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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask German speakers to help?

51 replies

Florence1960 · 15/02/2022 16:43

I need help translating a couple of bits of German - just one or two sentences which I am struggling to put into good English. Please can anyone help?

OP posts:
JohannSebastianBach · 15/02/2022 16:49

I recommend Deepl.com it's really good, although I'm sure some helpful German speakers will be along.

JKRfan · 15/02/2022 16:57

Can you not post the sentences?

DontBuyANewMumCashmere · 15/02/2022 16:59

If you like DM me, I have a German degree and I will do my best to help!

There is also a Facebook group for German to English translation if that helps?

lampygirl · 15/02/2022 17:00

YABU to not post the sentences so people can help

Happy36 · 15/02/2022 17:04

I speak German... What are the sentences?

pointythings · 15/02/2022 17:06

I'll give it a shot, I have decent German (am Dutch and pretty multilingual). Can also be PMd.

Fairislefandango · 15/02/2022 17:21

Sure. I'm a German teacher. If you post the sentences I expect I can help.

Original poster
Florence1960 · 15/02/2022 17:31

Thanks ever so much! Apologies for not writing the sentences our, I was working on the translation but didn't have the original next to me. I very much appreciate the offers and will be in touch later, am just nipping out.

OP posts:
Pollypocket2021 · 15/02/2022 17:52

@Florence1960

I need help translating a couple of bits of German - just one or two sentences which I am struggling to put into good English. Please can anyone help?
I can help.
Cheeseonpost · 15/02/2022 17:56

Nein

Cubitalfossa · 15/02/2022 18:05

Bis bald?

Risibisi · 15/02/2022 18:32

I can help too

Customs · 15/02/2022 18:47

Me too. Now I'm intrigued!

Original poster
Florence1960 · 15/02/2022 20:15

So sorry to leave you hanging. I was asked to help to translate piece of German from just after the war. My German is 40+ years old and wasn't great then!
This is the first bit I am struggling with
Fuer den Latrinendienst nach der Melodie: "Wer kann Klavierspielen?"

OP posts:
Luxplus · 15/02/2022 20:21

Insecure about the first but would translate to
For the latrine service to the tune: "Who can play the piano?"
I'm Danish but use German routinely

Footnote · 15/02/2022 20:22

That’s not a full sentence, can you add a bit more?

Footnote · 15/02/2022 20:26

I don’t think the literal meaning will be the end of it, it sounds like an idiomatic expression.

tttigress · 15/02/2022 20:31

Interesting sentence!! Would be interesting to know the whole text!!

debwong · 15/02/2022 20:36

My hovercraft is full of eels?

Pigglesworth · 15/02/2022 20:38

I feel like it may be more saying, for the person on latrine duties who seeks the melody: Who can play the piano?

Like some kind of philosophical question.

Mumof3dogs · 15/02/2022 20:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Florence1960 · 15/02/2022 20:51

The whole text is fascinating. I don't really want to say too much on here, not just because it would be 100% outing and also difficult because I have asked someone irl to help.
Here's a bit more context, I hope that you understand and would be so grateful for any help.  

OP posts:
Original poster
Florence1960 · 15/02/2022 20:52

Has the screenshot appeared? I can't see it...

OP posts:
Mumof3dogs · 15/02/2022 20:54

Sorry I mis posted - was looking at this then write the post and posted - arghh ! Have asked for it to be moved : deleted!

Footnote · 15/02/2022 20:54

I can’t see it