We know that all translators earn at different rates. Literary translators translate stuff like Finnigans Wake and supplement their income by selling matches on street corners. Technical translators are locked into CAT systems and forced into dwindling returns for repeats as a result. Financial translators charge £500 per page for glossy brochures on stock-exchange startups but take several weeks to research them. And then there are those freelances who charge £15 per 1,000 words and make £300 per hour because they employ harems of audiotypists.

On a German translators’ mailing list, u-forum, there is a heated discussion on this topic (a euphemism for a bit of a free-for-all, with all sides accusing each other of ruining the market). Should I be amazed at the vitriol?

It’s focused on an article by Luis Cerna, based on rates in Germany, in which he says you should not work for more than 2000 hours per year for the sake of your health (what health?), and only 1000 of those hours will be translation, as opposed to acquisition, bookkeeping, organization etc.

Bei u-forum gibt es eine Diskussion auf Deutsch über Übersetzereinkommen für Freiberufler in Deutschland. u-forum findet man in dieser Liste bei Alexander von Obert.

Es geht zum Teil um diesen Artikel von Luis Cerna (deutsche Version).

LATER NOTE: The ADÜ-Nord’s survey on translators’ rates has now been published in book form. There’s a summary (in German) on the ADÜ-Nord website.

New words in Denver
On December 29, the Denver Post reported on new words entering the common lexicon (thanks to Karen – I’ll send you your Christmas card next year). At the top of the printed edition was prairie-dogging: when the heads of office workers pop up over dubicle walls in response to a loud voice or noise. I wasn’t too impressed with blogosphere, podcast or vlogs, and chattering classes is presumable new only in the USA. But there’s a longer list there.

Air Berlin

Free trip to Portugal
The translation company Lingo24 (of Aberdeen, Romania and points east) has a competition for a company slogan – the prize for those in the UK is a trip to Portugal and accommodation for three nights. The slogan has to be snappy and translated into another language. Deadline is February 14.

Busted without help

Lidl, Romford, December 2005.

This weblog will soon be closing down for about two weeks, at which time comments will be closed to avoid spam.

This optician’s on the Grüner Markt in Fürth reminds me of the Optician’s sketch by the Two Ronnies – they would have found an A or a K immediately.

The Nürnberger Nachrichten recently tested Lebkuchen to find the best (I’m surprised the link still works – it probably won’t for long). The result was obvious, but I suppose one must allow them to indulge themselves.

Nach dieser Absolution liegt schon im ersten Durchgang die Bäckerei Düll aus der Mathildenstraße 28 vorne. Ihr weißer Elisenlebkuchen holt Note 1, weil er üppig und perfekt aussieht, gut duftet und seine mit Feingefühl dosierten Gewürze lange nachschmecken. ‘Saftig und dick’ entfaltet auch das Schokoladenexemplar (1 minus). Mit Piment, Kardamom, Muskat und mehr, dezent, aber anhaltend im Abgang, entlocken die Düllschen Produkte Tester Reitzner den Seufzer: ‘Wirklich eine ganze Mahlzeit.’ Und eine gute dazu. Qualität hat ihren Preis: Fünf Stück kosten 8,95 Euro.

(Following the absolution (of Pope Benedict with regard to Lebkuchen in general – he likes it), Bäckerei Düll of Mathildenstraße 28 leads the field in the very first round. Their white Elisenlebkuchen gets top marks (1): it looks luxurious and perfect, it smells good, and its judiciously measured spices linger on the palate. The chocolate-covered version is also ‘succulent and thick’ (1-). With allspice, cardamom, nutmeg and more, subtle, but with a long finish, the Düll Lebkuchen leads the tester Reitzner to sigh, ‘Really, a whole meal in itself’. And a good one. Quality has its price: five cost 8.95 euros.)

Man kann Düll Lebkuchen auch übers Internet bestellen, sowie per Telefon und Fax. Die Bilder auf der Website sind irreführend schlecht.

Elisen Lebkuchen is the name of the most expensive quality, only a maximum of 7% of which is flour – the rest is fruit and nuts. The local bakeries make Lebkuchen that is slightly soft and chewy, not dried out.

Düll (English and German)

Eur-Lex ändert sich (nicht ganz fertig).

Eur-Lex is about to change to this interface.

(via LAWgical)