

It is a familiar saying among translators, one attributed to the French philosopher Gilles Ménage (1613-92): “Women are like translations: The beautiful ones are not faithful, and the faithful ones are not beautiful.” However politically incorrect that sentiment may be, the qualified translator Anna Maria Rossi, who has over 20 years of experience working for international companies, can only concur, especially for texts translated from German into Italian.

German – Italian: A literal translation is not enough


Anna Maria Rossi

27 words instead of 16


A verb becomes a verb plus adverb


There is no word for ‘Feierabend’ in Italian

The translation professionals also need a deft touch for language, cultural knowledge and a large vocabulary in German and Italian when confronted with words that simply have no equivalent in the other language. Italian, for instance, does not have any words that would convey the precise meaning of German terms like ‘Vorfreude’ (pleasant anticipation), ‘Feierabend’ (literally: to celebrate the end of work) or ‘Fremdschämen’ (to be made ashamed by the behavior of others). In contrast, Italian has reams of options for the German term ‘gemütlich’ (comfy, snug): If it is used to describe a cozy room, the correct translation would be ‘accogliente’ or ‘confertevole’ , while a relaxed mood would be ‘gradevole’ or ‘rilassato’; when used in connection with a time of the day like a ‘cozy evening’ it is more likely to be ‘piacevole’ or ‘tranquillo’.

Even the word ‘Konzept’ won’t rattle true professionals


Italian is not always the same

Language professionals need a sensitive touch for language, in every sense – and they must always know which kind of Italian speakers are likely to read the translations. After all, Italian is not always the same. In the Swiss Canton of Ticino, for instance, where Italian is the official language, the price tags in supermarkets proudly declare: ‘Pomodori in azione!’ We would say: ‘Special offer on tomatoes.’ An Italian encountering this statement in a supermarket is likely to be taken aback. He would take it to mean: ‘Tomatoes on the move!’

Anna Maria Rossi

Professional Translator


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