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?
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.
When should I use sensitive, and when should I use sensible? Are they the same?
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.
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...