Comic Strips

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If German was English (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (3 children)

Thing is litterally Ding in German. The term Zeug on its own stands for for all the stuff you need to have at hand to perform some task.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I don't think the translation is as cleanly possible.

"Werkzeug" can be both singular and plural/uncountable. When used in plural, I would agree that "stuff" is good, but in singular, I think "thing" fits better.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

If it was about a real translation, I'd prefer 'device' instead.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Well stuff is literally Stoff, so...

[–] ironhydroxide 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

So Flugzeug is flight all the stuff to fly like an airport and fuel and air and engine and.....

And Werkzeug is work all the stuff to work with.

And Spielzeug.... play, all the stuff that can make up play.

Nope, doesn't make much sense, especially because they're used in the singular and plural forms. If they include all the things for the task then it can't really be plural.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

The meaning in terms of a singular object has evolved from the meaning in terms of a kit of objects, e.g. Feuerzeug was originally a flint stone and a fire striker, Nähzeug (sewing kit) and Sportzeug (sports equipment) are still being used in that manner. Werkzeug is a bit more tricky, as it can be the term for a singular item, e.g. a screwdriver, and a bunch of tools, e.g. all tools contained in a toolbox, while still the plural Werkzeuge exists.
However, I admit, that "stuff" to me as a non native English speaker carries more the meaning of Kram (collection of items with no specific purpose) than Zeug (with some purpose).

Edit: Fahrzeug and Flugzeug were made up in the early 20th century to combat the influence of foreign languages in German, so I wouldn't interpret too much into the meaning of the parts of these composita.