Christine Burgmer – English Language Trainer

CHRISTINE
BURGMER
let's talk business
British-American differences
BRITISH-AMERICAN DIFFERENCES
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You should be aware of the differences between British English and
American English so that you can adapt your style of communication to the situation.” And I fully agree
with him!
That’s why I have prepared this checklist of British and American differences. So watch out in particular
for:
•
•
•
•
differences in spelling, such as theatre (British English) and theater (American English)
words that are completely different, i.e. pavement (British English) and sidewalk (American
English)
identical words which have totally different meanings, i.e. second floor in British English is first
floor in American English and
words that can be quite safe in British English but dangerous in American English, or vice versa,
e.g. “to knock up” means “to wake someone up by knocking on their door” in Britain, but “to make
a woman pregnant” in America!
Do you see how knowing the differences can be important? 
British English
American English
German
accelerator
accepting house
accommodation
adjustable spanner
advisor
aerial
aeroplane, plane
afters
afterwards
agony aunt
Alsatian
aluminium
amongst
analyse
anorak
answerphone, ansaphone
anti-clockwise
annual general meeting (AGM)
apart from, besides
articles of association
gas pedal
acceptance bank
accommodations
monkey wrench
adviser
antenna
airplane
dessert
afterward
advice columnist
German shepherd
aluminum
among
analyze
jacket
answering machine
counter-clockwise
annual meeting of shareholders
aside from
articles of incorporation, by-laws
articulated lorry
assistant lecturer (uni)
semi-trailer truck
instructor
Gaspedal
Akzepthaus
Unterkunft
Schraubenschlüssel
Berater/in
Antenne
Flugzeug
Nachtisch
nachher
Briefkastentante
Schäferhund
Aluminium
zwischen, inmitten
auswerten, analysieren
Anorak
Anrufbeantworter
gegen den Uhrzeigersinn
Jahreshauptversammlung
außer
Gesellschaftssatzung, Gesellschaftsvertrag
Sattelschlepper
Assistent/in
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
1
athletics
at the weekend
aubergine
axe
autumn
track and field
on the weekend
eggplant
ax
fall
Leichtathletik
am Wochenende
Aubergine
Axt
Herbst
back garden
badge
baked potato
Kartoffel
baking sheet/tray
bangers
bank holiday
banknote
bank rate, minimum lending
rate (M.L.R.)
barmy
base rate
bath
bath a baby
bathing costume
beetroot
benefitted
berk
bespoke
bill
bills payable
bills receivable
bin
bird
biscuit
black
black grapes
blackpudding
blancmange
blimey
blind
block of flats
bloke
blood group
bobbie
boffin
bog
boiled sweet
bonnet (car)
bonus issue
boot
backyard
button
jacket potato
Garten (hinterm Haus)
Abzeichen, Button
in der Schale gebackene
cookie sheet
sausages
public/national holiday
bill
discount rate
Backblech
Würstchen
Feiertag
Geldschein
Leitzinsen, Diskontsatz
idiotic
prime rate
bathe
bathe a baby
swimsuit
beet, red beet
benefited
idiot
tailor made, customized
check
notes payable
notes receivable
trashcan
chick
cookie
boycott
red grapes
blood sausage
vanilla pudding
wow, my goodness
(window) shade
apartment building
guy
blood type
policeman
expert
toilet
hard candy
hood
stock split
trunk
bekloppt
Eckzins
ein Bad nehmen
ein Kind baden
Badeanzug
Rote Beete
begünstigt
Dussel
maßgeschneidert
Rechnung
Wechselverbindlichkeiten
Wechselforderungen
Müllereimer, Mülltonne
Mädel, Biene
Keks, Plätzchen
boykottieren
schwarze Weintrauben
Blutwurst
Pudding
verflucht
Jalousie
Wohnblock
Kerl, Typ
Blutgruppe
Polizist
Eierkopf
Toilette
Bonbon
Motorhaube
Aktienteilung
Kofferraum
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
2
booze
boozer
bottle bank
braces
break (school)
breakdown truck
breve (music)
bribery
broad beans
brush
building society
alcoholic drinks
pub
bottle return
suspenders
recess
tow truck
double whole note
payola
lima beans
broom
building and loan association
bum
bumbag
butcher’s shop
butt
fanny pack
butcher shop
cake tin
camp bed
candy floss
capital gearing
cake pan
cot
cotton candy
leverage
car
caravan
card index
caretaker
car park
car park
car park, multi-storey
carriage forward
carriage inward(s)
carriage outward(s)
carrier bag
cartel
cash on delivery (c.o.d.)
castor
catalogue
catalogue showroom
catapult
centenary
automobile
trailer
card catalog
janitor
parking lot
parking garage
parking structures
freight forward
freight-in
freight-out
shopping bag
trust
collect on delivery
caster
catalog
catalog store
slingshot
centennial
central reservation
certificate of incorporation
chairman
Chancellor of the Exchequer
change gears (in a car)
chap
median (strip)
corporation charter
president
Secretary of the Treasury
shift gears
guy
Alkohol
Wirtschaft
Altglassammelstelle
Hosenträger
Pause
Abschleppwagen
Brevis
Bestechung
dicke Bohne, Saubohne
Handbesen
Bausparkasse (auf Gegenseitigkeit), Hypothekenbank
Hintern
Gürteltasche
Metzgerei
Kuchenform
Campingliege; Feldbett
Zuckerwatte
Verhältnis EigenkapitalFremdkapital
Auto
Wohnwagen
Kartei
Hausmeister
Parkplatz
Parkhaus
Parkhaus
unfrei
Eingangsfrachtkosten
Ausgangsfrachtkosten
Tragetasche
Kartell
per Nachnahme
Rolle, Rad
Katalog
Katalogladen
Schleuder
hundertster Jahres-/
Geburtstag, Jahrhundert
Grünstreifen
Gründungsurkunde
Vorsitzende(r)
Schatzkanzler, Finanzminister
schalten
Kerl
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
3
chartered accountant
certified public accountant
cheerio
cheers
chemist’s
cheque
chest of drawers
chief accountant
child
chips
chum
cinema
city centre
Civil Aviation Authority
class
climbing frame
cloakroom
close/closed company
goodbye
thank you
drugstore/pharmacy
check
bureau
chief accounting officer
kid
French fries
buddie
movie theater
downtown
Federal Aviation Administration
grade
jungle gym
checkroom
close/closed corporation,
closely-held corporation
close-out sale
closing down sale
clothes peg
college staff
colour
company chairman/
chairwoman/chairperson
Competition Commission
compulsory reading
confectionery
confidence trick (con trick)
conscript for military service
conscript
constable
cookery book
copper
corn
corporation tax
cot
cot death
cotton buds
cotton wool
council tax
clothes pin
faculty (of a college)
color
counsel for the defence
courgette
court shoes
public defender
zucchini
pumps
president
Federal Trade Commission
required reading
candy
confidence game
draft
draftee
patrolman/-woman
cookbook
policeman
maize
corporate income tax
crib
crib death
cotton tips, Q-tips
cotton ball
local tax, city tax
(öffentlich zugelassener)
Bilanzbuchhalter/Wirtschaftsprüfer
Tschüss
Danke
Drogerie, Apotheke
Scheck
Kommode
Leiter/in des Rechnungswesens
Kind
Fritten
Kumpel
Kino
Innenstadt
Bundesluftfahrtbehörde
Klasse
Klettergerüst
Garderobe
GmbH mit beschränkter
Mitgliederzahl
Räumungsverkauf bei
Geschäftsaufgabe
Wäscheklammer
Lehrkörper
Farbe
Vorstandsvorsitzende(r)
Kartellamt
Pflichtlektüre
Süßwaren
Schwindel
einberufen
Wehrpflichtige(r)
Polizist/in
Kochbuch
Polizist/in
Mais
Körperschaftssteuer
Kinderbett
plötzlicher Kindstod
Wattestäbchen
Watte
Gemeindesteuer, Kommunalabgaben
Pflichtverteidiger/in
Zucchini
Pumps
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
4
coverage
reach
credit note
crib
crib
crib
crisps
crotchet
cum-dividend shares
cupboard
current account
curriculum vitae (CV)
curtains
cushion (on sofa)
custard
Customs and Excise
credit memo
pony
cot
crèche
potato chips
quarter note
dividend-on stock
closet
checking account
résumé
drapes
pillow
custard sauce
Bureau of Customs
cut-price goods
cut-rate goods
death/estate duty
debenture
debit note
defence
demister
Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs
Department for Transport
Department for Work and
Pensions
Department of Trade and
Industry
deposit account
dialling tone
diary
dice
different from
director
directory enquiries
diversion
dodgem
dole, to be on the
doll’s house
dosshouse
double cream
doughnut
down-market, to go
inheritance tax
debenture bond
debit memo
defense
defroster
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)
Department of Transportation
Depart of Labor
Erbschaftssteuer
Schuldverschreibung
Belastungsanzeige
Verteidigung
Department of Commerce
Wirtschaftsministerium,
Handelsministerium
Sparkonto
Freizeichen
Terminkalender
Würfel
anders als
Hauptabteilungsleiter/in
Fernsprechauskunft
Umleitung
Autoskooter
von der Fürsorgeleben
Puppenhaus
Obdachlosenheim
Schlagsahne
Berliner
sich dem Massenmarkt
zuwenden
time account/deposit
dial tone
date book
die
different than
vice-president
directory assistance
detour
bumper car
to be on relief
dollhouse
flophouse
whipping cream
donut
trading down
Berichterstattung in den
Medien
Gutschriftanzeige
Spickzettel
Futterkrippe
Krippe
Chips
Viertelnote
Aktien mit Dividende
Schrank
laufendes Konto, Girokonto
Lebenslauf
Vorhänge
Kissen
Vanillasoße
Behörde für Zölle und
Verbrauchssteuern
Sonderangebote
Umweltministerium
Verkehrsministerium
Arbeitsministerium
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
5
draught
draughts
drawing pin
dressing gown
drinks trolley
driving licence
dual carriageway
on which the 2 streams of
dummy
dustbin
dustman
duvet
dux
draft
checkers
thumb tack
robe
drinks cart
driver(’s) license
divided highway
traffic are separated)
comforter, pacifier
trash can, garbage can
garbage man/collector
comforter
valedictorian
Durchzug
Damespiel
Reißzwecke
Hausmantel
Getränkewagen
Führerschein
Schnellstraße (a major road
employ, engage (a person)
encyclopaedia
engaged
engaged tone
enrol
estate agent
estate car
excise duty
ex-dividend shares
expiry date
hire
encyclopedia
busy
busy signal
enroll
realtor
station wagon
excise tax
dividend-off stock
expiration date
einstellen
Lexikon, Enzyklopädie
besetzt
Besetztzeichen
einschreiben, anmelden
Grundstücksmakler/in
Kombi
Warensteuer, Verbrauchssteuer
Aktien ohne Dividende
Verfallsdatum
(face) flannel, facecloth
fag
fail in an exam
fair copy
family
favourite
fellow, chap
film
finance director
fire brigade
first floor
fish fingers
fishmonger’s
fixed assets
fizzy drink
flan
flat
(block of flats)
flat mate
flat to let
flat tyre
flex
washcloth
cigarette
flunk
final copy
folks
favorite
guy
movie
chief financial officer
fire department
second floor
fish sticks
fish store
non-current assets
soda, pop
pie
apartment
(apartment-house)
roommate
apartment for rent
flat
cord
Waschlappen
Zigarette
durchfallen
Reinschrift
Familie
LieblingsMann, Typ
Kinofilm
Finanzdirektor/in
Feuerwehr
1. Etage
Fischstäbchen
Fischgeschäft
Sachanlagen, Anlagevermögen
Brause
Kuchen
Wohnung
(Wohnblock)
Mitbewohner
Wohnung zu vermieten
(Reifen)panne
Schnur, Kabel
Schnuller
Mülltonne
Müllmann
Deckbett
Abschiedsredner/in
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
6
flexitime
football
football boots
Foreign Office
flextime
soccer
cleats
State Department
Foreign Secretary
forklift truck
form, class
former
fortnight
franking machine
Freefone
French bean
friendly society
Secretary of State
forklift
grade
one-time
two weeks
postage meter
toll-free 800 number
snow peas
benefit society
fringe
full stop
funfair
funnel
bangs
period
carnival
smokestack
Gleitzeit
Fußball
Fußballschuhe
Auswärtiges Amt/Außenministerium
Außenminister/in
Gabelstapler
Klasse
ehemalig
vierzehn Tage
Frankiermaschine
gebührenfreier Anruf
grüne Bohnen
Versicherungsverein auf
Gegenseitigkeit (VaG)
Pony (Haar)
Punkt
Kirmes
Schornstein
garden
gearbox
gear lever/gear stick
gherkin
gift token
ginger nut
give up
give way
gobsmacked
golden handshake
goods train
got
government
gradient
grate
greaseproof paper
ground floor
groundsheet
grill
gauge
guillotine
gut fish
half six, half past six
hall of residence
handbag
handbill, handout
handbrake
yard
transmission
gear shift
pickles
gift certificate
ginger snap
quit
yield
speechless
golden parachute
freight train
gotten
administration
grade
shred
waxed paper
first floor
ground cloth
broil
gage
paper cutter
clean fish
six thirty, half past six
dormitory, dorm
purse
dodger
emergency/parking brake
Garten
Getriebe
Schaltknüppel
Gewürzgurke
Geschenkgutschein
Ingwerplätzchen
aufgeben
Vorfahrt achten
platt
Abfindung
Güterzug
bekam
Regierung
Neigung
raspeln, reiben
Pergamentpapier
Erdgeschoß
Zeltbodenplane
grillen
abschätzen, beurteilen
Hebeschneidmaschine
(Fisch) ausnehmen
halb sieben
Studentenwohnheim
Handtasche
Flugblatt
Handbremse
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
7
hand luggage
hard shoulder
haricot beans
haulier
headmaster/headmistress
heated rear window
hen night
carry-on baggage
breakdown lane
navy beans
hauler
principal
rear defroster
bachelorette night
hill-walking
hire (a car)
hire purchase
hoarding
hob
holdall
holiday
holidaymaker
homosexual
hood (car)
hoover
hot money
household appliances
house-trained
hyphen
hiking
rent (a car)
installment plan
billboard
stove, cooktop
duffle bag
vacation
vacationer
fag
convertible top
vacuum cleaner
funk money
home appliances
house-broken
dash
Handgepäck
Seitenstreifen
Gartenbohne
Spediteur
Schuldirektor(in)
beheizte Heckscheibe
Party für die Braut vor der
Hochzeit
Bergwandern
(ein Auto) mieten
Ratenkauf
Plakatwand, Reklametafel
Kochfeld
Reisetasche
Urlaub
Urlauber
homosexuell
Verdeck
Staubsauger
heißes Geld
Hausgeräte
stubenrein
Bindestrich
ice lolly
icing
icing sugar
ill
income support
indicator
induction
industrial estate
Inland revenue
insect
ironmonger
ironmongery
issuing house/bank
popsicle
frosting
powdered sugar
sick
welfare benefits
turn signal, blinker
introduction
industrial park
Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.)
bug
hardware dealer
hardware
investment bank
Eis am Stiel
Zuckerguß
Puderzucker
krank
Sozialhilfe
Richtungsanzeiger, Blinker
Einarbeitung, Einweisung
Gewerbegebiet
Finanzamt
Insekt
Eisenwarenhändler/in
Eisenwaren
Emissionsbank, Investmentbank
jacket potato
baked potato
jam
jelly
jemmy
jewellery
joint
jug
jumble sale
jelly
jello
jimmy
jewelry
beef roast
pitcher
yard sale
(in der Schale) gebackene
Kartoffel
Konfitüre
Wackelpudding
Brech-/Stemmeisen
Schmuck
Braten
Krug
Flohmarkt
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
8
jumper
junk shop
sweater
junk store
Pullover
Ramschladen
kennel
kilogramme
kip
kit (sports)
knackered/shattered
knickers
knock up (to wake up)
know-all
doghouse
kilogram
nap
uniform
tuckered out
women’s underpants/panties
knock up (to make pregnant)
know-it-all
Hundehütte
Kilogramm
Schläfchen
Zeug, Sachen
geschafft, kaputt
Schlüpfer
aufwecken/ein Kind anhängen
Besserwisser, Neunmalkluger
ladder
ladderproof
ladybird
lay of the land
layby
leading article, editorial
lecturer (uni)
lemon squeezer
lend
letter box
life assurance
lift
limited (liability) company (Ltd.)
run
runproof
ladybug
lie of the land
truck stop, rest area
editorial
assistant professor
juicer
loan
mail slot
life insurance
elevator
closed corporation (Inc.)
liquidiser
liver sausage
livery
lodger
lollipop
loo
lorry
luggage
(luggage van)
electric blender
liverwurst
company colors
roomer
sucker
restroom
truck
baggage
(baggage car)
Laufmasche
laufmaschensicher
Marienkäfer
Sachlage, Lage der Dinge
Parkbucht, Rastplatz
Leitartikel
Dozent/in
Zitronenpresse
leihen
Briefkasten
Lebensversicherung
Aufzug
Gesellschaft mit beschränkter
Haftung (GmbH)
Mixgerät
Leberwurst
Firmenfarben
Untermieter/in
Lutscher
Klo
Lastwagen
Gepäck
(Gepäckwagen)
mackintosh
main subject
manager
managing director (M.D.)
raincoat, windbreaker
major
director
chief executive officer (CEO)
manoeuvre
mark
match
maths, mathematics
meet
mince, minced meat
maneuver
grade
game
math
meet with
ground beef
Regenmantel
Hauptfach
leitende(r) Angestellte(r)
Geschäftsführer, (Haupt)Betriebsleiter
Feldzug
korrigieren und benoten
Spiel
Mathematik
sich treffen mit
Hackfleisch
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
9
minim (music)
misjudgement
mobile phone
momentarily
half note
misjudgment
cell phone, cellie
momentarily
motorway
mould
mouse mat
moustache
mudguard
muesli
multiple store
mum
freeway, highway, expressway
mold
mouse pad
mustache
fender
granola
chain store
mom
halbe Note
Fehlurteil
Handy
BE für einen Augenblick/
AE jeden Augenblick
Autobahn
Schimmel, Gießform
Mausmatte
Schnurrbart
Schutzblech
Müsli
Filialgeschäft
Mutter, Mutti
nappy
national insurance
neat (of a drink)
newspaper cutting
notice board
nought
number plate
diaper
social security
straight
newspaper clipping
bulletin board
zero
license plate
Windel
Sozialversicherung
pur, unverdünnt
Zeitungsausschnitt
schwarzes Brett
Null
Nummernschild
of course
Office of Fair Trading
off-licence
old-age pensioner (OAP)
omnibus
one-man business
operative
optional
ordinary shares, equities
or nearest offer (o.n.o.)
outgoings
owners’ equity, shareholders’
equity, net worth
sure
Better Business Bureau
liquor store
senior
tram
sole proprietorship
operator
elective
common stock
or best offer (o.b.o.)
expenditures
proprietors’ capital, net equity
(Aber) Natürlich
Amt für Verbraucherschutz
Wein- und Spirituosenhandel
Rentner/in
Autobus
Einzelnunternehmen
Maschinist/in
WahlStammaktien
Verhandlungsbasis
Ausgänge
reiner Wert eines Betriebs
packet
pack of cards
packet of cigarettes
page(boy)
pants
paraffin (oil)
parcel
past
pavement
pay-as-you-earn (P.A.Y.E.)
pack, package
deck of cards
pack of cigarettes
bellboy, bellhop
underpants
kerosene
package
after, past
sidewalk
withholding tax
Paket
Kartenspiel
Schachtel Zigaretten
Page, Hoteljunge
Unterhosen
Paraffin
Päckchen, Paket
nach (Uhrzeit)
Bürgersteig
Quellensteuer, Lohnsteuerabzugsverfahren
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
10
pedestrian precinct
pedlar
pension scheme
pensioner
personnel
personnel manager
perspex
petrol(eum)
petrol station
picnic area
pig
pigtails
pilchards
pint
pip
pissed
pitch
placement
plait
planning permission
plaster
plough
plough back
policeman/-woman
police station
polo neck
polythene
positive/reverse discrimination
post
postal vote
postbox, letter box
postcode
poste restante
postman
potholing
pram
prawn
preference shares
press-up
prise, prize
prison
private limited company
professor
pedestrian zone
peddler/pedler
pension plan
senior
human resources
director of human resources
plexiglass
gas(oline)
gas station, filling station
rest stop
hog
braids
sardines
pint
Fußgängerzone
Hausierer
Altersversorgung
Rentner
Personal
Personalchef
Acrylglas
Benzin
Tankstelle
Restplatz
Schwein
Zöpfe
Sardinen
BE 20 fluid ounces/AE 16
fluid ounces
seed, pit
Kern
pissed
BE betrunken/AE verärgert
field
Feld, Platz
internship
Praktikum
braid
Zopf
zoning permission
Baugenehmigung
bandage or Band-Aid™
Pflaster
plow
Pflug
plow back
reinvestieren
patrolman/-woman
Polizist/in
station house
Polizeiwache
turtle neck
Rollkragen
polyethylene
Polyäthylen
affirmative action
Quotenregelung,
Gleichstellungsprogramm
mail
Post
absentee ballot
Briefwahl
mailbox
Briefkasten
zip code
Postleitzahl
general delivery
postlagernd
mail/letter carrier
Postbote
caving, spelunking
Höhlenforschung
baby carriage, baby buggy, stroller Kinderwagen
shrimp
Garnele, Krabbe
preferred stock
Vorzugsaktien
push-up
Liegestütz
pry
aufbrechen
penitentiary
Gefängnis
private limited corporation
Gesellschaft mit beschränkter
Haftung
full professor
Professor
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
11
profit-and-loss account
(P&L a/c)
programme
provision
proxy
proxy
pub(lic house)
public convenience
public limited company (P.L.C.)
income statement
program
reserve
power of attorney
attorney
Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung
Programm
Rückstellung
Handlungsvollmacht, Prokura
Prokurist(in),Handlungsbevollmächtigte(r)
Kneipe
Toilette
Aktiengesellschaft
public prosecutor
public relations
public school
public holiday
public transport
pudding
puncture
purse
pushchair
pyjamas
bar
restroom
publicly-held corporation,
open corporation
district attorney
public affairs
private school
holiday
public transportation
dessert
flat
change purse, coin purse, wallet
stroller, baby buggy
pajamas
quaver (music)
queue
eighth note
line
Achtelnote
Schlange
railway
rails
randy
rasher of ham
rate of stock turnover
read (subject at a university)
receptionist
redundancy
railroad
tracks
horny
slice of ham
rate of inventory turnover
study
desk clerk
severance
redundancy payment
reel
retail price index (R.P.I.)
return ticket
revenue reserves
reverse-charge call
reverse charges
ring
rise (in salary)
road haulage
roadway
roast potato
severance payment
spool
consumer price index (C.P.I.)
round-trip ticket
retained earnings
collect call
call collect
call
raise
trucking/truckage
pavement (paved road)
oven browned potato
Bahn
Gleis(e)
scharf, geil
Schinkenscheibe
Lagerumschlag
studieren
Empfangsdame
Arbeitslosigkeit nach
Rationalisierung
Entlassungsabfindung
Spule
Einzelhandelspreisindex
Rückfahrkarte
Gewinnrücklagen
R-Gespräch
ein R-Gespräch anmelden
anrufen
(Gehalts)erhöhung
Güterkraft- und Fernverkehr
Straße
Kartoffel in Fett im Backofen
gebraten
Staatsanwalt
Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Privatschule
öffentlicher Feiertag
öffentliche Verkehrsmittel
Nachtisch
Reifenpanne
Portemonnaie
Sportwagen
Schlafanzug
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
12
roller blind
roundabout
rowing boad
rowlock
rubber
rubbish
rucksack
roller shade
traffic circles, rotaries
row boat
oarlock
eraser
trash, garbage
backpack
Springrollo
Kreisverkehr
Ruderboot
Dolle
Radiergummi
Müll, Abfall
Rucksack
sack
sailing dinghy
saloon
scheme
school leaver
scribbling block/pad
season ticket
second floor
see-saw
self-catering
Sellotape™
semibreve (music)
semiquaver (music)
send
senior lecturer
share capital
share (price) index
shares
shop
shop assistant
shopping arcade/precinct
shop-soiled
shorthand
shorthand writer
side boards
sieve
signalled
silencer
single cream
single ticket
skip
skirting board
skive
sleeper (railway)
sleeping partner
sleeping policeman
slip road
slowcoach
soft toy
dismiss, fire
sailboat
sedan
plan
graduate
scratch pad
commutation ticket
third floor
teeter-totter, teeterboard
no meals included
Scotch tape™
whole note
sixteenth note
mail
associate professor
stock capital
index of stocks
stock
store
sales clerk
shopping mall
shop-worn
stenography
stenographer
sideburns
sifter
signaled
muffler
light cream
one-way ticket
dumpster, trash bin
baseboard
playing hookie
tie
silent partner
speed-bump/hump
ramp
slowpoke
stuffed animal
entlassen
Segelboot
Limousine
Plan
Schulabgänger/in
Notizblock
Zeitkarte
2. Etage
Wippe
Selbstversorgung
Tesafilm™
ganze Note
Sechzehntelnote
schicken
Dozent/in (in höherer Position)
Aktienkapital
(nationaler) Aktienindex
Aktien
Geschäft
Verkäufer/in
Einkaufszentrum
angestaubt, leicht beschädigt
Kurzschrift
Stenograf/in
Koteletten
Sieb
signalisiert
Schalldämpfer
süsse Sahne
Einzelfahrkarte
Container
Fußleiste
schwänzen
Schwelle
stiller Teilhaber/Gesellschafter
Bodenschwelle
Autobahnauffahrt/ausfahrt
Transuse
Stofftier
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
13
sole trader
solicitor
sorry
sorry?, pardon?
source and application of
funds statement
spanner (adjustable -)
sparking plug
speciality
spelt
spirits
spring onion
stabilisers
stag night
stalagmite, stalagtite
stand/run for election
starter
Stationery Office, Her Majesty’s
stationmaster
Statistics, Office of National
steady on
stilettos
stock
stocktaking
stock turnover
stock-car racing
stone
streetwise
subscriber trunk dialling (S.T.D.)
subsidiary subject
subway
suggest so. for a job
sulphate
sultanas
summer time
sunrise
sunset
surgery (doctor’s/dentist’s)
suppose
swede
sweet
sweetcorn
sweets
sweet shop
Swiss roll
sole proprietor
lawyer, attorney
excuse me
Excuse me?
fund(s) flow statement
monkey wrench
spark plug
specialty
spelled
liquour
green onion
training wheels
bachelor party
flowstone
run for election
appetizer
US Government Printing Office
station agent
Census Bureau
“hold your horse!”
pumps, high heels
inventory
inventory
inventory turnover
demolition derby
pit
street-smart
direct distance dialing
minor
underground street crossing,
underpass
slate so.
sulfate
golden raisins/seedless white
raisins
daylight (saving) time, (DST)
sun-up
sundown
doctor’s/dentist’s office
figure, guess
turnip
dessert
corn, maize
candy
candy store
jelly roll
Einzelunternehmer
Rechtsanwalt
Entschuldigung!
Wie bitte?
Mittelherkunfts- und Verwendungsrechnung
Schraubenschlüssel
Zündkerze
Spezialität
buchstabiert
Spirituosen
Frühlingszwiebel
Stützräder
Saufabend des Bräutigams
Stalagmit, Stalagtit
für ein Amt kandidieren
Vorspeise
Staatsdruckerei
Bahnhofsvorsteher/in
Statistisches Amt
Sachte!
Schuhe mit Pfennigabsätzen
Ware
Inventur
Lagerumschlag
Stockcarrennen
Stein
gewieft
Selbstwählferndienst
Nebenfach
Unterführung
jmdn. vorschlagen
Sulfa
Sultaninen
Sommerzeit
Sonnenaufgang
Sonnenuntergang
Arzt-/Zahnarztpraxis
annehmen
Steckrübe
Nachtisch
Mais
Süssigkeiten
Süßwarenladen
Biskuitrolle
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
14
switch selling
bait and switch selling
Kundenwerbung durch Sonderangebote/Lockvogelangebote
takeaway
tap
tarmac
taxi
telephonist, switchboard
operator
telly
temperature
term
terrace(d) house
testimonial
theatre
third-year student/student
in his/her third year
tick
tie
tights
timetable
tin
tinned fruit
tin-opener
toilet
toll road
torch
tracksuit
trade union
trainers
training manager
take-out
faucet, tap
asphalt
cab, hack
Essen zum Mitnehmen
Wasserhahn
Asphalt
Taxi
switchboard operator
TV
fever
semester
row house, town house
(letter of) recommendation
theater
junior
Telefonist(in)
Fernseher
Fieber
Semester
Reihenhaus
Arbeitszeugnis
Theater
Student(in) im 3. Jahr
check mark, check
necktie
panty-hose
schedule
can
canned fruit
can-opener
rest room, bathroom
turnpike
flashlight
sweats
labor union
sneakers, running shoes
director of educational services
tram
tramp
transport
travelling
treacle
Treasury, Her Majesty’s
trolley
trousers
trunk-call
tube
truncheon
trunk call
TV channel
typing pool
tyre
streetcar
hobo
transportation
traveling
molasses
Department of the Treasury
shopping cart
pants
toll call
subway
nightstick, club
long-distance call
TV station
word-processing (W.P.) pool
tire
Häkchen
Krawatte
Strumpfhose
Fahrplan
Dose
Dosenobst
Dosenöffner
Toilette
Mautstraße
Taschenlamp
Trainingsanzug
Gewerkschaft
Turnschuhe
Leiter/in des Ausbildungs- und
Schulungswesens
Straßenbahn
Land/Stadtstreicher
Transport
Reisen
Sirup
Finanzminsterium
Einkaufswagen
Hosen
Ferngespräch
U-Bahn
Schlagstock, Knüppel
Ferngespräch
Fernsehsender
Schreibzentrale
Reifen
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
15
underground
underlay
unemployment benefit
unit trust
subway
carpet pad
unemployment compensation
mutual fund
U-Bahn
Unterlage (unter Teppich)
Arbeitslosengeld
offener Aktienfonds/Investmentfonds
anspruchsvollere Produkte
anbieten
up-market, to go
trading up
value-add tax
veranda(h)
verge
vest
vice
sales tax
porch
soft shoulder
undershirt
vise
Mehrwertsteuer
Veranda
begraster Seitenstreifen
Unterhemd
Schraubstock
wages office
waistcoat
wallet
(wash) basin, sink
washing-up bowl
wash one’s hands and face
waste-paper basket
watch glass
watch strap
Wellingtons
white grapes
windscreen
wing (of a car)
wing mirror
within
works manager
wrench
payroll office
vest
billfold
sink
dish pan
wash up
waste basket
crystal
watchband
rubber boots, galoshes
green grapes
windshield
fender
side mirror
inside of
plant manager
pliers
Lohnbüro
Weste
Brieftasche
Waschbecken
Spülschüssel
sich waschen
Papierkorb
Uhrglas
Uhrarmband
Gummistiefel
grüne Weintrauben
Windschutzscheibe
Kotflügel
Seitenspiegel
innerhalb
Werksleiter
Schraubenschlüssel
yacht
yell
sailboat
holler
Yacht
schreien
zed
Zimmer (frame)
zip
zee
walker
zipper
Z
Gehgerät
Reißverschluss
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
16
And watch the grammar!
There are differences in British and American English grammar, too.
The British use the present perfect where the Americans often use the simple past:
British English
American English
He has just arrived.
He has already done that.
I have got that.
He just arrived.
He already did that.
I got that.
----------------------------------------
Americans use “gotten” for the past participle of “get”:
British English
American English
I’ve got to know him very well.
I’ve gotten to know him very well.
----------------------------------------
And there are a few differences in the use of prepositions:
British English
American English
You can reach me on 138495.
Let’s meet at the weekend.
Mark works Monday to Friday in a shop.
You can reach me at 138495.
Let’s meet on the weekend.
Mark works Monday through Friday in a shop.
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
17