Black Tradesman is that correct? That is how I see it.
Reference to the sailors on the coal fired light warships of WW1-Torpedoboats and Minesweepers. The fellows who did the dirty work of the war.
Have also seen it as Black Journeyman which is the literal translation. I do not see journeyman used much in the USA anymore. A term used for tradesmen. Well the thesaurus indicates both and craftsman, mechanic(also an outdated term in the sense of being a specialist) as well as just plain worker(s)
What would you native or near-native German speakers say.
You know why I ask.
literal vs vernacular "Schwarze Gesellen"
Re: literal vs vernacular "Schwarze Gesellen"
Hi Felix,
in this case a literal translation (Geselle) is totally wrong. It has nothing to do with "tradesman" or "journeyman". Use "dirty workers", "dirty stoker" or "mucky companions" instead.
in this case a literal translation (Geselle) is totally wrong. It has nothing to do with "tradesman" or "journeyman". Use "dirty workers", "dirty stoker" or "mucky companions" instead.
Re: literal vs vernacular "Schwarze Gesellen"
Dirty workers. I like it. Has an Eugene O'Neil ring to it.