Originalton

English translation: original description/own words

11:45 Feb 21, 2008

German to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Automotive / Cars & Trucks

German term or phrase: Originalton

I know this usually means original soundtrack in the context of films but this doesn't fit my context at all. I'm translating an aftersales training brochure which includes a breakdown of the job description for a service advisor. On of his main tasks is said to be "ausführliche Fehlerbeschreibung (Originalton Kunde)". This is on its own as part of a list. I wonder if this means that the advisor has to describe any faults to the customer using the customer's language or in a way the customer understands. It's the only way I can think that this makes sense here. Has anyone else come across it used like this before?

Many thanks

Rebecca.

smithrj KudoZ activity Questions: 21 (none open) Answers: 0
Local time: 08:58

English translation:original description/own words

Explanation:
It sounds like you are doing a job for a customer I have worked for on many occasions. What it means is that the advisor has to record the customer's original description of the fault (in the customer's words) so that it can be referred back to at any stage of the process of repairing the fault.

Selected response from:

Peter Barker
Local time: 08:58

Grading comment

Thank you - these were all helpful but I have chosen this one as it made me realise that the advisor is describing what the customer has said, not describing something to the customer.

Thanks again.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

4 +4

in the costumer's own words

LegalTrans D

4 +2

quote, verbatim, word for word

Cilian O'Tuama

direct quote or sb's own words

Andries Conradie

original description/own words

Peter Barker

Answers

3 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +4

in the costumer's own words

Explanation:
your assumption is spot-on, Rebecca.

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Note added at 4 mins (2008-02-21 11:50:38 GMT)
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of course this ought to be "in the c*u*st*o*mers..."

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Note added at 6 mins (2008-02-21 11:52:08 GMT)
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This usage of "Originalton" or even "O-Ton" is quite frequent.

LegalTrans D
Türkiye
Native speaker of:

German

9 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +2

quote, verbatim, word for word

Explanation:
a few

Cilian O'Tuama
Germany
Local time: 09:58
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 379

1 hr confidence:

direct quote or sb's own words

Explanation:
PONS Großwörterbuch für experten.

Andries Conradie
Local time: 09:58
Works in field
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 4

1 hr confidence:

original description/own words

Peter Barker
Local time: 08:58
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 82

Grading comment

Thank you - these were all helpful but I have chosen this one as it made me realise that the advisor is describing what the customer has said, not describing something to the customer.

Thanks again.

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