die  Übersetzung

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈyːbɐzɛt͡sʊŋ/

📖 What does "die Übersetzung" mean?

The German word die Übersetzung has two main meanings:

1. Translation (linguistic): This is the most common meaning. It refers to the process or the result of transferring a text or spoken utterance from a source language to a target language. Example: die Übersetzung eines Romans ins Englische (the translation of a novel into English).
2. Gear Ratio (technical): In mechanics and engineering, die Übersetzung refers to the ratio of speeds or tooth counts of gears, pulleys, or other transmission elements in a gearbox. Example: die Übersetzung eines Fahrradgangs (the gear ratio of a bicycle gear).

🚨 Important: Although both meanings exist, general usage usually refers to the linguistic translation.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Übersetzung"

The noun "Übersetzung" is feminine. Therefore, the article is always "die".

📝 Example Sentences

• (Linguistic) Die Übersetzung dieses Buches ist ausgezeichnet.
  (The translation of this book is excellent.)
• (Linguistic) Wir benötigen eine beglaubigte Übersetzung des Dokuments.
  (We need a certified translation of the document.)
• (Technical) Der Mechaniker überprüfte die Übersetzung des Getriebes.
  (The mechanic checked the gear ratio of the transmission.)
• (Technical) Eine kürzere Übersetzung sorgt für bessere Beschleunigung.
  (A shorter gear ratio provides better acceleration.)

💡 How to use "die Übersetzung"?

Usage depends heavily on the context:

• In a linguistic context: You talk about the Übersetzung of a text, a speech, a film (subtitles/dubbing). You can create, read, correct, or commission an Übersetzung. It's important to distinguish it from Dolmetschen, which refers to oral interpreting. An Übersetzung is typically written.
• In a technical context: This refers to the ratio in gearboxes (e.g., in a car, bicycle, clockwork). You speak of a hohe (high) or niedrige (low), kurze (short) or lange (long) Übersetzung. It describes how rotational speed and torque are modified.

⚠️ Potential confusion: In everyday life, the linguistic meaning is almost always intended. The technical meaning is specific jargon.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: German nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine (die). Think of: die Rechnung (the bill), die Wohnung (the apartment), die Lösung (the solution)... and also die Übersetzung. It needs the article "die".

Remembering the Meanings: Imagine you are 'setzing' (setzen) a text 'over' (über) a language barrier (linguistic meaning), or you are 'setzing' the power 'over' gears onto the wheels (technical meaning). The verb "übersetzen" is inherent in both concepts!

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Übersetzer: "Können Sie auch Suaheli?"
Übersetzer: "Klar, wenn Sie es mir langsam genug vorsprechen!"

English: The boss asks the new translator: "Do you also know Swahili?"
Translator: "Sure, if you speak it slowly enough for me!"

✍️ Poem about Übersetzung

German:
Ein Wort, ein Satz, ein fremder Klang,
die Übersetzung macht's verständlich, lang
Brücken bauen, von Geist zu Geist,
das ist die Kunst, die Wissen speist.

Doch auch im Rad, im Motorblock,
die Übersetzung gibt den rechten Takt,
verändert Kraft, geschwind und sacht,
hat Technik auf den Weg gebracht.

English:
A word, a sentence, a foreign sound,
the translation makes it understood, profound.
Building bridges, from mind to mind,
that is the art that feeds humankind.

But also in the wheel, the engine's core,
the gear ratio sets the pace and more,
it changes power, swift and slight,
has brought technology to light.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich trage Worte über Grenzen hinweg,
oder ändere den Dreh für einen Zweck.
Mal steh ich im Buch, mal im Getriebe drin,
was bin ich wohl? Rate geschwind!

English:
I carry words across borders far,
or change the spin for purpose, near or far.
Sometimes in a book, sometimes in a gear I reside,
what am I then? Guess with pride!

Solution: die Übersetzung (translation / gear ratio)

🤓 Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Übersetzung" is a noun derived from the verb "übersetzen". This verb is composed of:

• über-: A prefix indicating movement across something or a change.
• setzen: A verb used here metaphorically meaning "to transfer", "to convert".
• -ung: A suffix used to form nouns from verbs, usually feminine in German.

The dual meaning (language and technology) likely arose in parallel, as both involve 'setting something over' from one state/place to another.