Christine Burgmer – English Language Trainer

Christine
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language & communication training
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
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
1
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
articulated lorry
assistant lecturer (uni)
athletics
at the weekend
aubergine
axe
autumn
semi-trailer truck
instructor
track and field
on the weekend
eggplant
ax
fall
Sattelschlepper
Assistent/in
Leichtathletik
am Wochenende
Aubergine
Axt
Herbst
back garden
badge
baked potato
backyard
button
jacket potato
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)
cookie sheet
sausages
public/national holiday
bill
discount rate
Garten (hinterm Haus)
Abzeichen, Button
in der Schale gebackene
Kartoffel
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
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
2
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
bonus issue
boot
booze
boozer
bottle bank
braces
break (school)
breakdown truck
breve (music)
bribery
broad beans
brush
building society
stock split
trunk
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)
median (strip)
corporation charter
president
Secretary of the Treasury
shift gears
Aktienteilung
Kofferraum
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
3
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
chap
chartered accountant
guy
certified public accountant
cheerio
cheers
chemist’s
cheque
chest of drawers
chief accountant
goodbye
thank you
drugstore/pharmacy
check
bureau
chief accounting officer
child
chips
chum
cinema
city centre
Civil Aviation Authority
class
climbing frame
cloakroom
close/closed company
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
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
counsel for the defence
public defender
Kerl
(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
4
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
courgette
court shoes
coverage
zucchini
pumps
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
inheritance tax
debenture bond
debit memo
defense
defroster
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)
Department of Transportation
Depart of Labor
Department of Commerce
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
Zucchini
Pumps
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
Erbschaftssteuer
Schuldverschreibung
Belastungsanzeige
Verteidigung
Umweltministerium
Verkehrsministerium
Arbeitsministerium
Wirtschaftsministerium,
Handelsministerium
Sparkonto
Freizeichen
Terminkalender
Würfel
anders als
Hauptabteilungsleiter/in
Fernsprechauskunft
Umleitung
Autoskooter
von der Fürsorgeleben
Puppenhaus
Obdachlosenheim
Schlagsahne
Berliner
5
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
down-market, to go
trading down
draught
draughts
drawing pin
dressing gown
drinks trolley
driving licence
dual carriageway
draft
checkers
thumb tack
robe
drinks cart
driver(’s) license
divided highway
dummy
dustbin
dustman
duvet
dux
comforter, pacifier
trash can, garbage can
garbage man/collector
comforter
valedictorian
employ, engage (a person)
encyclopaedia
engaged
engaged tone
enrol
estate agent
estate car
excise duty
hire
encyclopedia
busy
busy signal
enroll
realtor
station wagon
excise tax
ex-dividend shares
expiry date
dividend-off stock
expiration date
(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
washcloth
cigarette
flunk
final copy
folks
favorite
guy
movie
chief financial officer
fire department
second floor
fish sticks
fish store
non-current assets
fizzy drink
flan
flat
soda, pop
pie
apartment
sich dem Massenmarkt
zuwenden
Durchzug
Damespiel
Reißzwecke
Hausmantel
Getränkewagen
Führerschein
Schnellstraße (a major road
on which the 2 streams of
traffic are separated)
Schnuller
Mülltonne
Müllmann
Deckbett
Abschiedsredner/in
einstellen
Lexikon, Enzyklopädie
besetzt
Besetztzeichen
einschreiben, anmelden
Grundstücksmakler/in
Kombi
Warensteuer, Verbrauchssteuer
Aktien ohne Dividende
Verfallsdatum
Waschlappen
Zigarette
durchfallen
Reinschrift
Familie
LieblingsMann, Typ
Kinofilm
Finanzdirektor/in
Feuerwehr
1. Etage
Fischstäbchen
Fischgeschäft
Sachanlagen, Anlagevermögen
Brause
Kuchen
Wohnung
6
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
(block of flats)
flat mate
flat to let
flat tyre
flex
flexitime
football
football boots
Foreign Office
(apartment-house)
roommate
apartment for rent
flat
cord
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
(Wohnblock)
Mitbewohner
Wohnung zu vermieten
(Reifen)panne
Schnur, Kabel
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
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
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
7
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
half six, half past six
hall of residence
handbag
handbill, handout
handbrake
hand luggage
hard shoulder
haricot beans
haulier
headmaster/headmistress
heated rear window
hen night
six thirty, half past six
dormitory, dorm
purse
dodger
emergency/parking brake
carry-on baggage
breakdown lane
navy beans
hauler
principal
rear defroster
bachelorette night
halb sieben
Studentenwohnheim
Handtasche
Flugblatt
Handbremse
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
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
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
(in der Schale) gebackene
Kartoffel
Konfitüre
8
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
jelly
jemmy
jewellery
joint
jug
jumble sale
jumper
junk shop
jello
jimmy
jewelry
beef roast
pitcher
yard sale
sweater
junk store
Wackelpudding
Brech-/Stemmeisen
Schmuck
Braten
Krug
Flohmarkt
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)
Regenmantel
Hauptfach
leitende(r) Angestellte(r)
Geschäftsführer, (Haupt)Betriebs-leiter
9
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
manoeuvre
mark
match
maths, mathematics
meet
mince, minced meat
minim (music)
misjudgement
mobile phone
momentarily
maneuver
grade
game
math
meet with
ground beef
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
Feldzug
korrigieren und benoten
Spiel
Mathematik
sich treffen mit
Hackfleisch
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
pack, package
deck of cards
pack of cigarettes
bellboy, bellhop
underpants
Paket
Kartenspiel
Schachtel Zigaretten
Page, Hoteljunge
Unterhosen
10
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
paraffin (oil)
parcel
past
pavement
pay-as-you-earn (P.A.Y.E.)
kerosene
package
after, past
sidewalk
withholding tax
Paraffin
Päckchen, Paket
nach (Uhrzeit)
Bürgersteig
Quellensteuer, Lohnsteuerabzugsverfahren
pedestrian precinct
pedestrian zone
Fußgängerzone
pedlar
peddler/pedler
Hausierer
pension scheme
pension plan
Altersversorgung
pensioner
senior
Rentner
personnel
human resources
Personal
personnel manager
director of human resources
Personalchef
perspex
plexiglass
Acrylglas
petrol(eum)
gas(oline)
Benzin
petrol station
gas station, filling station
Tankstelle
picnic area
rest stop
Restplatz
pig
hog
Schwein
pigtails
braids
Zöpfe
pilchards
sardines
Sardinen
pint
pint
BE 20 fluid ounces/AE 16
fluid ounces
pip
seed, pit
Kern
pissed
pissed
BE betrunken/AE verärgert
pitch
field
Feld, Platz
placement
internship
Praktikum
plait
braid
Zopf
planning permission
zoning permission
Baugenehmigung
plaster
bandage or Band-Aid™
Pflaster
plough
plow
Pflug
plough back
plow back
reinvestieren
policeman/-woman
patrolman/-woman
Polizist/in
police station
station house
Polizeiwache
polo neck
turtle neck
Rollkragen
polythene
polyethylene
Polyäthylen
positive/reverse discrimination affirmative action
Quotenregelung,
Gleichstellungsprogramm
post
mail
Post
postal vote
absentee ballot
Briefwahl
postbox, letter box
mailbox
Briefkasten
postcode
zip code
Postleitzahl
poste restante
general delivery
postlagernd
postman
mail/letter carrier
Postbote
potholing
caving, spelunking
Höhlenforschung
pram
baby carriage, baby buggy, stroller Kinderwagen
prawn
shrimp
Garnele, Krabbe
preference shares
preferred stock
Vorzugsaktien
press-up
push-up
Liegestütz
11
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
prise, prize
prison
private limited company
pry
penitentiary
private limited corporation
professor
profit-and-loss account
(P&L a/c)
programme
provision
proxy
proxy
full professor
income statement
program
reserve
power of attorney
attorney
pub(lic house)
bar
public convenience
restroom
public limited company (P.L.C.) publicly-held corporation,
open corporation
public prosecutor
district attorney
public relations
public affairs
public school
private school
public holiday
holiday
public transport
public transportation
pudding
dessert
puncture
flat
purse
change purse, coin purse, wallet
pushchair
stroller, baby buggy
pyjamas
pajamas
aufbrechen
Gefängnis
Gesellschaft mit beschränkter
Haftung
Professor
Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung
Programm
Rückstellung
Handlungsvollmacht, Prokura
Prokurist(in),Handlungsbevollmächtigte(r)
Kneipe
Toilette
Aktiengesellschaft
Staatsanwalt
Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Privatschule
öffentlicher Feiertag
öffentliche Verkehrsmittel
Nachtisch
Reifenpanne
Portemonnaie
Sportwagen
Schlafanzug
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
severance payment
spool
consumer price index (C.P.I.)
round-trip ticket
retained earnings
collect call
call collect
call
Bahn
Gleis(e)
scharf, geil
Schinkenscheibe
Lagerumschlag
studieren
Empfangsdame
Arbeitslosigkeit nach
Rationalisierung
Entlassungsabfindung
Spule
Einzelhandelspreisindex
Rückfahrkarte
Gewinnrücklagen
R-Gespräch
ein R-Gespräch anmelden
anrufen
12
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
rise (in salary)
road haulage
roadway
roast potato
raise
trucking/truckage
pavement (paved road)
oven browned potato
roller blind
roundabout
rowing boad
rowlock
rubber
rubbish
rucksack
roller shade
traffic circles, rotaries
row boat
oarlock
eraser
trash, garbage
backpack
(Gehalts)erhöhung
Güterkraft- und Fernverkehr
Straße
Kartoffel in Fett im Backofen
gebraten
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)
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
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
13
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
sleeping partner
sleeping policeman
slip road
slowcoach
soft toy
sole trader
solicitor
sorry
sorry?, pardon?
source and application of
silent partner
speed-bump/hump
ramp
slowpoke
stuffed animal
sole proprietor
lawyer, attorney
excuse me
Excuse me?
fund(s) flow statement
spanner (adjustable -)
monkey wrench
sparking plug
spark plug
speciality
specialty
spelt
spelled
spirits
liquour
spring onion
green onion
stabilisers
training wheels
stag night
bachelor party
stalagmite, stalagtite
flowstone
stand/run for election
run for election
starter
appetizer
Stationery Office, Her Majesty’s US Government Printing Office
stationmaster
station agent
Statistics, Office of National
Census Bureau
steady on
“hold your horse!”
stilettos
pumps, high heels
stock
inventory
stocktaking
inventory
stock turnover
inventory turnover
stock-car racing
demolition derby
stone
pit
streetwise
street-smart
subscriber trunk dialling (S.T.D.)direct distance dialing
subsidiary subject
minor
subway
underground street crossing,
underpass
suggest so. for a job
slate so.
sulphate
sulfate
sultanas
golden raisins/seedless white
raisins
summer time
daylight (saving) time, (DST)
sunrise
sun-up
sunset
sundown
surgery (doctor’s/dentist’s)
doctor’s/dentist’s office
suppose
figure, guess
swede
turnip
stiller Teilhaber/Gesellschafter
Bodenschwelle
Autobahnauffahrt/ausfahrt
Transuse
Stofftier
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
14
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
sweet
sweetcorn
sweets
sweet shop
Swiss roll
switch selling
dessert
corn, maize
candy
candy store
jelly roll
bait and switch selling
Nachtisch
Mais
Süssigkeiten
Süßwarenladen
Biskuitrolle
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
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
tram
tramp
transport
travelling
treacle
Treasury, Her Majesty’s
trolley
trousers
trunk-call
streetcar
hobo
transportation
traveling
molasses
Department of the Treasury
shopping cart
pants
toll call
15
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
tube
truncheon
trunk call
TV channel
typing pool
tyre
subway
nightstick, club
long-distance call
TV station
word-processing (W.P.) pool
tire
U-Bahn
Schlagstock, Knüppel
Ferngespräch
Fernsehsender
Schreibzentrale
Reifen
underground
underlay
unemployment benefit
unit trust
subway
carpet pad
unemployment compensation
mutual fund
up-market, to go
trading up
U-Bahn
Unterlage (unter Teppich)
Arbeitslosengeld
offener Aktienfonds/Investmentfonds
anspruchsvollere Produkte
anbieten
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
16
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de
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 in Mayfield Avenue.
You can reach me at 138495.
Let’s meet on the weekend.
Mark works Monday through Friday in a
shop on Mayfield Avenue.
17
Christine Burgmer - English Language and Communication Trainer - phone 02266 1635 - www.english-trainer.de