This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. German to English
  3. Linguistics

mittlerweile

English translation: the term X, which by now has acquired negative connotations

04:01 Oct 8, 2002
German to English translations [PRO]
Marketing - Linguistics / Product Renaming
German term or phrase: mittlerweile
"Der mittlerweile negative Begriff „X“ belastet nicht mehr das System."

Here they are talking about rebranding one of their dental products. The term "X" is now considered undesirable and a hindrance to marketing.

It appears in this sentence that "mittlerweile" is being used as an adjective. Is that right? Or is it actually being used as an adverb? Either way, I'm having a little trouble grasping the exact meaning. Here's my current attempt:

"Meanwhile, the negative term “X” will no longer burden the system."

Needs a little work, I think. TIA for any assistance you can provide.
Rowan Morrell
New Zealand
Local time: 23:23
English translation:the term X, which by now has acquired negative connotations
Explanation:
I see mittlerweile as an adverb modifying an unstated verb, acquired.
Selected response from:

Kim Metzger
Mexico
Local time: 05:23
Grading comment
Thank you very much indeed for that, Kim. It helps a lot. I think we can conclude that "mittlerweile" is an adverb and nothing but an adverb! :-) But the way it was used here was quite tricky, so I appreciate your clarifying it for me. Thanks once again, and thanks also to all those who agreed with Kim or offered suggestions of their own.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +18the term X, which by now has acquired negative connotations
Kim Metzger
4the now negative term X...
danielasch
4a weak alternative
gangels (X)


  

Answers


14 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +18
the term X, which by now has acquired negative connotations


Explanation:
I see mittlerweile as an adverb modifying an unstated verb, acquired.

Kim Metzger
Mexico
Local time: 05:23
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 123
Grading comment
Thank you very much indeed for that, Kim. It helps a lot. I think we can conclude that "mittlerweile" is an adverb and nothing but an adverb! :-) But the way it was used here was quite tricky, so I appreciate your clarifying it for me. Thanks once again, and thanks also to all those who agreed with Kim or offered suggestions of their own.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  writeaway: I don't see any hope of turning it into an adjective. it denotes an aspect of time following an action (ie verb).it will remain adverbial until its dying day.
47 mins
agree  Nancy Arrowsmith: in the meantime is the literal translation, this is better
49 mins
agree  Chris Rowson (X): It is an adverb modifying the adjective "negative".
1 hr
agree  Louise Mawbey
1 hr
agree  Olav Rixen
2 hrs
agree  Steffen Walter: Exactly, Chris. Perhaps you could also say "the term X which in the meantime became negative/got a negative image"
2 hrs
agree  jerrie
3 hrs
agree  Endre Both
3 hrs
agree  Jutta Amri
3 hrs
agree  Armorel Young: yes, well put
3 hrs
agree  Emma Cox
3 hrs
agree  Cilian O'Tuama: here 'mittlerweile' = 'inzwischen' (adverb)
4 hrs
agree  JózsefÁrpád Bende
5 hrs
agree  Andrea Fromherz
6 hrs
agree  Kaiya J. Diannen: I like 'which in the meantime' too
6 hrs
agree  mezacc
7 hrs
agree  gangels (X): my first thought, too
10 hrs
agree  Ron Stelter: this is very good
12 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
the now negative term X...


Explanation:
.

danielasch
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

10 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
a weak alternative


Explanation:
now generally understood to be a negative

strictly for people who don't know what 'connotation' means

gangels (X)
Local time: 05:23
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 11
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search