eine der wenigstens einen X

English translation: at least one of the at least one [channels]

05:46 Oct 4, 2015
German to English translations [PRO]
Law/Patents - Patents
German term or phrase: eine der wenigstens einen X
I'm translating a patent and would like to know how to translate the sequence above. I'm aware this is patentese but I can't understand how it works grammatically.

The text in question: "Grundsätzlich kann die wenigstens eine Nut alle bekannten Querschnittsformen aufweisen, wobei jedoch insbesondere gute Ergebnisse erhalten werden, wenn wenigstens eine der wenigstens einen Nut und bevorzugt jede der wenigstens einen Nut einen zumindest im Wesentlichen rechtwinkligen, vorzugsweise einen rechtwinkligen, Querschnitt aufweist"

Thanks for all suggestions

Ross
mek0n
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:20
English translation:at least one of the at least one [channels]
Explanation:
Here's how I'd put the whole thing together, and in this case I think a plural for "Nut" (channel, groove, or whatever you chose for this term) sounds better in the English, even though it is singular in the source:
if at least one of the at least one channel(s) and preferably each of the at least one channel(s) has an at least essentially square, preferably a square cross-section
So I'm essentially agreeing with Thomas Pfann and EdithK.
Selected response from:

John Speese
United States
Local time: 09:20
Grading comment
Selected this as the best answer since it also addresses more of the problem (ie singular or plural noun)
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +5if at least one of the
Edith Kelly
4 +1at least one of the at least one [channels]
John Speese
2each (one) of the at least one
Erzsébet Czopyk


  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5
each (one) of the at least one


Explanation:
each (one) of the at least one?

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Note added at 1 óra (2015-10-04 06:49:14 GMT)
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IMHO, one word is missing from the text

Erzsébet Czopyk
Hungary
Local time: 14:20
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in HungarianHungarian
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2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +5
if at least one of the


Explanation:
minimum (or at least if you prefer) on groove

nothing is missing here

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2 hrs (2015-10-04 07:52:33 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

sorry, typos:
on*e* groove

Edith Kelly
Switzerland
Local time: 14:20
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 47

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Thomas Pfann: Klingt gewöhnungsbedürftig, scheint aber keine ungewöhnliche Formulierung in Patenten zu sein. at least one of the at least one or at least one of said at least one
42 mins
  -> ist eigentlich normale Patentsprache, danke.

agree  A. & S. Witte
8 hrs

agree  Eckhard Boehle: As Thomas put it - so, the correct answer to the question would have to be: "one of the/said at least one X"
9 hrs

agree  milinad
1 day 16 mins

agree  Björn Vrooman: Source reads like a formula, which is no surprise considering patent attorneys in Germany have to have a degree in natural sciences as a prerequisite.
1 day 10 hrs
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12 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
at least one of the at least one [channels]


Explanation:
Here's how I'd put the whole thing together, and in this case I think a plural for "Nut" (channel, groove, or whatever you chose for this term) sounds better in the English, even though it is singular in the source:
if at least one of the at least one channel(s) and preferably each of the at least one channel(s) has an at least essentially square, preferably a square cross-section
So I'm essentially agreeing with Thomas Pfann and EdithK.


John Speese
United States
Local time: 09:20
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Selected this as the best answer since it also addresses more of the problem (ie singular or plural noun)

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Eckhard Boehle
14 hrs
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