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Papierschlange

English translation: rubber snake

16:21 Apr 2, 2016
German to English translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - Philosophy
German term or phrase: Papierschlange
I need some help thinking creatively here.

My author, Helmuth Plessner, is using Papierschlange as an example of an inanimate object whose movements simulate life:

Dabei sei ein häufig übersehener Unterschied gemacht zwischen solchen Wesensmerkmalen, die rein die Lebenserscheinung im Sinne des „Habitus" der Lebendigkeit anzeigen, und den Merkmalen, deren „vollständiges" Auftreten das wirkliche Vorhandensein eines Lebendigen („wirklich" nicht im Sinne der Kriterien der empirischen Naturwissenschaft, sondern im Sinne der Anschauung) phänomenal verbürgt. So gibt es sehr charakteristische Bewegungen, die Leben verraten und auch dort vortäuschen, wo der Bewegungsträger unbelebt ist (*Papierschlange* z. B.).

If I translate this as paper (or party) streamer, the reference to an actual living thing - a snake - is lost. What could an equivalent be? Rocking horse came to mind, but of course rocking horses don't at all simulate the actual movements of a real horse...Help!
mill2
Local time: 05:01
English translation:rubber snake
Explanation:
I don't disagree with "paper snake", but it doesn't have the same double meaning as the German which, as you say, is a streamer.
Selected response from:

philgoddard
United States
Grading comment
Rubber snake captures what Plessner is trying to say best, I believe. Thanks very much!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
2 +3paper snake
Jonathan MacKerron
4rubber snake
philgoddard


Discussion entries: 6





  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5 peer agreement (net): +3
paper snake


Explanation:
why recreate the wheel?

Jonathan MacKerron
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 16

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  David Hollywood
4 mins
agree  Paul Cohen: As opposed to a "paper tiger," which is another kettle of fish entirely.
37 mins
agree  gangels (X)
16 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

4 days   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
rubber snake


Explanation:
I don't disagree with "paper snake", but it doesn't have the same double meaning as the German which, as you say, is a streamer.

philgoddard
United States
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 12
Grading comment
Rubber snake captures what Plessner is trying to say best, I believe. Thanks very much!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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