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sehr verherter Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville

English translation: Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville

14:12 Nov 12, 2006
German to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Linguistics
German term or phrase: sehr verherter Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville
and yes, Swilltroth and Barfsville are made-up names to protect the innocent.

In this case, context is how to address a British Lord in a welcoming speech, in which this lord is specifically greeted by name along with several other people.
Is "Dear "Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville" OK? Or would "dear" here be considered impertinent?
Jonathan MacKerron
English translation:Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville
Explanation:
"Dear Lord..." is fine, but it's also acceptable to begin with just "Lord..."
Selected response from:

Clare Forder
Local time: 05:58
Grading comment
Thanks
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +3Lord Swilltroth
Neil Mann
4Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville
Clare Forder
3 -2most venerable Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville
Fabio Descalzi


Discussion entries: 11





  

Answers


2 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): -2
most venerable Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville


Explanation:
verehren = to venerate

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Note added at 17 mins (2006-11-12 14:29:42 GMT)
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http://www.ants.edu/about/publications/other/burrows_baccala...
When Words Abandon Us
Mark S. Burrows
The baccalaureate sermon for 2004
Andover Newton Theological School
21 May 2004
Texts selected by the graduating class: Isa. 58.6-14; 1 Cor. 13
I recently came upon a curious little piece entitled “A Small Nation Writes a Letter to God.” Here’s how it begins.
Most Venerable Lord:
We are writing to You in the following matter.

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Note added at 19 mins (2006-11-12 14:31:19 GMT)
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In general, expressions as the one above ar used in religious contexts

Fabio Descalzi
Uruguay
Local time: 01:58
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in SpanishSpanish
PRO pts in category: 4

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  muitoprazer (X): venerable=worthy of veneration,which implies extreme servitude .http://www.bedesworld.co.uk/academic-bede.php
8 mins
  -> OK
disagree  Ulrike Kraemer: With muitoprazer, and this is NOT a church context. The pope may be "most venerable", but definitely not Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville...
33 mins
  -> OK
disagree  Clare Forder: Surely "Lord" in this context is referring to "God" rather than a titled British gentleman?
33 mins
  -> OK
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42 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Lord Swilltroth of Barfsville


Explanation:
"Dear Lord..." is fine, but it's also acceptable to begin with just "Lord..."


    Reference: http://www.deskdemon.com/pages/uk/events/formsofaddress
Clare Forder
Local time: 05:58
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Thanks
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52 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
Lord Swilltroth


Explanation:
If it's only relatively formal:
We should like to extend a special welcome to the Duchess of Muck, Lord Swilltroth, Mrs Smith and Mr Jones who have joined us for these celebrations

More formal:
a special welcome to the Duchess of Muck, the Earl of Swilltroth, Mrs Smith and Mr Jones

Very formal:
a special welcome to Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Muck, the Right Honourable Earl of Swilltroth, Mrs Smith and Mr Jones ....

(His Grace for Duke
Most Honourable for Marquess
Rt Honourable for Earl, Viscount, Baron)

From what you say though, it should only be relatively formal so don't go for the heavy-duty stuff.

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Note added at 55 mins (2006-11-12 15:07:54 GMT)
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and back to the original question: would "Dear Mr Smith" seem inappropriate in the same context? (to me it would)

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Note added at 59 mins (2006-11-12 15:11:49 GMT)
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and if he is Baron X of Y, "Lord Jenkins of Hillhead", for instance, he'll no doubt like the "of Y" bit to be included as well, as Clare has put

Neil Mann
Finland
Local time: 07:58
Native speaker of: English

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Ken Cox: AFAIK 'Dear xxx' is only used in written forms of address -- thus not in oral forms. In the worst case, it can be regarded as ironic or condescending if used in an oral form of address.
33 mins
  -> Thank you - yes, it could sound rather patronising.
agree  Margaret Marks
4 hrs
  -> thank you, Margaret
agree  Kari Foster: Yes, since apparently he must be addressed by name. Otherwise: "My lords, ladies, and gentlemen..."
5 hrs
  -> thank you, Kari
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