Association of German-speaking Translators of Literary and Scientific Works

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Association of German-Language Translators
(VdÜ)
purpose service provider
Chair: Patricia Klobusiczky
Establishment date: 1954
Number of members: 1250
Seat : Berlin
Website: literaturübersetzer.de
Logo and slogan of the professional association

The Association of German-Language Translators of Literary and Scientific Works , short for the Association of German-Language Translators , is a registered association as a professional association of literary translators . In addition, the VdÜ has been part of the Association of German Writers , VS, in the trade union ver.di in the DGB since 1974 as the "Bundessparte Translators" . In the social areas of politics as well as legal and contracting, the VdÜ acts as a representative of the interests of all professionally active literary translators, de facto also non-organized ones, i.e. as a translators association and professional body under civil law . For the members it grants legal protection in relation to the publishers.

In summer 2017 the association had 1250 members. The two honorary chairpersons are 1. Patricia Klobusiczky , 2. Maria Hummitzsch .

At present, almost every second book in fiction is a translation. The translator put the people in the German through her work people, beliefs and lifestyles of the world culture noted. Translated literature is also a significant economic factor.

Literary translators who write German are usually freelancers ; a smaller group nowadays is made up of translators who are permanently employed with another function (e.g. as lecturer , scientist, cultural manager or teacher) and translate part-time. They all work on fiction, non-fiction , scientific texts, comics, plays, radio plays , films and other artistic works that are accessible to the general public. B. to translators at the court . From a legal point of view, literary translators are the authors of their translated works. Like the authors themselves, they are protected by copyright . Authors and translators have similar economic interests, so most of the VdÜ members are also union members in the VS; Double membership automatically applies to new German members.

Anyone who has published at least one translation or signed the relevant contract can become a member; otherwise one can acquire candidate status.

history

After 1945 the number of book translations into German increased. At the same time, the literary translators thought about how their professional situation could be improved and the quality of the translations raised. Sixteen literary translators, some of whom belonged to Group 47 , founded the VdÜ in Hamburg in 1954 . The aims of the registered association were to improve their professional skills, the technical exchange among themselves and with translators from other countries, the organization of conferences and further training. The first president was Rolf Italiaander . He was followed by Rolf Tonndorf, Helmut M. Braem , Klaus Birkenhauer, Burkhart Kroeber , Helga Pfetsch, Gerlinde Schermer-Rauwolf and Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel . Patricia Klobusiczky has been the 1st chairwoman since March 2017 . In 1964 Tonndorf founded the VdÜ magazine Der Translators . It has been published every six months since 1997 under the title Translate .

With the 1st annual conference of literary translators in Esslingen , Helmut M. Braem created a meeting in 1968 that continues to exist in a similar form to this day. For a long time it was called “Esslingen Conversation”, later, since it was based in Bergneustadt , it was called “Bergneustädter Conversation”. As the number of participants increased, Bensberg became the meeting point from 1999 to 2003. The city of Wolfenbüttel has been the host since the 50th anniversary year in 2004, and accordingly the conference is called "Wolfenbüttel Conversation". It serves the collegial exchange.

"The 'Tenth Commandment of the Translator' in the association: You should not translate any work that glorifies war or incites racial hatred ."

- Decision, 1956 at the Hamburg International Translators' Congress

Relationship with the Association of German Writers (VS)

When the Association of German Writers was founded in Cologne in 1969 with the active participation of the VdÜ , the VdÜ received the special status of a nationwide professional association that was on an equal footing with the state associations. Like the VS, the VdÜ joined the IG Druck und Papier in 1974 as the "Federal Translator Section" . This merged with the art union in 1989 to form IG Medien and in 2001 it merged into the ver.di service union .

The VdÜ affiliation to the union only applied to the association as such; those VdÜ members who so wished joined the union as individuals. For this reason, the registered association VdÜ continued to exist alongside the trade union division; the members who have joined the union are also members of the registered association, but this does not apply the other way around. On the one hand this corresponds to the ideological views of some VdÜ members, on the other hand it enabled German-speaking translators from Austria and Switzerland or from other countries to join the VdÜ; because according to the statutes, people living abroad cannot be union members.

Activities: questions about remuneration, further training, exchange with colleagues

After reunification, 80 translators from the new federal states joined the VdÜ. Overall, there were many new entrants between 1990 and 2001, as a result of which the number of members rose from a good 400 to over 950. In the VdÜ the principle of the collegial engagement of its members applies. All members of the board are translators themselves and work in the VdÜ on a voluntary basis.

In August 1970 the VdÜ presented a first model contract between literary translators and publishers; a year later, a similar model contract for translators of stage works followed as a proposal. In negotiations with the publishers' committee in the German book trade association , a standard contract was developed; the last version negotiated at the time was from 1992.

In the 1990s, the VdÜ began to go public. Protests against publishers because of discriminatory translation contracts were positively represented in the media. In the run-up to the amendment to the German Copyright Act of 2003, VdÜ achieved through campaigns that attracted the public and in discussions with politicians that rules were created which literary translators hoped would strengthen their economic position vis-à-vis publishers.

In the meantime, there had been a number of lawsuits by individual translators against publishers who had received journalistic support from VdÜ and legal assistance from the ver.di union. They had reached the Federal Court of Justice . Two BGH judgments issued in 2009 and 2011 were beneficial to the translators on essential points. The BGH created legally binding standards for the translators' participation in sales success and ancillary rights, i.e. utilization in media other than the first edition (usually a hardcover ), e.g. B. in paperbacks, in audio books or through film adaptations. So far, however, the VdÜ has faced the problem that most of the large German group publishers circumvent or even disregard the minimum rates defined by the BGH.

On April 1, 2014, for the first time, there were joint remuneration rules with a small group of publishers whose first signatories were on the publisher's side: Carl Hanser Verlag , Munich; Hanser Berlin and Nagel & Kimche , Frankfurter Verlagsanstalt ( Joachim Unseld ), Hoffmann & Campe Verlag, marebuch , Schöffling Verlag , Wallstein Verlag . The VdÜ thus implemented the stipulation of the 2003 amendment to the copyright law for the first time for literary translators, which included common rules on remuneration for authors (in this case translators) and publishers (i.e. publishers), which define a minimum remuneration.

“With this remuneration rule, we show that a sensible agreement based on expertise and goodwill is possible. The long-standing squabble over the definition of an 'appropriate minimum remuneration' for translators has thus been amicably resolved. We would like to thank the group of publishers involved and continue to approach other publishers with the invitation to join the remuneration rule. "

- Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel, 1st chairman of the VdÜ 2008-2017, press release 2014

"We have a reliable, practice-oriented remuneration rule that has created a solid foundation and sets a benchmark for all contracts."

- Heinrich Bleicher-Nagelsmann, Head of Art & Culture at ver.di

“I am delighted with this agreement, a balance of interests with which the interests of those involved are regulated far better than any court judgment could. With the adoption of the remuneration rule by the VdÜ, the door is open for further publishers. "

- Stephan D. Joß, managing director of Carl Hanser Verlag

At the end of 2019, the VdÜ reached a provisional agreement with the Börsenverein as a representative of the publishers, discreetly called "handout", on how translators should be presented by name in the publisher's products. So far, every translator has been dependent on a contractual agreement that is only valid for him. The handout is intended to improve the contractual situation for all VdÜ members in a uniform sense. How far this will prevail remains to be seen.

Over the years, important, independent literary translation institutions have emerged from the VdÜ. In 1978, on the initiative of Elmar Tophovens , a European translators' college , EÜK, was founded in Straelen , which the long-time chairman of the VdÜ, Klaus Birkenhauer, headed until February 2001. The EÜK became the model for a number of translators' colleges in Europe that followed.

A German translator fund, DÜF, was founded in 1997, also by VdÜ members. He regularly awards a number of scholarships and prizes and runs a “virtual academy” through seminars and workshop discussions. The program is called TOLEDO (in capital letters) and is funded by the Robert Bosch Foundation .

There are regular local or regional meetings of the local literary translators in Germany. They emerged step by step from so-called translator round tables. One focus has always been the joint discussion of translation problems, thus mutual further training and a collegial exchange. For example, this is how the “Munich Translator Forum” was created with around 140 members.

The VdÜ runs a mailing list for its members, called the "Translators' Forum", for further mutual understanding. There are special mailing lists on its website for French translators , then as a forum for literary and non-fiction translators , and in the form of a link to a forum for translators of audiovisual texts.

Another initiative, which emerged from the middle of the VdÜ, is the "world reading stage" at several locations, which is funded by the Robert Bosch Foundation , among others , with public book readings by its translator, bringing the work of the literary translator closer to a literary audience .

Josef Winiger created a detailed history of the association in 2014; the website of the VdÜ offers a short description of the history.

Wolfenbüttel talks

These annual talks lasting several days, which have been taking place in Wolfenbüttel for years after previous conference venues, are important for the collegial exchange of freelancers who mostly work alone .

At the 2018 talks, Sieglinde Geisel gave a keynote lecture on June 27, translating means answering . A group of young translators from the circle around the new web magazine TraLaLit. Platform for translated literature thought about this lecture and published its opinion on it.

The ViceVersa program

Bilingual "translation workshops" for those already working, called "ViceVersa", which sometimes take place abroad, are particularly successful. B. for Portuguese , Ukrainian or Arabic .

By concentrating on a certain language pair (always in combination with German), these bilingual workshops enable intensive text work, usually lasting one week. With a group of 10 to 12 translators, composed equally of native speakers, for example from German into Russian and vice versa from Russian into German, there is a rich discussion space for the subtleties of literary translations. The participants receive a qualified, collegial response to their own work and establish working relationships with colleagues from the countries of the language from which they translate.

The model is being expanded more and more, new initiatives and constellations are emerging in different places. “ViceVersa”, organized by the German Translation Fund, offers these bilingual workshops basic funding from the Robert Bosch Foundation, support in finding partners and other donors, and advice on content and organizational implementation.

"Translator Bar"

Since 2004, the VdÜ has been presenting an annual award in the form of a constantly changing work of art, called the “translator's barque”. The undoped prize is awarded to literary critics , publishers or other outsiders who have taken on the profession and achievements of translators in a special way.

Jerome ring

In honor of Susanna Brenner , a translator of American and English literature, the VdÜ donated the Hieronymusring in 1979 on the occasion of her 80th birthday . The prize was made possible by donations from Rowohlt Verlag and the work of Heinrich Maria Ledig-Rowohlt and Helmut Frielinghaus , the editor and head of the translation department at this publisher at the time. After two years, the wearer passes the ring on to a colleague of his choice, whose outstanding work as a translator he wants to recognize.

His name is reminiscent of the church father Jerome , whose new creation of the Latin Bible text , called Vulgate , became an important document of the Christian church. That is why Hieronymus is considered the patron saint of translators by many people in the West .

Training of literary translators

There is a special training in "literary translation" with a corresponding master's degree at the University of Düsseldorf . There are postgraduate courses or specializations at many universities with philological departments, e.g. B. at the University of Munich , or as a separate department, e.g. B. the Institute for Translation and Interpreting (IÜD) at the University of Heidelberg .

Commercial training is offered by For example, the company AKAD with a master’s degree in intercultural management and specialist translation in distance learning , as well as the private university for applied languages ​​in Munich .

Worldwide activity of literary translators

  • The CEATL - Conseil Européen des Associations de Traducteurs Littéraires - is the European umbrella organization of literary translators' associations. Among other things, he acts as a representative of the professional group at EU level and by publishing guidelines on fair contract drafting and "good practice" in dealing with literary translators ( "Guidelines for fair translation contracts" , "CEATL-Hexaloge or code of good practice" )
  • The UN has on 24 May 2017. founded in 1953. International Translation Day called Jeronimos day unanimously recognized. The assembly recognized the role of professional translation in the networking of nations, peacebuilding , mutual understanding and social development. The UN General Assembly declared September 30th to be World Translators Day.
  • "Conférence Internationale Permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes" CIUTI , literary translation as a subject of universities, worldwide

“ Quebec Declaration on Literary Translation and Translators, 2015: 1. Literary translation is both an art and a passion. With its striving for open-mindedness, translation is a key to the world and strengthens the dialogue between cultures. It promotes peace and freedom and offers protection against injustice, intolerance and censorship. 2. Cultures are not equally dedicated to translating. Some translate of their own accord, others out of necessity. Translation is closely related to the defense of languages ​​and cultures. 3. In spite of their appreciation for authors and their works, translators do not only endeavor to reproduce a text: as independent designers, they seek to deepen it and create more space for it. They are not just messengers; for although they carry on the voices of others, they do not lose their own. As defenders of linguistic and cultural diversity, they are particularly committed to undiscovered authors and to marginalized styles and groups. 4. The rights of translators must be protected. Government bodies, publishers, the media and clients must recognize them, name translators clearly, respect their profession and needs, and guarantee them adequate pay and working conditions; and that in all publication media. 5. The physical integrity and freedom of expression of translators must be guaranteed at all times. 6. As creative writers with special skills and knowledge, translators deserve respect and should be consulted on all questions relating to their area of ​​work. Translations are the property of their authors. "

- 2015 PEN International Quebec Declaration

See also

literature

Web links

  • VdÜ website ; Search option at the top right (not clearly visible)
    • Search engine for translators, database, all search queries are possible, also using parts of words; 850 EDT translators are currently on the list
    • Search engine for scholarships and all translator prizes (= awards)
  • New beginnings, then and now , by Helmut Frielinghaus . A look back at 50 years of VdÜ. In: Zs. Translate. H. 2-3, 2004, pp. 1-4. (Additional lecture at the Wolfenbüttler Talks 2004)
  • List of worldwide professional associations for translators
  • ASTTI Swiss Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters - Association suisse des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes - Associazione Svizzera Traduttori, Terminologi e Interpreti
  • Website of the "National Association of Translators - L'Unione Provinciale dei Traduttori", LDÜ - UPT for South Tyrol , seat of Bolzano
  • Literary translator: the next generation is dwindling. In: Kölner Stadtanzeiger . August 19, 2013, by Angela Sommersberg, conversations with Paul Berf , Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel VdÜ, etc. For example about the earning potential of literary translators, age structure in the job
  • Wolfenbüttel Talks 2013: Deadline pressure and poor pay. Interview by Joachim Göres with 3 translators. In: Mitteldeutsche Zeitung . June 10, 2013.
  • Review , Nicola Denis on "Gisella M. Vorderobermeier: Translational practices from a sociological point of view. Context dependency of the translational habitus? At the same time Diss. Phil., University of Graz 2011. Budrich UniPress , Opladen 2013." A book about the motivation of literary translators, including survey results and interviews. In "Translate", Zs. Des VdÜ. 1, 2015, ISSN  1868-6583 p. 15f.
  • Practical tips for translating literature. ReLÜ , review magazine , by Hanna Ohlrogge, A small plea for more daring translation , June 2016
  • CEATL's European Literary Translators' E-zine , Online-Zs. the CEATL , here the first No. 1/2019, for free subscription (in Engl.)

notes

  1. ↑ ISSN  1868-6583 . zsue.de
  2. ↑ Remuneration rule (PDF).
  3. ↑ Handout 2019
  4. ↑ TOLEDO program: About us, accessed on July 23, 2020 (menu is to be clicked vertically on the right side of the page). In the past, the Bosch Foundation's own programs already bore this name, and after several restructuring, the title was transferred to the DÜF.
  5. ↑ Such regular meetings take place in Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Straelen and Zurich.
  6. ↑ The VdÜ. A professional association with charisma beyond the profession. In: Helga Pfetsch (ed.): Sovereign bridge builders. 60 years of the Association of Literary Translators VdÜ. (= Language in the Technical Age . Special Issue). On behalf of the Association of German-Language Translators of Literary and Scientific Works - Federal Department of Translators of the VS in ver.di. Böhlau, Cologne 2014, ISBN 978-3-412-22284-0 , pp. 16–51 and other pages on individual persons
  7. ↑ Tell. Magazine for literature and contemporaneity . Lecture text
  8. ↑ means interpreting, by Felix Pütter
  9. ↑ Master of Literature Translation
  10. ↑ It is helpful to search the translator database of the VdÜ, see web links, for locations or institutions, as almost all of the 850 VdÜ members listed there indicate their training course
  11. ^ Resolution A / 71 / L68, 71st session of the General Assembly
  12. ↑ ITD Adopted! - FIT. Retrieved July 30, 2019 .
  13. ^ Translated from Karin Clark
  14. ↑ Particularly interesting are the FAQs on this profession and its practice and a collection of links containing a large number of web links, including resources, training centers, worldwide professional associations and the like. Ä. has ready. Optionally in German or Italian.
  15. ↑ To the dissertation (short description)