KudoZ home » German to English » History

in der Nachfolge stehen

English translation: in the shadow of my forefathers

Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs
(or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

11:46 Apr 13, 2011

German to English translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - History

German term or phrase: in der Nachfolge stehen

"Der Rückblick auf xx Jahre Familiengeschichte erfüllt mich mit Stolz, aber auch mit dem Bewusstsein, in der Nachfolge vieler Generationen zu stehen und Verantwortung übernehmen zu müssen"

This is written in the foreword for a tourist publication to commemorate the anniversary of a German dynasty. I'm having a problem with "in der Nachfolge vieler Generationen zu stehen". It means something along the lines of "to inherit the legacy of many generations", althouth I'm not sure whether "legacy" has negative conotations here. Another option might be "to stand in the tradition of", but I don't think this works in this case.

I'd appreciate any help!

Claire Gordon-Kühl KudoZ activity Questions: 43 (none open) (1 closed without grading) Answers: 7
Local time: 03:09

English translation:in the shadow of my forefathers

Explanation:
would be the adage

Selected response from:

Ramey Rieger
Local time: 03:09

Grading comment

Thank you for the many excellent suggestions. This one fitted the text best.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

4 +3

in the shadow of my forefathers

Ramey Rieger

to follow in the footsteps

Ryan Armbrust Diaz

(follow) in the succession of many ...

Horst Huber

to be the successor of many generations

Juliana Mraz

take up the gauntlet of past generations

Jonathan MacKerron

indebted to

phoeberuth

(to be) the product of (something)

Derek Gill Franßen

Discussion entries: 2

Answers

10 mins confidence:

to follow in the footsteps

Explanation:
I think this suits the context quite well.

Ryan Armbrust Diaz
Local time: 03:09
Native speaker of:

English,

German
PRO pts in category: 4

18 mins confidence:

(to be) the product of (something)

Explanation:
...might work here.

Derek Gill Franßen
Germany
Local time: 03:09
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 12

51 mins confidence:

indebted to

Explanation:
I know this isn't a direct translation - but how about " and am aware of how indebted I am to the many generations who have come before me..."

phoeberuth
Local time: 03:09
Specializes in field
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 4

54 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +3

in the shadow of my forefathers

Explanation:
would be the adage

Example sentence(s):

Looking back on XXXX years of family history, fills me with pride. But I am also aware of standing in the shadow of my forefathers and am called on to assume responsibility.

Ramey Rieger
Local time: 03:09
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 12

Grading comment

Thank you for the many excellent suggestions. This one fitted the text best.

3 hrs confidence:

take up the gauntlet of past generations

Explanation:
yet another...

Jonathan MacKerron
Local time: 03:09
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 39

3 hrs confidence:

to be the successor of many generations

Explanation:
sounds a little stiff, but might apply here

Juliana Mraz
Germany
Local time: 03:09
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: German

13 hrs confidence:

(follow) in the succession of many ...

Explanation:
Sticking my neck out as usual. At least the Church speaks of apostolic succession, and the phrase seems neutral, not implying that the forebears are a daunting presence.

Horst Huber
Local time: 21:09
Specializes in field
Native speaker of:

German
PRO pts in category: 4

Return to KudoZ list

Changes made by editors

Apr 13, 2011 - Changes made by Ingo Dierkschnieder:
Term asked	In der Nachfolge stehen => in der Nachfolge stehen

KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

Overview

Latest translation questions

Ask a translation question

See also:

ProZ.com term search

Search millions of term translations

in der Nachfolge stehen

English translation: in the shadow of my forefathers

Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

Answers

Sign in to your ProZ.com account...

Or create a new account

ProZ.com ideas

KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

in der Nachfolge stehen

English translation: in the shadow of my forefathers

Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

Answers

Sign in to your ProZ.com account...

Or create a new account

ProZ.com ideas

KudoZ™ translation helpThe KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.