for the German speakers who do very well with English

[bloke]

Rather than translating your version of “complete restoration” to “general overhaul”, consider using the word “complete” rather than “general” when displaying your work on discussion lists, eBay or on the English-translated versions of your websites.

The context of “general” in English is arguably a lower level of something than is “complete”.

“I did a general inspection“ is a less thorough inspection than “I did a complete inspection“, just as an example.

Another example is that - when English-speaking people use the term “generally speaking“ - that term intimates that there are quite a few exceptions to the thing they are about to state happens (or is true) most of the time.

[tokuno]

haha, I enjoy those illustration of language nuance.
Reminds me of a flight to Germany in 1979 when the (German) pilot mis-pronounced the in-flight film as "Who Is Killing the Great Chiefs of Europe" instead of "...Killing the Great Chefs of Europe".
Sounded like a simple miss-read to my non-German speaking pals, but of course, "Chef" in German means Boss (or Chief, especially if the pilot also spoke French), and the verbal swap-a-rooni made a lot more sense in that context (because he wouldn't have defaulted to turning a short e into a long e).

[Tubeast]

Typical example of a "False Friend":
The process of a complete overhaul is called "Generalüberholung" in German, which will include a lacquer job in addition to dent work and valve overhaul, so you'll expect an instrument in "as new" condition. The word comes from "highest ranking"

[Three Valves]

The ladies in my office discuss different meanings for the same words throughout central and south America.

Hilarity ensues.

Who knew??