their definition.
12 May Which English test should I take?
Posted at 12:15h
in English for Work/Academic Purposes
A lot of students ask me which English test they should sit for, but the answer isn't really straightforward. Since there are quite a few tests to choose from, it's always better to know what you're in for and what your certificate will be worth in the end.
This post will help you figure out which test to sit for, depending on what you wish to achieve with your result. Do you need it for work or university, for visa purposes or simply to figure out where you stand and how much you've improved? Read on to find out which test would suit your needs, and how you can prepare yourself better beforehand.
06 Apr Do nouns like ‘information’ and ‘advice’ have a plural form?
Everyone gets these wrong at one point or another, and it's completely understandable - in German and Swiss German, information and advice are countable nouns. In English, however, information and advice are uncountable nouns. So what's the difference between countable and uncountable nouns?
20 Mar Should I say spend or donate money to charity? What’s the difference?
In German and Swiss German, spenden is the verb used when giving something for a good cause. Although it sounds similar to the English verb spend, it doesn't mean the same thing - another false friend to avoid. In English, the verb used to talk about giving money, clothes or food to charity is donate.
14 Mar What’s the difference between sensitive and sensible?
When should I use sensitive, and when should I use sensible? Are they the same?
31 Jan My-Deutsch: Fire-Evenings
Here's a post on one of my own speaking mistakes, for a change. When I first moved to Switzerland, I avoided speaking in German or Swiss German like the plague, even though I desperately wanted to learn. I always told myself I'd start speaking once my level was higher - a mistake everyone makes when learning a new language.
13 Jan Swiss/High German expressions: on going to the loo
I prefer taking my time when going to the loo, but the Swiss just want to get it over and done with as quickly as possible...
