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I am a native English speaker with near-native ability in German. Take advantage of my strong educational background coupled with 50 years of experience in engineering, IT, marketing and sales while working for the likes of NBS, EDS, and Nike.
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Freelance translator and/or interpreter, Verified site user
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German to English: Analysis, Modeling and Simulation of the Structural Properties and Charge Transfer in Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes General field: Tech/Engineering Detailed field: Materials (Plastics, Ceramics, etc.)
Source text - German Die Technologie beruht auf der reversiblen Interkalation/Extraktion von Lithium in/aus der Host-Matrix der beiden Elektroden, die während des Lade/Entlade-Prozesses stattfindet. Als Anode werden kohlenstoffbasierte Materialien, meistens Graphit, verwendet. Als aktives Kathodenmaterial wird eine Vielzahl von Stoffen wie Metalloxide und Komposite, wie z.B. LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiFePO4, LiNixMnyO4, eingesetzt [1-3]. Vielversprechend für eine breite Anwendung als Kathode ist Lithiumeisenphosphat (LiFePO4). Dieses Material zeichnet sich durch eine sehr hohe thermische Stabilität, hohe Energiedichte, verbesserte Sicherheit und einen geringen Preis der verwendeten Rohstoffe aus [2]. Neuartige Synthesemethoden von Nanoscale - LiFePO4 erlauben ultraschnelles Laden/ Entladen (bis zu200 °C) von Lithium-Ionen Batterien, was vor allem für die Automobilindustrie von großem Interesse ist [4].
Translation - English The technology relies on the reversible intercalation/extraction of lithium to/from the host matrix of the two electrodes, that occurs during the charging and discharging processes. Carbon-based materials, mostly graphite are used as anode. As active cathode material, a variety of materials such as metallic oxides and composites such as, for example LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiFePO4, and LiNixMnyO4 are used [1-3]. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) looks promising as a cathode for a variety of applications. This material is distinguished by its very high thermal stability, high energy density, improved safety and low price for the raw materials needed [2]. Novel methods of synthesizing nanoscale LiFePO4 permit the ultra-speedy charge/discharge (up to 200°C) of lithium-ion batteries, something that is of especially great interest to the automobile industry [4].
German to English: Contractual Agreement Between Company and Sales Agent General field: Bus/Financial Detailed field: Law: Contract(s)
Source text - German § 4 Pflichten des Auftraggebers
Der Auftraggeber hat den Auftragnehmer bei der Ausübung seiner Tätigkeit nach besten Kräften zu unterstützen und ihm stets die erforderlichen Informationen und Auskünfte zu geben. Bei der Ausübung seines Weisungsrechts hat der Auftraggeber der selbständigen Stellung des Auftragnehmers Rechnung zu tragen. Zu den erforderlichen Informationen und Auskünften gehört alles, was für die Tätigkeit und die Vergütungsansprüche des Auftragnehmers von wesentlicher Bedeutung ist (z. B. Änderungen der Leistungen auf der Homepage, der Preise bzw. der Geschäftsbedingungen, besondere Werbemaßnahmen). Der Auftraggeber ist insbesondere verpflichtet, den Auftragnehmer rechtzeitig von Betriebsumstellung, Arbeitsüberhäufung, oder ähnlichem in Kenntnis zu setzen, damit sich der Auftragnehmer im Hinblick auf seine Vermittlungs- bzw. Abschlusstätigkeit den jeweiligen Gegebenheiten anpassen kann.
Zu den erforderlichen Informationen im Sinne des Abs. 1 gehört auch, den Auftragnehmer über geplante Kooperationen bzw. Fusionen mit anderen Firmen oder eine beabsichtigte Veräußerung oder Stilllegung des Unternehmens so rechtzeitig in Kenntnis zu setzen, dass er in seiner unternehmerischen Tätigkeit nicht beeinträchtigt wird.
Der Auftraggeber verpflichtet sich dem Auftragnehmer und dessen Erfüllungsgehilfen eine ID- Nummer zuzuweisen. Des Weiteren wird er dem Auftragnehmer und dessen Erfüllungsgehilfen Onlinezugang zu deren jeweiliger Provisionsübersicht und Verkaufstatistik gewähren.
Translation - English § 4 Duties of the Client
The client has to support the contractor in the execution of his activities to the best of its ability and to always give him all necessary information. When exercising its managerial prerogatives, the client must take into account the independent status of the contractor. Everything that is of significance for the contractor’s performance and his commission expectations (e.g. changes in goods and services on the homepage, changes in prices as well as in terms and conditions, special advertising campaigns) must be included in the necessary information referred to above. The client is especially obligated to let the contractor know in timely fashion about changes in the business, work overload, and similar issues, so that the contractor can adjust his negotiations and selling activities to the realities of the moment.
The necessary information alluded to in paragraph 1 also includes the timely notification of the contractor about planned partnerships or mergers with other firms or an intended sale or shutdown of the business, so that he will not be impaired in his entrepreneurial activities.
The client is obligated to assign an identification number to the contractor and his salespersons. Furthermore, he will give the contractor and his salespersons online access to to their respective commission summaries and sales statistics.
German to English: Summary of Market Survey of Computer Printer General field: Tech/Engineering Detailed field: Computers (general)
Source text - German Ihrer Ansicht nach ist die Handhabung „sehr gut“. Bitte begründen Sie.
- einfach zu bedienen, egal welche funktion (menü, fax, kopieren, etc.) logisch und einfach aufgebaut
- klare Benutzerführung unter Verwendung der auf dem PC installierten Programme
- Die Bedienung ist für jeden leicht verständlich und das Gerät arbeitet bis jetzt einwandfrei.
- Die Handhabung ist intuitiv möglich. Es ist viel wert, nicht ständig in Beschreibungen vor allem im späteren Gebrauch blättern zu müssen, da man sich das
Benutzen "komplizierter" Geräte-Funktionen schlichtweg "abgewöhnt". Was mich das Gerät begeistert, so frustriert mich jedoch manchmal die Software. Viele
Programme für immer annähernd das selbe. Es ist unübersichtlich, wo man was findet. Und man findet dann doch nicht das, was man gesucht oder erwartet hat.
- Die Menüführung auf dem Gerät selber ist sehr gut gestaltet. Verständlich und logisch aufgebaut. Das Display gibt es gut wieder. Die Möglichkeiten sind vielfältig.
Wobei als Menüpunkt dann ruhig je nach Einstellung "Beidseitig" oder "Einseitig" stehen könnte und nicht prinzipiell "Beidseitig" egal welche Einstellung gerade
aktiviert ist. Das direkte Speichern von Scans auf Speicherkarten und USB-Stick ist eine tolle Sache, sehr praktisch. Die Vorschau ist auf dem Display bei Kopien
allerdings sehr schlecht zu erkennen. ---- Anmerkung: Wenn Sie das Feld für die offenen Nennungen (bei den Onlineumfragen) größer gestalten, ist es
übersichtlicher und es lädt stärker dazu ein, mehr zu schreiben.
- Alle Klappen sind gut erreichbar, wenn es mal einen Papierstau o.Ä. gibt, kann mann mit wenigen handgriffen das Problem lösen. Außerdem sind die Menüs
sehr verständlich.
Translation - English In your opinion, is the operation of the machine is “very good”? Please elaborate.
- Simple to operate, logically and simply structured, regardless of the function (menu, fax, copying, etc.).
- Clear instructions from the programs installed on the PC.
- Operation is easy for everyone to understand and until now, the device has operated flawlessly.
- Operation of the device can be carried out intuitively. It is worth a lot that one does not have to continually look into the Users’ Manual over and over, as one simply becomes unaccustomed to using the “more complicated” functions of other machines. As much as the operation of the machine impresses me, the software sometimes frustrates me. Many programs are always the same. It is impossible to determine where one will find something. And when one does find it, it turns out not to be what one was looking for or was expecting.
- The menu navigation on the device itself is very well configured. It is structured understandably and logically. The display screen displays clearly. The possibilities are varied. The menu choice could show both “duplex” and “single” page, according to the user’s choice and not mainly “duplex”, regardless of which setting has just been chosen. The direct saving of scans onto memory cards and USB sticks is a great idea and very practical. On the other hand, the preview during copying is very hard to recognize.----Note: If you enlarge the field for open naming (during the online survey), it gets clearer and makes it easier to write more.
- All door panels are easy to reach, and when you have a paper jam, it is possible to eliminate it with just a few turns of a handle. The menus are also easily understood.
German to English: Slides for marketing presentation by auto company General field: Marketing Detailed field: Automotive / Cars & Trucks
Source text - German Slide 11
Warum ein “Managed Service”
• Ein globaler Lieferant
• Komplettes Portfolio
• Kostenreduktion durch Reduzierung und
Konsolidierung der Geräte
• Bessere Kostenkontrolle
• Entlastung des IT Helpdesks
• Verbesserte Geräteauslastung
Vorteile des Managed Service Programms
Slide 12
Reduzierung des administrativen Overheads
• Globale Organisation auf Seiten des Lieferanten und Kunden
• Gemeinsame Prozesse und Problemlösungen
• Zentralisierte Geräteadministration
• Vergleichsmöglichkeiten der Geräteauslastung
• Zentrale Prozesse für Tonerlieferungen
• Automatische Meldung von Gerätedefekten
• Technologie wird in regelmäßigen Abständen erneuert
• Neue Funktionalitäten wie doppelseitiger Ausdruck, scan-to-email und
secure printing
• Größere Flexibilität um ausgewogene Auslastung zu erhalten
• Globale Design Kriterien
Translation - English Slide 11
Why “Managed Service”?
• A global supplier
• A complete assortment
• Cost savings as a result of fewer machines and their consolidation
• Better cost control
• Relief for the IT Help Desk
• Improved machine utilization
Advantages of the Managed Service Program
Slide 12
Reduction in administrative overhead
• Global organization on the part of suppliers and customers
• Common procedures and problem resolutions
• Centralized machine administration
• Possibility of comparing machine utilization
• Centralized procedures for the delivery of toner
• Automatic notification of machine malfunctions
• Technology will be renewed at regular intervals
• New functions such as duplex printing, scan-to-email and secure printing
• More flexibility in achieving balanced utilization
• Global design criteria
German to English: Viking Exhibition--Historisches Museum der Pfalz General field: Marketing Detailed field: Tourism & Travel
Source text - German „Mit den Wikingern auf großer Fahrt“
Um das Jahr 1000 begibt sich der Wikinger Leif Eriksson auf eine abenteuerliche und wagemutige Reise. Er segelt von Grönland gegen Westen, um in der Ferne ein unbekanntes Land zu suchen. Nach vielen gefährlichen Tagen auf See gelangt er schließlich an eine Küste, eine Insel vor Amerika.
Die Wikinger gehen an Land. Kann man hier eine neue Siedlung gründen? Es ist nicht so einfach die Dinge zu beschaffen, die man zum Leben braucht: Nahrung, Rohstoffe für Häuser, Kleidung und Werkzeug. Außerdem gibt es hier fremde Menschen, Indianer. Sind sie freundlich oder auf Kampf aus? Werden die Wikinger in dem neuen Land überleben?
Das Junge Museum lädt Besucher ein, mit Leif Eriksson auf Entdeckungsreise zu gehen. In vielen interaktiven Stationen entdecken die jungen Besucher, wie es den tapferen Nordmännern gelang, bis nach Amerika zu segeln. Eine Handelsniederlassung am Meer zeigt überlebenswichtige Dinge, die Leif Eriksson mit an Deck nahm. Ein großes Wikingerschiff lässt die jungen Besucher hautnah erleben, wie gefahrvoll und schwierig die Überfahrt der geschickten Seemänner nach Westen war. Ein Spiel erklärt, wie es den hervorragenden Seelleuten gelang durch Naturbeobachtung zu navigieren. Schließlich erfahren die jungen „Wikinger“, wie es ist, in einem fremden Land anzukommen und wie die Ureinwohner Neufundlands, die Beothuk, lebten.
Translation - English “A Long Voyage with the Vikings”
Around the year 1000, the Viking, Leif Eriksson undertook a bold and daring adventure. He sailed west from Greenland hoping to find a new land far from home. After many perilous days at sea, he finally reached land--an island off the coast of America.
The Vikings went ashore. Would they be able to found a new settlement here? It would not be easy to get the things that are needed to sustain life: food and raw materials for houses, clothing and tools. In addition, there were strange people there--Indians. Would they be friend or foe? Could the Vikings survive in this new land?
The Youth Museum invites visitors to join Leif Eriksson on his voyage of discovery. Here, at a number of interactive stations, the young visitor will discover how the brave Norsemen succeeded in reaching America by sailboat. A trading station by the sea shows the essentials for survival that Leif Eriksson brought with him. A large Viking ship allows young visitors to experience up close how dangerous and difficult the venture westward was for these skillful seamen. A game illustrates how these outstanding sailors were able to navigate using natural landmarks. Finally, our young “Vikings” will experience what it was like to arrive in a strange land and how the native inhabitants of Newfoundland, the Beothuks lived.
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Years of experience: 19. Registered at ProZ.com: Oct 2005.
Well, if you have a technical article in German that you want translated (even if it’s not in Metallurgy/Materials, the field I got my degree in), I know how to get your point across in English at the same level of sophistication as the German you wrote it in. And when there’s a concept or term I’m not familiar with (after all, a lot has changed since I got my degree), I’ll research it until I find the answer. (By the way, I have published my own research at an earlier stage of my career in the Journal of Applied Physics and Acta Metallurgica.)
I also have an . . .
MBA in R&D Management from American University
What? An Sc.D. with an MBA? Yes, it’s unusual. The reason I did this was that I had a hard time deciding whether to go for the doctorate at MIT or head down the river to Harvard for the MBA. Having chosen the former, I still had the itch to learn more about the business side of things. When my new home in DC turned out to be just steps from the AU campus, it was an easy decision to enroll to study evenings and Saturdays for the MBA. This degree is what eventually caused me to migrate into technical sales and marketing (and further along, into IT but that’s a separate story—see below).
You must be thinking this old-timer has to be a klutz when it comes to IT.
The appearance of the desktop PC changed my career and my life. Working in technical sales at the time, I bought an Apple II Plus in 1981 and started playing with VisiCalc and WordPerfect. Soon after IBM came on the scene, I bought a kit and soldering gun in-hand, built a PC clone. Then, I managed to convince my boss at the time to buy an IBM PC and let me start digitizing some of the manual record-keeping processes in our office with the aid of a spreadsheet program and the macros that I wrote for it.
Self-taught over time in SAS and Oracle, I took advantage of living in the New York area by attending evening classes in computer technology and IT at Columbia University. I discovered how much fun it was to program, first in BASIC and then in SAS’s proprietary language. Working a bit later for a boutique marketing firm on Wall Street, I wrote a 900-line program in SAS to successfully cleanse a bank’s customer name-and-address file.
But everybody knows nerds can’t write.
I am told I write well, thanks to my Sisters of Mercy grammar school education (where BTW, I was valedictorian) in Riverside, CT coupled with a Jesuit education at Gonzaga High (where I was salutatorian) in Washington, DC. At both schools, I learned grammar, spelling and how to express myself clearly in the English language. At Gonzaga, I had to write a composition as homework for English class every weekend; I hated it at the time but have learned to value all that practice since. I also had two years of German at Gonzaga.
Is he an ivory tower guy?
Hardly. I worked as Product Manager for Sequent Computer Systems, as a Senior Applications Engineer at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, OR and as a consultant for EDS in Ettlingen, Germany.
Anything else?
Native English speaker; learned German at home
Born of German parents who had emigrated to the US, I learned German at home. I later improved my grammar and vocabulary by taking the language as an elective for two years in high school. I visited Germany several times over the years, finally moving there and living in the Heidelberg area with my wife and dog, while teaching university courses in business management and IT from 2003 to 2012. The photographs below were taken during that time.
Interested in learning more about my work? Be sure to check out the Portfolio section of my profile for sample translations pertaining to the engineering, IT, business and marketing fields.
