literal vs vernacular "Schwarze Gesellen"

Need help with translating WW1, Inter-War or WW2 related documents or information?
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Felix C
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literal vs vernacular "Schwarze Gesellen"

#1

Post by Felix C » 30 Nov 2016, 02:29

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 Well the thesaurus indicates both and craftsman, mechanic(also an outdated term in the sense of being a specialist) as well as just plain worker(s)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.

history1
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Re: literal vs vernacular "Schwarze Gesellen"

#2

Post by history1 » 30 Nov 2016, 21:32

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.


Felix C
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Posts: 1201
Joined: 04 Jul 2007, 17:25
Location: Miami, Fl

Re: literal vs vernacular "Schwarze Gesellen"

#3

Post by Felix C » 01 Dec 2016, 19:47

Dirty workers. I like it. Has an Eugene O'Neil ring to it.

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