Jun 4, 2004 06:24
20 yrs ago
2 viewers *
German term

Bestimmt werden

German to English Other Marketing
"Es muss aber immer ein Spiel zwischen Mann und Frau gezeigt werden, bei dem es um Bestimmen oder Bestimmt werden geht"

and another sentence:

"Im Zusammenhang mit Produkt XYZ sind sowohl Frauen als auch Männer selbstbestimmt und haben die Situationen in der Hand (Spiel von Bestimmen und Bestimmt werden)."

This is from a market research presentation about a series of advertisements aimed at women, which involve flirting with muscle-bound, Adonis-like men (see picture on top left of screen).

I'm not sure how to interpret "bestimmen" and "bestimmt werden" - which is a central theme here - and would appreciate any explanations and/or suggestions. Calling the shots, perhaps?

Thanks


Ian

Proposed translations

2 hrs
Selected

taking control and being controlled

how about this option?
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "After much "hin und her", I went for Neil's solution: 'taking control or being controlled'. Thanks all round! Ian"
4 mins

leading and following

might be an option

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Note added at 6 mins (2004-06-04 06:30:47 GMT)
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or being in control and being controled
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+1
16 mins

taking the initiative

In the first example, I would say something like "There must always be a game between the man and the woman where one takes the initiative". Selbstbestimmt is something like self-assured or self-confident. Basically, the idea is they both know what they want. But one takes the initiative, "bestimmen", while the other sort of succumbs to the initiator's charms (bestimmt).

From one muscle-bound Adonis male to another! ;-)
Peer comment(s):

agree Robin Ward : Yes, I'll join the Adonis club ....
2 hrs
Welcome, brother! :-)
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20 mins

the chaser and the chased

selbstbestimmt - in control

It's like the old saying about how, in any couple, there is always one who loves and the other who allows him/herself to be loved......

active/passive
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+1
1 hr

***

Hi Ian,

I hear this combination mainly in this form:

dominating and being dominated

Norbert
Peer comment(s):

neutral CMJ_Trans (X) : careful: this carries overtones of SM !
9 mins
Well S&M is an extension of this natural behaviour which is in every living creature - I don't think dogs and wolfs are thinking of S&M though. I believe in academic circles/studies of human behaviour you will hear it all the time.
agree Dr. Fred Thomson : Righy, it's either dominate or be dominaed, or control or be controlled. (not taking control).
4 hrs
Thanks Fred
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