Vortrag

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <9806102011.AA27490@mostro.sps.mot.com> roger@mostro.sps.mot.com (Roger Albert) writes:

> I've seen (both in German classes in the states, and in engineering
> classes I took in Germany) Vortrag used primarily for the reading of
> a paper in academic circles, or secondarily for a formal performance,
> as in the context of english "recital".  To my knowledge, the word
> is never used as performance as pertaining to a given level of ability,
> capability, or acumen.

"Performance" is one of those classic dilemmas for the translator
because there simply isn't a direct equivalent in German, apart from
in the theatrical sense.  In the computer industry, most Germans just
use the English word.  You _can_ cobble Schlangenwoerter together
using "Leistung", but it's always awkward.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
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