Übersetzungsanleitung für Deutsch

Translation Guidance for German (Deutsch)

This document combines the translation glossary and language-specific notes to provide comprehensive guidance for translating Onetime Secret content into German. It serves as a reference for maintaining consistency, accuracy, and appropriate tone across all German translations.

Table of Contents

1. Core Terminology
2. Critical Translation Rules
3. Key Translation Decisions
4. Regional Formality Considerations
5. UI Elements
6. Status Terms
7. Time-Related Terms
8. Security Features
9. Account-Related Terms
10. Domain-Related Terms
11. Error Messages
12. Buttons and Actions
13. Marketing Terms
14. Translation Guidelines

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Core Terminology

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
secret (noun)	Geheimnis	Geheimnis	secret	secret	Central concept of the application
secret (adj)	geheim	geheim	secret/sécurisé	secret/sécurisé
passphrase	Sicherheitsphrase	Passphrase	phrase secrète	mot de passe	Authentication method for secrets
burn	verbrennen	löschen	supprimer	supprimer	Action to delete a secret before viewing
view/reveal	ansehen/anzeigen	ansehen/anzeigen	consulter/afficher	consulter/afficher	Action to access a secret
link	Link/Verbindung	Link	lien	lien	The URL that provides access to a secret
encrypt/encrypted	verschlüsseln/verschlüsselt	verschlüsseln/verschlüsselt	chiffrer/chiffré	chiffrer/chiffré	Security method
secure	sicher	sicher	sécurisé	sécurisé	State of protection

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Critical Translation Rules

Regel	Korrekt	Inkorrekt	Beispiel
Secret Übersetzung	Nachricht (UI-Elemente), Geheimnis (technische Dokumentation)	Mixed usage	✓ Sie haben 3 neue Nachrichten (UI); ✗ Sie haben 3 neue Geheimnisse (UI)
Aktiv vs. Passiv	Aktiv (Schaltflächen/Aktionen), Passiv (Status/Benachrichtigungen)	Mixed forms	✓ Änderungen speichern (button); ✗ Änderungen speichern (status)
Förmliche Anrede	du (informal - DE), Sie (formal - AT)	Mixing forms	✓ Du kannst dein Geheimnis erstellen (DE); ✓ Sie können Ihr Geheimnis erstellen (AT)
Zahlenformat	Komma (Dezimal), Punkt (Tausender)	Englisches Format	✓ 1.234,56; ✗ 1,234.56
Colonel Rolle	Administrator	Wörtliche Übersetzung	✓ Nur Administratoren haben Zugriff; ✗ Nur Colonels haben Zugriff

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Key Translation Decisions

1. secret → Geheimnis

Choice: The term secret was consistently translated as Geheimnis.

Rationale: Geheimnis is the direct German equivalent of secret. While the guidelines suggest emphasizing “confidential information or message” (like the Danish “besked”), Geheimnis is commonly understood in German technical contexts to refer to sensitive data or credentials. Using Nachricht (message) might lose the implication of confidentiality, and longer phrases like vertrauliche Information are unsuitable for UI elements.

Distinction from de_AT: Usage is expected to be identical in Austrian German. Geheimnis is standard German and used similarly in Austria.

2. password → Passwort

Choice: The term password, referring specifically to account login credentials, was translated as Passwort.

Rationale: Passwort is the standard, universally understood term for website/account login credentials in German-speaking regions. The alternative Kennwort is sometimes seen but Passwort is dominant for digital contexts.

Distinction from de_AT: Usage is identical in Austrian German. Passwort is the standard term.

3. passphrase → Passphrase

Choice: The term passphrase, referring to the protection for an individual secret, was translated directly as Passphrase.

Rationale: This follows the guideline to maintain a clear distinction from the account Passwort. While Passphrase is an adopted English term, it is widely recognized in German technical and security contexts precisely for this distinct meaning (a potentially longer, phrase-based secret protector, different from a standard password).

Distinction from de_AT: Usage is expected to be very similar in Austrian German. Passphrase is understood and used in technical contexts across German-speaking areas, including Austria.

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Regional Formality Considerations

German Language Variants

The German language has two primary forms of address that significantly impact translation tone and style. Both Onetime Secret German translations (de and de_AT) maintain consistent approaches within their respective regions:

German (Germany) - de.json

Address Form: Informal “du” (second person singular informal)

Characteristics:

• Modern tech sector standard
• Approachable, friendly tone
• Common in startup and consumer-facing contexts
• Creates sense of partnership with users
• Used with lowercase “du”, “dein”, “dir”, etc.

Examples:

• “Du siehst eine sichere Nachricht” (You see a secure message)
• “Gib dein Passwort ein” (Enter your password)
• “Teile diesen Link” (Share this link)

When to use:

• Consumer-facing applications
• Modern SaaS products
• Startup or tech-forward brands
• When emphasizing accessibility and approachability

German (Austria) - de_AT.json

Address Form: Formal “Sie” (second person formal)

Characteristics:

• Austrian business standard
• Professional, respectful tone
• Expected in B2B and enterprise contexts
• Maintains appropriate professional distance
• Used with capitalized “Sie”, “Ihr”, “Ihnen”, etc.

Examples:

• “Sie betrachten eine sichere Nachricht” (You view a secure message)
• “Geben Sie Ihr Passwort ein” (Enter your password)
• “Teilen Sie diesen Link” (Share this link)

When to use:

• Austrian market (regardless of company size)
• B2B/enterprise products
• Government or institutional contexts
• When emphasizing professionalism and trust

Implementation Guidelines

1. Consistency Within Locale:

   • Never mix “du” and “Sie” within a single locale file
   • Maintain chosen formality throughout all user-facing text
   • Apply consistently to buttons, messages, instructions, and help text

2. Grammar Implications:

   • “Du” uses second person singular verb forms
   • “Sie” uses third person plural verb forms (even for one person)
   • Possessive pronouns differ: “dein” (du) vs “Ihr” (Sie)
   • Imperative forms differ: “gib” (du) vs “geben Sie” (Sie)

3. When Unsure:

   • For Austrian translations: default to “Sie”
   • For German translations: consider target audience
   • Consumer product → “du” likely appropriate
   • B2B product → consider “Sie” for broader appeal

Translation Pairs Examples

Common phrases showing both approaches:

Context	German (DE) - du	German (AT) - Sie
Error message	”Du hast nichts zum Teilen angegeben"	"Sie haben keine Informationen zur Verfügung gestellt”
Instruction	”Klicke auf die Schaltfläche"	"Klicken Sie auf die Schaltfläche”
Confirmation	”Bist du sicher?"	"Sind Sie sicher?”
Success	”Dein Geheimnis wurde erstellt"	"Ihr Geheimnis wurde erstellt”
Help text	”Du findest diese in deiner E-Mail"	"Sie finden diese in Ihrer E-Mail”

Other German Regional Variations

Beyond formality, note these additional regional differences:

Concept	German (DE)	German (AT)	Notes
Email example	tom@myspace.com	kontakt@musterfirma.gv.at	.gv.at = Austrian government
Passphrase	Passphrase	Sicherheitsphrase	Anglicism vs native compound
Submit	senden	einreichen	Informal vs formal term
Domain	Domain	Bereich	Technical vs general

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UI Elements

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
Share a secret	Ein Geheimnis teilen	Geheimnis teilen	Partager un secret	Partager un secret	Main action
Create Account	Konto erstellen	Konto erstellen	Créer un compte	Créer un compte	Registration
Sign In	Eintragen	Anmelden	Se connecter	Se connecter	Authentication
Dashboard	Konto	Dashboard	Tableau de bord	Compte	User’s main page
Settings	Einstellungen	Einstellungen	Paramètres	Paramètres	Configuration page
Privacy Options	Datenschutz-Optionen	Datenschutzoptionen	Options de confidentialité	Options de confidentialité	Secret settings
Feedback	Rückmeldung	Feedback	Retour d’information	Retour d’information	User comments

Important Examples

Consistency of Core Terms:

• web.COMMON.secret: Changed from Geheim (adjective) to Geheimnis (noun)
• web.COMMON.header_dashboard: Changed from Account to Konto
• web.COMMON.header_sign_in: Changed from Einloggen to Anmelden
• web.COMMON.burn: Standardized to Zerstören (verb) / Zerstört (past participle/status)
• web.COMMON.received: Changed from Erhalten to Empfangen

Clarity and Natural Phrasing:

• web.COMMON.copied_to_clipboard: In die Zwischenablage kopiert
• web.COMMON.faq_title: Changed from F.A.Q. to Häufig gestellte Fragen
• web.LABELS.loading: Changed from Loading... to Lädt...
• web.login.remember_me: Angemeldet bleiben (Standard phrase)
• web.shared.viewed_own_secret: Changed angeschaut to angesehen

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Status Terms

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
received	empfangen	empfangen	reçu	reçu	Secret has been viewed
burned	verbrannt	gelöscht	supprimé	supprimé	Secret was deleted before viewing
expired	abgelaufen	abgelaufen	expiré	expiré	Secret is no longer available due to time
created	erstellt	erstellt	créé	créé	Secret has been generated
active	aktiv	aktiv	actif	actif	Secret is available
inactive	inaktiv	inaktiv	inactif	inactif	Secret is not available

Voice Usage for Status

Rationale: Guidelines specify imperative for user actions (buttons, links) and passive/declarative for informational text.

Examples:

• web.STATUS.*_description: Declarative/passive voice (e.g., “Geheimer Link wurde erstellt…”)
• web.shared.post_reveal_default: Deine sichere Nachricht wird unten angezeigt. (Passive voice)

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Time-Related Terms

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
expires in	läuft ab in	läuft ab in	expire dans	expire dans	Time until secret is no longer available
day/days	Tag/Tage	Tag/Tage	jour/jours	jour/jours	Time unit
hour/hours	Stunde/Stunden	Stunde/Stunden	heure/heures	heure/heures	Time unit
minute/minutes	Minute/Minuten	Minute/Minuten	minute/minutes	minute/minutes	Time unit
second/seconds	Sekunde/Sekunden	Sekunde/Sekunden	seconde/secondes	seconde/secondes	Time unit

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Security Features

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
one-time access	einmaliger Zugang	einmaliger Zugriff	accès unique	accès unique	Core security feature
passphrase protection	Schutz durch Sicherheitsphrase	Passphrasenschutz	protection par phrase secrète	protection par phrase d’authentification	Additional security
encrypted in transit	verschlüsselt bei der Übertragung	während der Übertragung verschlüsselt	chiffré en transit	chiffré en transit	Data protection method
encrypted at rest	verschlüsselt im Ruhezustand	im Ruhezustand verschlüsselt	chiffré au repos	chiffré au repos	Storage protection

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Account-Related Terms

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
email	E-Mail	E-Mail	courriel/e-mail	courriel	User identifier
password	Passwort	Passwort	mot de passe	mot de passe	Authentication
account	Konto	Konto	compte	compte	User profile
subscription	Abonnement	Abonnement	abonnement	abonnement	Paid service
customer	Kunde	Kunde	client	client	Paying user

Direct Address Examples (Du vs. Sie):

• web.COMMON.careful_only_see_once: Changed “Wir werden es…” to Du wirst es...
• web.LABELS.need_help: Brauchst du Hilfe?
• web.homepage.cta_title: Changed from formal “Verwenden Sie…” to informal Verwende...
• web.login.login_to_your_account: Melde dich bei deinem Konto an

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Domain-Related Terms

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
custom domain	benutzerdefinierter Bereich	benutzerdefinierte Domain	domaine personnalisé	domaine personnalisé	Premium feature
domain verification	Domänenüberprüfung	Domain-Verifizierung	vérification du domaine	vérification du domaine	Setup process
DNS record	Namensserver-Eintrag	DNS-Eintrag	enregistrement DNS	enregistrement DNS	Configuration
CNAME record	CNAME-Eintrag	CNAME-Eintrag	enregistrement CNAME	enregistrement CNAME	DNS setup

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Error Messages

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
error	Fehler	Fehler	erreur	bug	Problem notification
warning	Warnung	Warnung	avertissement	attention	Caution notification
oops	Huch	Hoppla	oups	oups	Friendly error intro

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Buttons and Actions

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
submit	einreichen	absenden	soumettre	soumettre	Form action
cancel	abbrechen	abbrechen	annuler	annuler	Negative action
confirm	bestätigen	bestätigen	confirmer	confirmer	Positive action
copy to clipboard	in die Zwischenablage kopieren	in die Zwischenablage kopieren	copier dans le presse-papiers	copier dans le presse-papiers	Utility action
continue	weiter	fortfahren	continuer	continuer	Navigation
back	zurück	zurück	retour	retour	Navigation

Voice Usage for Actions

Rationale: Imperative for user actions (buttons, links).

Examples:

• web.help.learn_more: Mehr erfahren (Imperative/infinitive for links)
• web.COMMON.button_generate_secret_short: Passwort generieren (Imperative action)
• web.COMMON.share_link_securely: Teile diesen Link aus Sicherheitsgründen... (Clear imperative)
• web.help.secret_view_faq.*.description: Declarative sentences (e.g., “Du siehst…”, “Dieser Inhalt wird…”)

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Marketing Terms

English	German (AT)	German (DE)	French (FR)	French (CA)	Notes
secure links	sichere Links	sichere Links	liens sécurisés	liens sécurisés	Product feature
privacy-first design	Datenschutz als oberstes Gebot	Datenschutz-First-Design	conception privilégiant la protection de la vie privée	conception privilégiant la protection de la vie privée	Design philosophy
custom branding	benutzerdefiniertes Branding	individuelles Branding	image de marque personnalisée	image de marque personnalisée	Premium feature

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Translation Guidelines

Core Principles

1. Consistency: Use the same translation for a term throughout the application
2. Context: Consider how the term is used in the application
3. Cultural Adaptation: Adapt terms to local conventions when needed
4. Technical Accuracy: Ensure security terms are correctly translated
5. Tone: Maintain a professional but direct tone

Specific Guidelines

Voice and Formality

• Imperative for Actions: Use imperative voice for buttons and user actions
• Passive for Status: Use passive/declarative voice for informational text and status messages
• Consistent Address Form: Never mix “du” and “Sie” within the same locale
• Regional Consistency: Maintain formality appropriate to the target region (DE vs AT)

Number Formatting

• Use comma for decimal separator: 1.234,56
• Use period for thousands separator
• Never use English number formatting

Technical Terms

• Prioritize accuracy over localization for security terms
• Use established German technical terminology
• Maintain clear distinction between Passwort (account password) and Passphrase (secret protection)

UI and Platform Conventions

• Follow platform conventions for the target language
• Ensure UI elements are clear and actionable
• Keep button text concise and in imperative form

Testing Formality Choices

Before finalizing translations:

1. Native Speaker Review: Have native speakers from target region review
2. Context Check: Ensure formality matches brand positioning
3. Consistency Audit: Verify no formality mixing within locale
4. Competitor Benchmark: Check how similar products address users in target market

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Special Considerations

• The term “secret” is central to the application and should be translated consistently as Geheimnis
• Regional variations between German (DE) and Austrian German (AT) should be respected, particularly regarding formality
• For security-related technical terms, accuracy should take precedence over localization
• UI elements should follow platform conventions for the target language
• Maintain clear distinction between Passwort (account password) and Passphrase (individual secret protection)
• Number formatting must always use German conventions (comma for decimals, period for thousands)
• Role names like “Colonel” should be translated to their functional equivalent (Administrator) rather than literally

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Document History

This document combines content from:

• glossary.md - Translation glossary reference
• language-notes.md - German-specific translation decisions and rules

Last updated: 2025-11-16