Why I could never be an author
I was translating today from German to English. It seems like that would be an easy task, but that's not true. When I was checking my work from a fairy tale by the Grimm brothers, I came across one that I liked.
My original translation is the first, and my teacher's version is in parentheses.
"The youngest ran to the fountain (the youngest boy ran to the well)
and scooped from it with a cup (and scooped from it with a goblet)
that was next to it. (that was standing next to it)
In the courtyard of the desired castle were two lions, (in the courtyard of the desired castle there were two lions)
whose throats came off. (who stretched open their jaws)"
I think I'm a bit too literal.
My original translation is the first, and my teacher's version is in parentheses.
"The youngest ran to the fountain (the youngest boy ran to the well)
and scooped from it with a cup (and scooped from it with a goblet)
that was next to it. (that was standing next to it)
In the courtyard of the desired castle were two lions, (in the courtyard of the desired castle there were two lions)
whose throats came off. (who stretched open their jaws)"
I think I'm a bit too literal.