ProZ.com global directory of translation services
 The translation workplace
Ideas
KudoZ home » German to English » Poetry & Literature

Verlassen spitzig steht sein nahtloser Ruf

English translation: Abandoned, pointed, is his unbroken call


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.
13:01 May 31, 2011
German to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature / H.G. Alder poem
German term or phrase: Verlassen spitzig steht sein nahtloser Ruf
Sichel des Ungewohnten, Dorn der Eisamkeit
Im Nachtgeviert des Waldes, scheuer Schritt,
Gebleicht von abgescheuertem Erliegen
Auf kühlem Moos: taub an der alten Hand
Sich selbsts gewiß ein schauerndes Gesicht:
So ruft der Bruder nicht, so nicht;
So trotzt dem Denkmal aufgebrannt die Trauer.

Verlassen spitzig steht sein nahtloser Ruf,
Dies ist gewiß; die Täler nähern sich
Feierdicker Stolz wird von der Fremdnis
Der Welt rüstig zerstreut; Ahnungen hauchen
Schon flackernd Gefahr, aus Höhlen, trunken
I'm struggling with how to translate "nahtloser Ruf" in the following poem by H.G. Adler. It's the first line in the second stanza.

Geborsten in hohlem Widerhall: Seele -
Daß von gestirnten Bündlen Meinung nach Meinung
In Flocken zerfiedert - seliger Stein, selige
Ohnmacht unbesprochener Unschuld. (Die Herren
Von der Denkmalpflege schlafen gut).

Mondnacht gefrorener Herzen, gebleichte Schatten
Im Vorhof des Todes, unter den Wipfeln geschmückt,
Gedachter Schleier als Odem vom Windrand
Geschiedener Hoffnung vereist; lispelnde
Lippen übef dem Sande segnen den Schutz
Ihrer Umfriedung: Sprüche des Friedens,
Sprüche verlassen, Seele im verfelsten Gefühl,
Im Schlafe des toten Gesichtes besprochene Seele.
wdl0355
English translation:Abandoned, pointed, is his unbroken call
Explanation:
I would see 'Ruf' here as picking up on the 'so ruft der Bruder nicht!' in the first stanza.

I've tried to adapt my answer to have the same number of syllables and rhythm as the original - don't know whether this is important to you or not.
Selected response from:

phoeberuth
Local time: 14:21
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +2Abandoned, pointed, is his unbroken call
phoeberuth
3Desolate, and as a needle, upright his ceaseless acclaimHorst Huber
3Lonely and pointed there stands his seamless reputationreorient


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
Lonely and pointed there stands his seamless reputation


Explanation:
I think this line refers to the "Denkmal" mentioned above, being a figurative description of a statue or something alike. The expression "nahtloser Ruf" is an invention of the poet and has, as far as I know, no prior existence in German. From the way its literal translation "seamless reputation" is used, I think this might well correspond to the associations the poet had in mind.

Example sentence(s):
  • Because of our seamless reputation and services of a high quality firm ”Viksan Trading Oy” has a solid bond with many European producers.
  • I-70 Towing has come to earn a seamless reputation for providing high quality vehicle towing in Columbia, Missouri.

    Reference: http://www.elisanet.fi/vladimir.dremov/aboutus.html
    Reference: http://www.i70towing.com/location.php
reorient
Local time: 15:21
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 8
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
Abandoned, pointed, is his unbroken call


Explanation:
I would see 'Ruf' here as picking up on the 'so ruft der Bruder nicht!' in the first stanza.

I've tried to adapt my answer to have the same number of syllables and rhythm as the original - don't know whether this is important to you or not.

phoeberuth
Local time: 14:21
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Armorel Young: yes, my feeling is that "Ruf" is "call" rather than "reputation" here - I'd be inclined, though, to stick with "seamless" as the literal translation of "nahtlos"
16 mins

neutral  reorient: "ruf" meaning call is possible too, but as its a new stanza and the combination with "spitzig" and "steht" evokes something visual, I still tend towards "reputation". If its a call, I think "seamless" means constant, unceasing... rather than unbroken.
30 mins

agree  Horst Huber: Yes, contrary as ever I enter a suggestion. I think "Ruf" is ambiguous, but "unbroken" deserves support.
11 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

15 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
Desolate, and as a needle, upright his ceaseless acclaim


Explanation:
Yes, everyone is groaning. The references for "seamless" show it to be a temptation to be resisted. Hats off to phoeberuth for noticing. Not all meanings of "Ruf" can be accommodated, but "Widerhall" later on ("resonance"?) suggests something acoustic. "Spitzig" is not something you would have in your carry-on; "pointed" does not quite "cut it", and obelisks, for instance, have been called "needle." Just to suggest that this needs more thought?

Horst Huber
Local time: 08:21
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 3
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)




Return to KudoZ list


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.



See also: