English translation: here [special case ("Jäger Wohlgemut" aus Knaben Wunderhorn)]: sit by my side
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.
GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:
gehab dich wohl
English translation:
here [special case ("Jäger Wohlgemut" aus Knaben Wunderhorn)]: sit by my side
German to English translations [PRO] Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature
German term or phrase:gehab dich wohl
From "Des Knaben Wunderhorn", the poem is called "Jäger Wohlgemut". The third verse is:
Er spreit den Mantel in das Gras,
bat, dass sie zu ihm nieder saß,
mit weißem Arm umfangen:
"Gehab dich wohl mein Trösterin,
nach dir steht mein Verlangen!"
Thanks, LB, I think this is the answer that helped me the most. I did appreciate all other comments, esp. Walter's, because I am not up on deeper levels of structure and meaning in Minnesang, but I really do think that in this context, the meaning is somewhat more literal. 4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer
"Farewell" paßt durchaus in den Gesamtkontext. Nach Art der Minnelieder konzipiert, sind hier drei Situationen komprimiert: die Liebesbegegnung - die Trennung und die Erinnerung. Der Doppelpunkt täuscht eine Gleichzeitigkeit vor, meint aber Vergangenheit.
Thank you, Birgit, Jonathan and Kim; the problem (at least for me) is that when I look at the next verse - and I should have included this; my faux pas - "farewell" or similar don't make sense to me. Here are the complete last two verses:
Er spreit den Mantel in das Gras,
bat, dass sie zu ihm nieder saß,
mit weißem Arm umfangen:
„Gehab dich wohl mein Trösterin,
nach dir steht mein Verlangen!
Uns netzt kein Reif, uns netzt kein Schnee,
es brennen noch im grünen Klee
zwei Röslein auf der Heiden,
in Liebesschein, in Sonnenschein,
die zwei soll man nicht scheiden!“
Explanation: According to the Duden Universalwörterbuch, gehab dich wohl means leb' wohl! I don't think "farewell" works here, though.
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 20 mins (2006-11-02 13:57:00 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
Here's some evidence that leb wohl can mean take care.
Gib mir deine Hand,
Deine weiße Hand!
Leb wohlLeb wohl, mein Schatz, leb wohl, lebe wohl!
Denn wir fahren, denn wir fahren,
Denn wir fahren gegen Engeland, Engeland!
Ahoi!
A rough translation was done for me by p.:
Give me your hand,
Your white hand!
take care, my dear, take care!
because we must go,
We must go on England!
Ahoy! http://hellsing.comicgenesis.com/hellsing/lit_ripsong.html
Kim Metzger Mexico Local time: 07:17 Specializes in field Native speaker of: English PRO pts in category: 201
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 22 mins (2006-11-02 13:59:06 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
Ooops, it should read "sich *g*ehaben" ...
LittleBalu Germany Local time: 14:17 Works in field Native speaker of: German PRO pts in category: 20
Grading comment
Thanks, LB, I think this is the answer that helped me the most. I did appreciate all other comments, esp. Walter's, because I am not up on deeper levels of structure and meaning in Minnesang, but I really do think that in this context, the meaning is somewhat more literal.
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thanks, this is what I was suspecting, but wasn't really sure about...
Asker: Yes, the "Knaben Wunderhorn" language is quite outdated; there are other references/allusions that are making me tear my hair out, but in this specific context, I am quite sure that the "Sit down by me" idea is what's meant. And it does fit the rhythm of the poem best at that point. Thanks again.
The translation workplace 
peer agreement (net): +6
