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in der Nachfolge stehen

English translation: in the shadow of my forefathers

11:46 Apr 13, 2011
German to English translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - History
German term or phrase: in der Nachfolge stehen
"Der Rückblick auf xx Jahre Familiengeschichte erfüllt mich mit Stolz, aber auch mit dem Bewusstsein, in der Nachfolge vieler Generationen zu stehen und Verantwortung übernehmen zu müssen"

This is written in the foreword for a tourist publication to commemorate the anniversary of a German dynasty. I'm having a problem with "in der Nachfolge vieler Generationen zu stehen". It means something along the lines of "to inherit the legacy of many generations", althouth I'm not sure whether "legacy" has negative conotations here. Another option might be "to stand in the tradition of", but I don't think this works in this case.

I'd appreciate any help!
CGK
Local time: 07:10
English translation:in the shadow of my forefathers
Explanation:
would be the adage
Selected response from:

Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 07:10
Grading comment
Thank you for the many excellent suggestions. This one fitted the text best.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +3in the shadow of my forefathers
Ramey Rieger (X)
4to follow in the footsteps
Ryan Armbrust Diaz (X)
3indebted to
Phoebe Indetzki
3take up the gauntlet of past generations
Jonathan MacKerron
3to be the successor of many generations
Juliana Mraz
3(follow) in the succession of many ...
Horst Huber (X)
2(to be) the product of (something)
Derek Gill Franßen


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


10 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
to follow in the footsteps


Explanation:
I think this suits the context quite well.

Ryan Armbrust Diaz (X)
Germany
Local time: 07:10
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 4
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18 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5
(to be) the product of (something)


Explanation:
...might work here.

Derek Gill Franßen
Germany
Local time: 07:10
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 12
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51 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
indebted to


Explanation:
I know this isn't a direct translation - but how about " and am aware of how indebted I am to the many generations who have come before me..."

Phoebe Indetzki
Local time: 07:10
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

54 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
in the shadow of my forefathers


Explanation:
would be the adage

Example sentence(s):
  • Looking back on XXXX years of family history, fills me with pride. But I am also aware of standing in the shadow of my forefathers and am called on to assume responsibility.
Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 07:10
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 41
Grading comment
Thank you for the many excellent suggestions. This one fitted the text best.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Nicola Wood: Hey there, Ramey. I like this and it fits the context well.
6 mins
  -> Hi back at ya. Yes, it felt good to me, too. Thanks!
agree  Thayenga: This was my very first thought! Then I saw that you have already entered it in here. Have a great day. :D
28 mins
  -> Well, great minds think alike, as they say. Have a lovely day!
agree  Anette Bange (X)
3 hrs
neutral  Dr. Christopher Brooks: Good, but it really depends on the the tenor or the rest of the text: "shadow of my forefathers" could be a bit lofty sounding.
13 hrs
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3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
take up the gauntlet of past generations


Explanation:
yet another...

Jonathan MacKerron
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 47
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3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
to be the successor of many generations


Explanation:
sounds a little stiff, but might apply here

Juliana Mraz
Slovakia
Local time: 07:10
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: German
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

13 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
(follow) in the succession of many ...


Explanation:
Sticking my neck out as usual. At least the Church speaks of apostolic succession, and the phrase seems neutral, not implying that the forebears are a daunting presence.

Horst Huber (X)
United States
Local time: 01:10
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 4
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