German Translation Online Resource Centre
I come across a lot of German translation online resources in my work and German websites which cover many German translation-related topics.
Here I’ve listed the ones I think are good, where I know who’s behind them or think they may be of help. Enjoy!
PROFESSIONAL STUFF - for German TranslatorsFUN GERMAN - take a walk on the light side| - Übersetzungsfehler.com - Das Gruselkabinett der Übersetzung. This is a great site by an Austrian colleague, a collection of real-life horrible translations, from and into German and English from around the world. A great example of what not to do! | | - The Austrian Dictionary (in German). OK, German is Austria’s official language, but try asking for “Schlagsahne” or “Quark” in Austria and people will think you’re “Deppert” (Look it up!) Invaluable for anyone planning a trip to Austria and wanting to impress the locals! | | - Schüttelreime. Schüttelreime are created by swapping the initial letter(s)of words to create new word combinations. They’re a bit more than Spoonerisms (e.g. “teapot” = “peatot”), which are usually nonsensical, as the skill in schütteln(shaking up) is in creating real word combinations – Schicker Duft/Dicker Schuft) – and then putting them into verse. The website is in German, hope you’ll enjoy! |
REAL LIFE GERMAN - idioms, expressions and the like | - Redensarten . Redensarten = expressions, and here is a great collection of German expressions and sayings. Discover the meanings and boost your colloquial German! | | - Zitate.de. Zitaten = quotes, and here is a large collection. Search by name or subject area and impress your friends! | | - German proverbs . A great Wiki resource, German proverbs plus their English translations. | | - phrasen.com. A dictionary of phrases, sayings, expressions and idioms in German and in English. |
NOT-SUCH-FUN GERMAN| - German was subjected to a Rechtschreibreform(orthography reform) in 1996, updated 2004, with the aim of simplifying spelling ( more –ss- and less-ß-, etc.). Not surprisingly, a fair amount of confusion has resulted. Here is the official version in PDF format (German), issued by the Institut für Deutsche Sprache in PDF form for you to download. (For general background info in English see this Wiki entry.) Enjoy! |
LEARNING GERMAN| - Learn German Smarter . Still fighting with German? Peter Heinisch has a great way of helping making the process of learning German easier by using mnemonics (visual or audio learning aids) or Eselsbrücken. Thoroughly recommended. | | - If you want to hear how a word is pronounced in German, or you want to compare with the pronunciation you get with Leo, you can always try Forvo. |
GREAT BLOGS| - We are based in lovely Vienna, Austria and so is Merisi’s Vienna for Beginners a regularly updated photo blog of views of Vienna and Austria throughout the year. Insight into Austrian culture and way of life! |
ENGLISH WRITING SKILLS - the second component in good German translation!| - The BBC Style Guide by John Allen is a must for anyone using English professionally – e.g. German translators. Well set out and well written (well, obviously!), and you can download the guide in PDF format. | | - The Economist magazine also has a style guide and I have to plug it because it’s accompanied by a great multiple choice quiz to test your own English skills..... | | - OEDILF, or The Omnificent English Dictionary in Limerick Form. OK, this is cheating because it’s not really a German translation online resource unless we can argue that it helps hone your English writing skills, but I just can’t resist. It’s marvellous. Take a break, have a quick read.... |
Know of a good German translation site which would be of interest to German Translation Tips & Resources visitors? Should your own German website be included in this German translation online resource centre?
Then send us a quick note using this form...
Many thanks,
German Translation Tips & Resources
You’ll also find German Translation Tips & Resources listed in a variety of internet directories which I’ve listed here.

Return from German Translation Online Resources to Home

|