What kinds of things can be expressed in Czech that are difficult or impossible to express in German?
Diminutives in Czech have a different sound and often a different meaning compared to German. Sometimes it’s possible to translate them, but often it isn’t. For example, the Czech word stařeček (the diminutive of stařec, meaning “old man”) has a warm, endearing quality; under certain circumstances, it can also carry a hint of pity. In contrast, the German Alterchen tends to imply a sense of distance and a somewhat disparaging tone.
Does a character’s personality change when translating from Czech to German?
The core of a character’s personality shouldn’t change. But if a character speaks a specific dialect, then it naturally becomes difficult to convey the local flavor. Take, for example, the character Švejk, who moves in the specific pub-talk atmosphere of Prague’s Žižkov district. That can’t be conveyed.
When you translate, do you tend to think in images, in meaning, or in words?
I can’t say exactly whether I think in images, words, or meanings—it’s a mix of everything. Above all, though, I let myself be guided by the atmosphere, the tone, and the rhythm.
What aspect of Czech humor is particularly difficult to translate into German?
Most of the time, it’s the ambiguity and wordplay that are hard to translate.
Which Czech jokes don’t work at all in German?
Puns, double entendres, and humorous sayings often don’t work. In “Die Mariborhypnose”, there’s a line I really like: Mouchy snězte si mě—literally, Eat me, flies! In German, it sounds like the exclamation of a confused person; in Czech, it’s a common expression for a very passive, and sometimes even incompetent, person. Translating that was difficult.
What do you love about Czech that you miss in German?
Among other things, the brevity with which you can express yourself. Nemyslím—I don’t think. One word on one side, three on the other. I also sometimes miss the more flexible word order and, of course, some of the sayings that can’t be translated.
How has translating changed your own German?
I enjoy discovering new words, love leafing through dictionaries, and keep a list of expressions and beautiful terms. I’ve also developed a sort of love for grammar, which my Latin teacher would surely be thrilled about.
What was the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make in a translation?
Leaving something as is that I wasn’t 100 percent satisfied with.
What are your favorite words in German and Czech?
In German: “Schmetterling” (butterfly) and “Rauschgift” (drug). Both words sound so beautiful and brutal at the same time.
In Czech: “Rampouch” (icicle) and “Ožrala” (drunkard). Here, too, the sound is unique.
What are you currently working on, and what will your next project be?
I’m currently translating Dora Kaprálová’s 2022 book “Utrpení a jiné žánry”. Translated, it would be “Suffering and Other Genres,” but since I’m working closely with the author, the volume will be titled “Malule” at her request and expanded to include a few newer stories. The word “Malule” is a neologism coined by the author and means everything that can’t be pinpointed precisely.
Photo: private
The interview was conducted by Nathalie Weber.