Das Boot translation issues...

[minsc_tdp]

So I'm watching the 5-hour mini series extended uncut version, of course I've seen the original several times. I'm a little perplexed - there's the line where the Captain tells the Reporter to take pictures when they return, not departing. He asks why, and the response of course was that "They'll have grown their beards by then." I speak a little German and I'm quite sure that's the line, more or less. In this new version, the subtitle is "because they'll mean something then." I'm trying to figure out if Petersen himself is behind this or something else is going on. Anyone know?

I often see differences between translated English dialog and the subtitles and can never understand why, though that's at least somewhat explainable given that sometimes what they want to say aloud in English might not fit within the timeframe, or something slightly different is better based on cultural or tone issues. But this is a pretty clear cut line, so I don't get it. In fact, the screwy translation of this line even messes up the following dialog about "the tommies will be ashamed if they see who beats them in the papers" and "baby faced kids" and so on.

[robbierob2005]

I know this. The translation sucks. Also in the beginning when the 1WO complains to the captain that he was beaten up buy the crew while he was driving to the party.
In fact he was pissed on.

[Thomen]

Originally Posted by minsc_tdp

So I'm watching the 5-hour mini series extended uncut version, of course I've seen the original several times. I'm a little perplexed - there's the line where the Captain tells the Reporter to take pictures when they return, not departing. He asks why, and the response of course was that "They'll have grown their beards by then." I speak a little German and I'm quite sure that's the line, more or less. In this new version, the subtitle is "because they'll mean something then." I'm trying to figure out if Petersen himself is behind this or something else is going on. Anyone know?

I often see differences between translated English dialog and the subtitles and can never understand why, though that's at least somewhat explainable given that sometimes what they want to say aloud in English might not fit within the timeframe, or something slightly different is better based on cultural or tone issues. But this is a pretty clear cut line, so I don't get it. In fact, the screwy translation of this line even messes up the following dialog about "the tommies will be ashamed if they see who beats them in the papers" and "baby faced kids" and so on.

I am getting a kick out of Das Boot when I watch it in the dubbed version.. most of the actors did their own 'dubbing'..

As far as it doesn't fit goes, don't forget that the lip sinc as to be at least somewhat close.. otherwise you end up with some Japanese style dubbing, where you still here them talking even if the lips dont move anymore and vise versa

[Nisgeis]

Originally Posted by robbierob2005

I know this. The translation sucks. Also in the beginning when the 1WO complains to the captain that he was beaten up buy the crew while he was driving to the party.
In fact he was pissed on.

He is trying to find a way to say it, whilst still being polite, so he pauses and says 'assaulted', which is technically correct.