Wikipedia:Translation/Melchior Berri

Talk
Looking through this + proofing, I'm not sure what the best translation for


 * "Auf diesem Wege hatte er sich handwerkliche Fertigkeit als Steinmetz, Gipser und Maurer angeeignet, sich in Landschaftes- und Figurenzeichnen geübt und bautechnische Fächer studiert."

is. I've ended up modifying what was there to


 * "In doing so he developed the technical skills of a stonemason, plasterer, and bricklayer. He also practised the drawing of landscapes and figures, and studied subjects of technical construction."

But I'm not sure it's great. In particular, the last bit sounds very stilted. Also not sure what is meant by the part of the last para:


 * "aber vielleicht auch die Enge der kleinstädtischen Verhältnisse"

So I read it as that he was depressed by the not very cosmipolitan countryside. But I'm pretty certain that's wrong! Is this a euphemism - was he homosexual or otherwise nonconforming with the rest of society? That would also seem to fit the phrase. Or maybe my German's just not good enough!

Finally, "took his own life" is definitely a euphemism, but I don't know whether it should be changed to commit suicide, or at what point if so.

Rswarbrick (talk) 23:30, 27 May 2008 (UTC)