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von vornherein

English translation: by design

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21:39 Dec 7, 2011

German to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Mechanics / Mech Engineering / lawn edge trimmer

German term or phrase: von vornherein

Die Beschnittmesser sind von vornherein stumpf und können auch bei direkter Berührung keine Verletzungen hervorrufen.

Blunt or dull at the outset? What do they mean here? That the blades are dull when the machine is delivered and you need to sharpen them? Or simply that the blades are blunt in design so that you can't cut yourself on them, but that they will still do the job?

John Speese KudoZ activity Questions: 475 (3 open) (10 without valid answers) (21 closed without grading) Answers: 334 United States
Local time: 18:58

English translation:by design

Explanation:
The blades on this trimmer are blunt by design; there is consequently no danger to the user.

I think this is slightly more plausible than telling the customer to sharpen the blade upon purchase.

The blade on a mower does not need to be sharp to the touch, as long as it rotates at high speed.

'from the beginning' seems inappropriate, as it leaves open the question of whether the blade becomes sharper with use.

Selected response from:

Andrew Swift
United Kingdom
Local time: 23:58

Grading comment

"By design" sounds good, thanks! Just thought I'd check because to me it seemed that the source test phrasing was a little strange, a literal translation of "at the outset" did not make any sense to me.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer