Keep register steady across locales
Translated copy should carry the same warmth as the source string
Do
- Warm tone in English → warm tone in German
- Button labels state the outcome in every locale
Don't
- Formal in one locale, blunt in another (with no reason)
Patterns
Lead with the verb
Put the action first so the reader knows what to do
Do
- Upload your invoice
- Add your work email
Don't
- Your invoice should be uploaded
- An email must be entered
Empty states point somewhere
Say what is missing, then name the next step
Do
- No invoices yet. Upload your first one to get started.
Don't
- No data
Word list
Preferred
Avoid
Note
Sign in
Log in, Signin
Use “Sign in” as a verb. Use “Sign-in” only as a modifier (e.g. “Sign-in pa