Translating ‘die Seele baumeln lassen’ into English

Today’s short blogpost is about how to deal with the idiom: Lassen Sie Ihre Seele baumeln!* - an exhortation used very frequently in holiday/leisure/wellness texts. For any non-German speakers who happen to be reading this, Seele is your soul and the verb baumeln means to dangle, so you can see the potential pitfalls! Clearly “letting your soul dangle” is only ever going to cause hilarity among an English-speaking readership (though this otherwise perfectly nice hotel in Davos seem to be blissfully unaware of the fact: http://www.hotelkongress.ch/en/25/default.aspx?idPackage=19).

So, what does it actually mean? Duden gives the following definition: sich psychisch entspannen; von allem, was einen psychisch belastet, Abstand gewinnen: to relax mentally; to avoid mental stress of any kind. In other words... relax! But then German has other words for ‘to relax’, notably  entspannen (and, increasingly common these days, relaxen), so what’s the difference?

Well, I guess die Seele baumeln lassen is really just relaxation... with knobs on! Proper kick-off-your-shoes, turn-down-the-lights, light-a-scented-candle, do-not-disturb kind of relaxation – the kind we should all get more of! Actually, for translation purposes, ‘relax’ (or for extra effect ‘relax and unwind’) will usually do the job nicely. But of course there are other options if you feel like ringing the changes: let yourself go, free your spirit (bit hippie, that one!), leave your cares behind, indulge yourself, chill out etc. (or if you are American, I guess you are more likely to ‘hang loose’, ‘kick back’ or something?!). Here are just a few examples from recently-translated texts:

• suchen Sie eine der Restaurationen auf und beim Blick aufs Wasser einfach die Seele baumeln lassen = relax and enjoy a bite to eat as you sit and take in the stunning view across the water
• Ruhe geniessen, die Seele baumeln lassen = immerse yourself in the wonderful peace and quiet and forget your cares
• Wellness – die Seele baumeln lassen = spa luxury – your chance to really unwind

 

To close, here’s a website I just came across – the rather aptly-named: www.seelenbaumeln.ch. It’s a health clinic offering massage and a range of soothing therapeutic treatments. Don’t worry if you don’t happen to live near St Gallen, I’m sure there’s somewhere closer to home where you can dangle your soul to your heart’s content. Happy relaxing!

 

*For anyone interested in the origin of the phrase, it is generally acknowledged to come from Kurt Tucholsky’s 1931 novel Schloss Gripsholm: “Wir lagen auf der Wiese und baumelten mit der Seele”.

 

Translating ‘Natur-’ into English

With more than a third of the country covered with forest and no fewer than 16 national parks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_parks_of_Germany), Germany has plenty to offer nature lovers (Naturliebhaber). The more naturbelassen (unspoilt) a place is, the better. In fact, I would say that finding a location with intakte Natur is almost a holy grail for many holidaymaking Germans! Before we get down to business, anyone needing a reminder of Germany’s manifold natural wonders can take a look at this: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/germanys-great-outdoors-the-black-forest-wine-country-and-saxon-switzerland-10138611.html#gallery

So, let’s think about die Natur or, as we Brits rather quaintly call it, the Great Outdoors! A quick look through the Natur- words in my glossary shows that more often than not I have translated them (surprise, surprise!) using the English equivalents: ‘nature’ or ‘natural’:

• für Kinder gibt es das Naturerlebnispfad und Naturhochseilgarten = kids will love the nature discovery trail and our forest high-ropes course
• XXX steht inmitten eines Natur- und Ferienparadies = is located in a popular holiday area in a spectacular natural setting
• nicht zu vergessen ist das Naturschutzgebiet, das Große Torfmoor = a ‘must’ on any itinerary is the nature conservation area known as…
• ist nur eines von vielen unvergesslichen Naturerlebnissen, die den Besucher erwarten = one of the many unforgettable natural wonders (anything but ‘natural experiences’!)                                                        
• ein tolles Sport- und Naturerlebnis = the ultimate sporting experience in a glorious natural setting

… but on just as many occasions, ‘country’ or ‘countryside’ sounded better, as here:

• Genießen Sie Ihre Ferien inmitten herrlicher Natur = enjoy a relaxing holiday in picture-book countryside
• Stille atmen, Weite genießen und Natur erleben - das ist Urlaub auf unserem Ferienhof! = fresh air, peace and quiet and miles of beautiful open countryside – everything you expect from a farmhouse holiday is right here!

Sometimes, the best rendering is simply ‘open-air’, where the prefix Natur- is used to indicate that a particular attraction or facility is out of doors, e.g. Naturbühne = an open-air stage (as opposed to an indoor arena), and Naturerlebnisbad = an outdoor adventure pool (rather than the covered kind). And when food - or some other item made from all-natural materials - is being described, ‘organic’ is generally the way to go.

To finish, the award for most commonly recurring use of Natur- in a strapline has to go to “Natur pur!” (“Nature at its best”, maybe?), a phrase that German writers of marketing copy have really taken to their hearts. No surprise then that this neat little rhyming collocation, used day in day out to sell all manner of products from yogurt and bread to shoes, cosmetics, flooring and activity holidays, gets a million and a half hits on Google!

 

 

 

Translating ‘Stube’ into English

An antiquated word for ‘room’, and apparently still used to describe the separate accommodation areas within an army barracks, most dictionaries will offer ‘parlour’ as an English translation of this word. Originally, a Stube, gute Stube or Wohnstube would have been the only heated room in a German house and therefore the place where family would come together in the evenings and where any entertaining would go on. Interestingly, the word derives from the Old High German stuba (meaning heated room) and is related to our English word ‘stove’.

Perhaps already familiar to tourists from the words Imbissstube (snack bar) or Weinstube (wine bar), these days the word Stube on its own (also encountered as Gaststube or in dialect varieties such as Stubn, Stub’n and Stübl) usually describes a place where people can eat in a convivial ambience, often characterised by traditional décor – think wood panelling and gingham tablecloths! Certainly any trip to Bavaria wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the local Schmankerl Stube or Alpenglow Stube for some traditional (and, inevitably these days) not so traditional fare. In fact, nowadays an ‘authentic’ Stübl dining experience can be had pretty much anywhere – like this one in Zambia: http://alpineinn.co.za/!!

Wherever in the world your particular Stube happens to be, essential ingredients have to be its warm, friendly atmosphere (what else but Gemütlichkeit?) and, for maximum authenticity, a traditional tiled stove in the corner. This eatery in southern Germany sounds as if it fits the bill perfectly:

“Fränkische Gaststuben haben etwas Besonderes. Sie werden es sofort spüren, wenn Sie Platz nehmen - vielleicht am Kachelofen oder in der gemütlichen Englerth-Stube. Die Hektik des Alltags ist hier schnell vergessen. Und während unsere Köche Ihr Menü zaubern, haben Sie Zeit die Atmosphäre zu genießen.“

> (My translation) “There is something very special about the homely, welcoming ambience of a traditional Franconian restaurant. Whether it’s the warmth of the tiled stove or the convivial atmosphere of our cosy Englerth-Stube that attracts you, we think you will find the Gasthof Bären the perfect place to relax and forget the cares of the day.”

While ‘restaurant’ (or, for more of a local flavour, "a traditional Stube restaurant"!) is often an appropriate translation, sometimes ‘dining-room’ also works. One large establishment in the Allgäu whose website I translated recently had no fewer than four different Stuben in which to tickle the palates of their high-end guests!

Finally, just to confuse poor benighted tourists (and translators!) further, Stube is also commonly used to describe apartments, particularly those in a rural setting… like this one, for example: http://www.hirschstube.com/welcome.html.)

 

 

 

 

 

Translating ‘Alm-’ into English

The word Alm (or Alp in Swiss German) means “seasonal mountain pasture", i.e. alpine pasture that is only grazed during the summer months – a period known as Almsommer. This lasts around 100 days and the end of this period, falling around mid-September, is traditionally marked by a colourful celebration called an Almabtrieb in which local herdsmen drive their cows back down into the valley for the winter. As fine an example of rural pageantry as you are ever likely to see, this annual festival provides a wonderful excuse for the inhabitants of towns and villages throughout the alpine region to let their collective hair down. Attractions often include a craft fair, farmer's market and, of course, ample food and drink. And, as you might expect, da wird’s almerisch g’sungen und g’spielt in a veritable feast of alpine music and song! For anyone who has never experienced an Almabtrieb at first hand, take a look at this one in Pertisau, Tyrol: http://www.tyrol.com/e-cattle-drive-pertisau. (Note: if you are a sucker for all things alpine, and the sight of cows festooned with garlands and bells makes you feel all warm inside… well, you’ve got about three weeks to get your trip organised!)

So, how best to translate ‘Almabtrieb’? Though the concept of seasonal grazing does exist in English (it’s known as ‘transhumance’, apparently!), a gloss will always ensure clarity. Something along the lines of: “the annual late-summer ‘Almabtrieb’ festival in which cattle are brought back down into the valley from the lush alpine pastures”, should do the trick!

And now to deal with Alm…

·         where the word is used in its primary sense, ‘pastures’ is the best rendering, e.g. über Almen wandern = to hike across lush mountain pastures.

·         in phrases where Alm- is used as a prefix, ‘alpine’ is generally a safe bet, e.g. ‘Alm-Kultur’ (alpine culture), im alten Tiroler Almstil = in traditional Tyrolean/alpine style.

·         most commonly, however, Alm is used by extension to mean Almhütte. Originally a simple, rustic herdsman’s hut in the mountains - the dictionary defines it as a ‘Wohn- Schlaf- und Arbeitsstätte’ mit offener Feuerstelle, only accessible on foot and with very limited facilities - these days it is more likely to have a variety of home comforts, including an Alm-Sauna, a programme of guided Alm-Marschen for all abilities, a traditional Almfrühstück and a varied dinner menu which is likely to include include a hearty Almochsenbraten (roast ox). If you can afford it, you could even go the whole hog and treat yourself to a spot of Almwellness at this 4-star establishment: https://www.hotel-pierer.at/.

 

*Anyway, time to go. Can’t resist finishing up with a traditional alpine valediction: “ein kräftiges Alm Heil und Gottes Segen für die kommenden Almsommer!” Any ideas for a neat translation of that into English?! L  Answers on a postcard…

 

How to translate ‘-möglichkeiten’

The word ‘Möglichkeiten’ translates literally as ‘possibilities’ or ‘opportunities’. Sometimes ‘options’ also works quite well, as here:

Ferienwohnungen, Ferienhäuser und Gästezimmer - der Ferienhof bietet mit seinen vielseitigen Möglichkeiten attraktive, individuelle Angebote für jedes Budget = the Ferienhof’s diverse range of accommodation options means that there is a unique and attractive package to suit every budget

Möglichkeiten is also commonly used to form compound nouns and tourism texts are awash with the many possible permutations: Bademöglichkeiten, Parkmöglichkeiten, Einkaufsmöglichkeiten (or, more likely these days, Shoppingmöglichkeiten)… to name just a few.

 

So, how best to translate these into natural-sounding English? Sometimes the most succinct rendering is the best – in the following examples, one word is all that is needed:

wir bieten überdachte und geschützte Parkmöglichkeiten direkt vor dem Haus = we have secure covered parking right outside the hotel

Bademöglichkeiten in den nahe gelegenen Freibädern und im Ritzensee = swimming in local open-air pools and in Lake Ritzensee

in unmittelbarer Nähe finden Sie Einkaufsmöglichkeiten, Cafés und Gastronomie für jeden Anspruch  = just a stone’s throw away you will find shops, cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes

für Adrenalinfreaks gibt es unzählige Sportmöglichkeiten wie Quad-Fahren, Canyoning, Rafting, Klettern und Mountainbiking = adrenalin junkies will find plenty to satisfy their cravings, with a whole range of exciting sports to enjoy, including quad-biking, canyoning, rafting etc.

in einer ruhigen Seitenstraße und doch  nur Schritte von vielen Geschäften, Restaurants und Ausgehmöglichkeiten entfernt = in a quiet side street and yet within easy reach of shops, restaurants and nightlife. 

 

Much of the time, however, a phrase (rather than just a single word) is required:

bietet unzählige Freizeitmöglichkeiten in der Umgebung = a wide range of leisure activities in the local area

in und um Kempten gibt es eine Vielzahl von Radfahrmöglichkeiten = the area in and around Kempten has much to offer keen cyclists

das Allgäu bietet eine endlose Anzahl von erlebnisreichen Wandermöglichkeiten = the Allgäu region offers an almost endless choice of exciting hiking trails

das herrliche Salzburger Land begeistert auch im Winter Groß und Klein mit seiner faszinierenden Natur und den tollen Möglichkeiten einer Stadt = Young and old will love both the region’s stunning countryside and the amazing variety that the city of Salzburg has to offer

Schwimmen, Angeln, Surfen – am Wilderness Beach haben Sie viele Outdoor-Möglichkeiten! = Swimming, fishing, surfing – on Wilderness Beach opportunities to enjoy the Great Outdoors are endless!

5 bis 7 gängiges Abendmenü mit verschiedenen Wahlmöglichkeiten = 5 or 7-course evening menu with a choice of options

 Leihmöglichkeiten: in allen Sportgeschäften = equipment hire: available in all sports shops

 

 

*Off now to seek out a ‘Schlafmöglichkeit’ – it’s been a long day!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translating ‘klein aber fein’ into English

Like Tom Cruise, my post today is what you might call small but perfectly formed! I often come across the phrase ‘klein aber fein’ as a description for hotels who, conscious of having only a small number of rooms or a limited range of facilities, nevertheless want to emphasise the quality of their offering. Though nicely alliterative in German (hence its popularity), it needs a bit of thought in English. There have been occasions when “small is beautiful” has been usable, but it’s not appropriate for all contexts. Below are some other ‘solutions’ from recent tourism translations…

·         kleines, feines Skigebiet = modest in size but still elegant, Morzine stands at the gateway to one of the world’s largest inter-connected skiing areas

·         kleines aber feines Familiengebiet lädt ein zum Wandern, Mountainbiken usw. = a small but delightful area for families – perfect for hikes, mountainbiking or just a gentle stroll!

·         klein aber fein -  auch für anspruchsvolle Skifahrer, Gruppen oder Vereine = small but charming – an ideal area for experienced skiers, groups or clubs

·         und genau das ist bei den kleinen, feinen Hotels der Vereinigung [...] der Fall = and sums up the philosophy behind every small but select hotel which bears the […] logo.

·         die Sauna-Anlage, klein und fein, lädt zum Entspannen und Relaxen (!) ein = our small but well-equipped sauna facility offers the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind.

·         kleinen aber feinen Wellnessbereich = small but luxurious spa suite

·         unter dem Motto “klein, fein, individuell” führen wir unser Haus mit 28 Betten = in line with our motto “small, comfortable, individual” our hotel has just 28 beds but prides itself on a long tradition of hospitality

 

That’s it for today. Off now for a ‘kleines, aber feines Mittagessen’ - a humble cheese sandwich... maybe with a fancy garnish… J

Translating ‘Schmankerl’ into English

Of all the ‘culinary’ words I come across when translating hotel and restaurant websites, Schmankerl is definitely one of the most common. Though it is known to be Bavarian in origin, the exact derivation of the word is unclear. For more information word nerds may like to take a look at Schmankerl’s very own Wikipedia page: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmankerl.

Unlike its close friends Leckerbissen and Gaumenkitzel, Schmankerl is also used in non-food related contexts to mean ‘something special’, ‘a bonus’  or ‘freebie’, a ‘treat’, ‘the icing on the cake’. An example of this usage is this from Linguee: “als besonderes Schmankerl gibt es gratis dazu einen Gutschein”.

In texts about food (most commonly in Bavaria and Austria, but also spotted on the website of a Vietnamese restaurant!), Schmankerl can usually be translated with something like ‘tasty delicacies’, ‘culinary treats’ or (especially if preceded by heimisch or einheimisch) ’local specialities’. Weirdly, ‘titbits’ (or in American English, apparently, ‘tidbits’) always pops up as the first suggestion in online dictionaries – not sure where that would ever sound right!

It also appears as part of compound words such as Schmankerldorf, which came under discussion on ProZ a few years back. Suggested translations then included ‘refreshment area’ and (my preferred option) ‘food court’, a term now familiar to those of us who frequent the large out-of-town shopping centres that have sprung up everywhere in recent years. For the full discussion, go to: http://www.proz.com/kudoz/german_to_english/marketing_market_research/3252614-schmankerldorf.html

And for fans of Bavarian food, what better than a convivial Schmankerltour around Munich? Check out the website: http://www.getyourguide.ch/muenchen-l26/schmankerltour-durch-muenchen-mit-bierprobe-und-verkoestigung-t24873/