Another 10 Hilarious False Friends in German—Even More Linguistic Mischief!

Did you enjoy the first round of German false friends? Here are 10 more that’ll make you chuckle, blush, or rethink your vocabulary entirely. Behold the sequel no one asked for, but everyone needs.

1️⃣ Rock

• What you think it means: A big stone.

  
  

• What it actually means: A skirt.

  
  

• Example:

  „Ich trage einen Rock.“ = “I’m wearing a skirt.” Not, “I’m carrying a boulder.” Unless you’re very strong and very fashionable.

  
  
  
  

2️⃣ Chefetage

• What you think it means: A fancy restaurant.

  
  

• What it actually means: Executive floor (of a company).

  
  

• Example:

  When Germans say, „Die Chefetage entscheidet das.“, they don’t mean “The kitchen decides.”

  
  

3️⃣ Puff

• What you think it means: Something soft and fluffy.

  
  

• What it actually means: A brothel.

  
  

• Example:

  „Er war im Puff.“ = “He was in a brothel.” Not “He was cuddling a pillow.”

  
  

4️⃣ Kaution

• What you think it means: Caution, like “be careful.”

  
  

• What it actually means: A security deposit.

  
  

• Example:

  „Die Kaution beträgt 1000 Euro.“ = “The deposit is 1000 euros.” Not “Proceed carefully and hand over 1000 euros.”

  
  

5️⃣ Rente

• What you think it means: Paying rent.

  
  

• What it actually means: Pension/retirement.

  
  

• Example:

  „Er ist in Rente.“ = “He’s retired.” Not “He’s paying rent.” Though both can feel equally expensive.

  
  

6️⃣ Sekt

• What you think it means: A religious sect.

  
  

• What it actually means: Sparkling wine.

  
  

• Example:

  „Möchtest du ein Glas Sekt?“ = “Would you like a glass of sparkling wine?” Not “Would you join my cult?”

7️⃣ Lack

• What you think it means: Something missing.

  
  

• What it actually means: Varnish/paint.

  
  

• Example:

  „Der Lack ist ab.“ = Literally “The paint is off” (meaning: someone’s glory has faded). Not “Something’s lacking.”

  
  

8️⃣ Brief

• What you think it means: Short, concise.

  
  

• What it actually means: Letter (you send in the mail).

  
  

• Example:

  „Ich schreibe dir einen Brief.“ = “I’ll write you a letter.” Not “I’ll be brief.” (Although it might be.)

  
  

9️⃣ Brand

• What you think it means: A brand, like Nike or Apple.

  
  

• What it actually means: A fire.

  
  

• Example:

  „Die Feuerwehr löschte den Brand.“ = “The fire brigade put out the fire.” Not “They took down a brand.”

🔟 Smoking (Again)

• What you think it means: Still smoking a cigarette.

  
  

• What it actually means: Still a tuxedo. Because it’s just too weird to leave off the list twice.

Final Thought

So now you know: German is full of traps, but at least they’re hilarious. Next time someone offers you “Sekt” in the “Puff” while wearing a “Smoking,” you’ll know exactly what to say. 😉 Keep learning, keep laughing, and keep watching out for those mischievous false friends!