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. Cinema, Film, TV, Drama

selbstzweckhaft

English translation: self-indulgent

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:selbstzweckhaft
English translation:self-indulgent
Entered by: Edwin Miles

01:15 May 21, 2008
German to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Cinema, Film, TV, Drama / TV series pitch
German term or phrase: selbstzweckhaft
Context: Die serie rutscht jedoch nie in selbstzweckhaften Klamauk ab, sondern...

Concerning an action-comedy TV series.
I'm guessing along the lines of "self-indulgent slapstick" but am really uncertain.
Edwin Miles
Germany
Local time: 17:31
self-indulgent
Explanation:
"Self-indulgent" is exactly the word that came to mind, even before I read your whole question.

Klaumauk could be slapstick or goofiness / silliness.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 52 mins (2008-05-21 02:08:19 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

alternative: [silliness] for its own sake
Selected response from:

NGK
United States
Local time: 10:31
Grading comment
Thanks for the confirmation, self-indulgent works noticeably better than "an end in itself" in this case.
3 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +3this series does not lower itself to some slapstick which becomes an end in itself
Ingeborg Gowans (X)
4 +2self-indulgent
NGK
4self purpose
Reinhard Ursprung
3gratuitous
DonM


  

Answers


47 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +3
this series does not lower itself to some slapstick which becomes an end in itself


Explanation:
something to that effect I would say ' but it's late....

Ingeborg Gowans (X)
Canada
Local time: 12:31
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: German

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  casper (X): I would also translate selbstzweckhaft as "an end in itself". However, instead of "does not lower itself", may I suggest "does not slump into"?
2 hrs
  -> great, thanks, Chetan
agree  John Dale D.D.: Another suggestion - the series does not descend into slapstick just for the sake of it,but....
5 hrs
  -> thanks, John, your suggestion is great
agree  hazmatgerman (X): Mit "descend" und "for the sake".
12 hrs
  -> yes, good idea, thanks, hazmatgerman (what in the world is your real name??)
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

50 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
self-indulgent


Explanation:
"Self-indulgent" is exactly the word that came to mind, even before I read your whole question.

Klaumauk could be slapstick or goofiness / silliness.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 52 mins (2008-05-21 02:08:19 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

alternative: [silliness] for its own sake

NGK
United States
Local time: 10:31
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 60
Grading comment
Thanks for the confirmation, self-indulgent works noticeably better than "an end in itself" in this case.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Eike Seemann DipTrans
59 mins
agree  silviya stoimenova (X)
10 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
self purpose


Explanation:
a self purpose slapstick/screwball* comedy

*für screwball depends on context s. definition (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screwball-Comedy)

Reinhard Ursprung
Germany
Local time: 17:31
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

12 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
gratuitous


Explanation:
Another option. "Gratuitous" slapstick would be slapstick for its own sake and not e.g. serving the plot, character development etc.

DonM
Ireland
Local time: 16:31
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
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