You probably have wondered often about those complicated, lengthy verb forms in sentences such as: "I have been having problems with my computer." or "I have been typing letters all morning." and then decided to use the more simple tense e.g. "I had/have had problems with my computer." and "I have typed letters all morning." This confusion is due to the fact that the Germans have no comparable tense in their own language and therefore often avoid the use of this form even if it is very common in the English language.

This article is meant to clear up the confusion over the words "lie" and "lay" that has been bothering millions of English learners throughout the world. This confusion is due to the fact that there is a similarity in meaning and that they partly overlap in their conjugation.

Since the comma is the most frequently used (and misused) punctuation mark it might be a good idea to study its correct use. In the English language the comma serves mainly to group words that belong together and to separate those that do not. As such, the comma placement depends on the context of the sentences and not on the structure and therefore leaves some space for individual interpretation.

You have an incoming call - what should you say? Or, alternatively, what can you expect to hear if you make a call to a company in an English-speaking country?

The language magazine Deutsch perfekt can help you assess your language skills according to the Common European Framework.All you need to do is answer the following questions in this test (link below).

The language magazine Deutsch perfekt offers new audio files every month. Click on the link below to listen to news and interviews from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.