This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
miteinander verschleusen
Antexter

Glossary entry

German term or phrase:

Die klär ich mir

English translation:

she's yours/she's mine

Added to glossary by Ramey Rieger (X)
Jan 25, 2017 10:00
7 yrs ago
1 viewer *
German term

Die klär ich mir

German to English Other Slang
I'm translating a study in which adolescents were interviewed, and this is a quote from one of them. I understand what it means in German, but I'm having a very difficult time finding the right phrase to capture it in English. Any ideas?

The general idea is that this boy finds a girl attractive and when he says "die klär ich mir" it means he's going to hit on her and expects to be successful. It's very slang-y and not particularly respectful. Kind of like "I'm going to get her" but that sounds creepy and dangerous, which "die klär ich mir" is not meant to be. "I'm going to get her to be my girlfriend" is too formal and implies too much commitment. "Die klär ich mir" also doesn't seem to directly imply sex.

A couple of context examples from google:
"Friend 1: Hast du die Neue gesehen? Bruder, klär sie dir!
Friend 2: Ja, Junge, sie ist krass frech, aber ich bekomm sie noch, glaub mir."

"Mich hat grad eine geile 10. klässlerin gefragt ob ich single bin die klär ich mir"

"Und geh am besten nicht mit der Intention 'Die klär ich mir jetzt', an die Sache ran, sondern versuch erstmal ein nettes Gespräch zu führen"
Proposed translations (English)
3 +4 she's yours/she's mine
Change log

Jan 30, 2017 10:00: Ramey Rieger (X) Created KOG entry

Discussion

Wendy Streitparth Jan 26, 2017:
Maybe a slight variation: 'She's for me' as in
http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/roses-are-red-violets-ar...
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
bae? Does leaving out one letter really make a difference? Welcome to my nightmare - the thumb-texting generation
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
Old and in the way Sugar went out with the Archies, although my generation still uses it..but we also still say chick in rare moments of nostalgia. In fact, chick is coming back into fashion. No cyberslaps today, Björn. Have a good night. You, too, Kelly.
Björn Vrooman Jan 25, 2017:
Here's an article for you In use at least since 2013 or maybe 2005.
https://www.bustle.com/articles/66613-what-does-bae-mean-and...

I'd prefer "babe." The other one seems to be arguably more affectionate (unless it's used to mock someone, see the same article above).

I wonder whatever happened to "sugar."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rgStv12dwA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvC_0foemLY
Rita Translator (asker) Jan 25, 2017:
That babe's mine I like it. And it would fit pretty well in my context, I think.

Of course, I just spent 15 minutes researching whether "bae" would be more appropriate for current slang than "babe," which made me feel old and out of touch... I think I have a friend's teenage daughter as a friend on Facebook. Maybe I'll have to ask her ;)
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
I've got my sights on her That babe's mine

And don't worry about being dated, Tony, when you're 70 it'll be back in fashion.
TonyTK Jan 25, 2017:
Addendum: Future D-I-L says it's arrogant, but not threatening and not too coarse. I suppose one way to convey it would be to replace "her" or "she" with a slightly demeaning term: "That's one honey I'll be hitting on". Although that probably dates me.
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
@Björn & Tony Of course! It's slang, so unless you have a picture/film with at least the past ten minutes of context leading up to when the term is used, as well as a character development in front of you, it's all guesswork.
No, we don't disagree and yes, it's probably sexual and no, it's not overtly sexist. If my husband were to try it out on me, I'd most likely ask for an explanation (before I slapped him).
Björn Vrooman Jan 25, 2017:
LOL Thanks for the chuckle, Tony.
TonyTK Jan 25, 2017:
Talking to my son again ... ... who's a student, but he does put in a couple of supervisor shifts at the local youth club every week and plays basketball with multiple smelly teenagers, he says it's more common to hear "Die mach' ich mir klar". As Björn says, the "end game" is probably sexual (teenage boys - duh!), but the phrase itself is not overtly crass. I'll try it out on my wife when she comes home from work. Probably get a slap.
Björn Vrooman Jan 25, 2017:
@Ramey I don't think we disagree. As I said below, I'd use your answer. I merely wanted Kelly to keep in mind that the expression asked for may hint at more than what it seems to suggest at first. These kinds of expressions are really complicated to translate because it may even depend on the peer group you're part of. This group may have redefined the meaning of a word, something you can't readily discern from limited context.

The other interesting thing is how close you can keep to the original source if it involves certain areas that are somewhat prone to censoring in certain countries. Do you translate all connotations or do you omit something?

The stark difference in cultural acceptance of violence on screen is a good example. Having watched Batman 2 on the American base over here, I was horrified seeing all those little kids in the room watching Batman getting the cr*p beaten out of him. That is or at least used to be not a thing for German kids.

But I'll stop here, since this would rather be a discussion for the forum.
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
it is more about boosting your ego. EXACTLY! When a teenager (I'd assume at least 16 and older) says 'she's mine' he's boasting his irresistible qualities, the phrase could be predatory, hopeful, macho - but, in comparison to what USED to be said, it is not blatantly or literally so. Of course the context determines everything, but as Kelly cannot give it, I say keep it vague, universally interpretable and she can adapt it to her context.
Björn Vrooman Jan 25, 2017:
@Kelly "And I was also not trying to say that the comment is completely asexual."

To be clear: Ramey and Tony seemed to confirm the view that this doesn't have anything to do with sex and I merely wanted to prove based on some examples (involving sexual innuendo) that it can.

Let's say you're in a club with your best friend and he tells you: "Check her out... Die klär ich mir before the evening is over." Frankly, he's not considering marriage in two years' time...

You said adolescents. I think it'd have been better to specify an age range. As shown below, a 15-year-old might interpret it as getting a girlfriend; a 21-year-old might see it as another kind of invitation.

The other tricky part is:
"denn ich verlasse mich doch nicht darauf, dass die Frau, die ich gut finde, sich wieder meldet [...] Wenn ich jemanden nicht verlieren will, spiele ich nicht solche kindischen Spiele, sondern lade sie zum Essen ein und mache sie mir klar"
https://www.elitepartner.de/forum/frage/wird-er-sich-jemals-...

Even if it's about a relationship, it is more about boosting your ego. Like: "She's gonna fall for me, just watch."

Macho enough, I'd say :)
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
Missed that they were Google examples, I just assumed they were contextual.
I'm gonna get her
She's on my list
I'll take her on
Still, the simplest, vaguest and most accessible without context is:
she's mine
Rita Translator (asker) Jan 25, 2017:
Still some good ideas Björn, you're right about it being extremely context-dependent, but there have definitely been some ideas given here that I think could work in my case. And I was also not trying to say that the comment is completely asexual. It definitely has sexual overtones, but as far as I understand it, it is not the same as saying that you're going to have sex with the person, although that *could* be involved. Kind of like "hooking up" - it can mean a whole range of things both in terms of activities involved and degree of commitment.
Björn Vrooman Jan 25, 2017:
By the way, the P and C words have been popular among Germans before Americans had ever thought about using them publicly. I'd say British (or Jamaican) culture is closer in that regard.

I think the implications spell trouble in any case. Since you're from Virginia, you should know about this controversy:
http://remember.org/anne_franks_diary_banned_in_vi.html
Björn Vrooman Jan 25, 2017:
@Ramey I know, although I think that depends on context as well (age, situation, etc.). But somehow, the two don't readily connect, IMO. It's more like "die wickel ich mir um den Finger." In the absence of any further ideas, I'd not object using your answer. I only wanted to explain to Kelly that this one is a bit tricky. Her examples were not taken from whatever she's translating, but from online sources, so they're bound to be (slightly) different.
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
By the way, Björn She's mine does not imply going steady, it's a boastful claim, also non-committal. Slang, eben
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
Hi Björn PLEASE keep the sTRUMPet out of this! I took from Kelly's explanation that sex is NOT involved. But if it were, then 'I've got her number' would also do it.
Björn Vrooman Jan 25, 2017:
Interesting I may not be the youngest on here, but I've definitely heard the expression before and I'm wondering why people think it has no sexual overtones.

Similar to the LEO discussion, this is the first thing that came to my mind:
http://dict.leo.org/forum/viewUnsolvedquery.php?idThread=951...

Another example, if I may post this here:
"Was bedeutet es wenn er zu anderen sagt dass er mich "klar machen " will?
...
Er will dich einfach nur flachlegen. Danach ist er weg."
http://www.gutefrage.net/frage/was-bedeutet-es-wenn-er-mich-...

There are instances of it being used as getting a girlfriend/boyfriend:
http://www.gutefrage.net/frage/wie-klaere-ich-sie-mir

This one really(!) depends on context, Kelly. And sorry, Ramey, but hey, you got a "grabbing" president now. That's how you should interpret it - as guys' talk.

It's like saying "Check her out," as franglish suggested (but that's only part of it) and deciding: "I'm gonna get that girl."

It's not about being yours or mine unless you're pretty young; it's non-committal.

And your second example proves my point. That one's just about, well, doing the nasty.
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
The last example seems to define it best. "Und geh am besten nicht mit der Intention 'Die klär ich mir jetzt', an die Sache ran, sondern versuch erstmal ein nettes Gespräch zu führen"
"And don't approach her like she's (already) yours, try starting out with a friendly conversation."
Rita Translator (asker) Jan 25, 2017:
Hook up / check out I also like "I'm gonna hook up with her"

I think in this particular context (sorry, can't go into detail for confidentiality reasons) "I'll check her out" is a little too non-committal. I agree that it could definitely be a good translation in some cases, though.

"Dibs" would I think only work when more than one person has expressed interest in the girl and one of them is calling dibs.
Melanie Meyer Jan 25, 2017:
I call dibs Not sure if this is too slangy, but I have heard it before: "dibs:
To have the rights to something, to own something.
I have dibs on that girl over there!" (Source: Urban Dictionary)
franglish Jan 25, 2017:
@Tony "I'm gonna check her out" hits the nail on the head, in my opinion. Why don't you post it as an answer, you'll get my agree.
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
I'll check her out or check her out! No, nothing sexual there, but not certainties, either. Hook up could mean he'll call, sms or make a date. So, he'll approach her but isn't sure of his chances. Check out has a few meanings - I'll check her out; he'll have a look and see if she's interesting enough to approach. Check her out!, is well, self-explanatory.
TonyTK Jan 25, 2017:
A younger member of ... ... the family suggested "hook up" or check out" - and sees no sexual connotations.
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
@Wendy & Brigitte I'm way overage but have tons of contact with the slang gang. If the text is devoid of sexual overtones, which are absolutely intolerable today, (women's Lib WAS succesful) then most English expressions are taboo. They're just too macho. The true wimp would say,'gee, she's nice' and the confident romeo would simply state, 'she's mine.' WITHOUT exclamation points or further ado.
BrigitteHilgner Jan 25, 2017:
Judging by google hits ... it's not a common expression. I've never heard/read it before (that's due to my age and lack of children). Reading various comments/contexts, I get the impression that the person stating this is RATHER confident.
My spontaneous idea: I'll get her! - but a quick check demonstrated that this is old-fashioned, too:
http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://c8.alamy.com/co...
Where are the youngsters contributing to this forum?
Wendy Streitparth Jan 25, 2017:
@ Ramey: As an extension of your idea, how about 'I'm going for her'. Not that I'm sufficiently au fait with today's jargon to know how much that insinuates!
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
also good! It all depends on how specific the text requires you to be. If the intent is clear from the surrounding context, then 'she's mine' would suffice. 'klär sie dir' is more like 'go for it' as an encouragement. 'sie klär ich mir' she's mine, I'm gonna make her mine, she's gonna be mine. I'd trust your judgment.
Rita Translator (asker) Jan 25, 2017:
Intention True, but it's still an intention. If the process were finished I would expect him to say, "Die hab' ich mir geklärt, Junge!" Or something similar. The intent certainly *can* be there in the English "she's mine", like if two boys are talking and see a girl walk by and one says "Ok, she's mine" - like staking a claim.
What about something like "I'm gonna make her mine"?
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
Yes, that would work, too although slang often leaves out the process. Die klär ich mir is stating a fact - overconfident as it may be!
Rita Translator (asker) Jan 25, 2017:
Thanks, Ramey Thanks for the welcome- I've been around proz for a long time but haven't posted in KudoZ before. This one has me stumped, though :)
As for your suggestion "she's mine," I kind of like it - although it could also mean that the "klär-ing" has already occurred. Maybe "She's gonna be mine"?
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
Hi Tony I read it as 'die schnapp ich mir' - without sexual overtones. It's fascinating how the language has developed in this context. 'Die schnapp ich mir' has Stone Age, club swinging machismo, 'die klär ich mir' is more like clearing the way by sweeping all other competitors aside with one's charm, attractiveness, etc.
TonyTK Jan 25, 2017:
Is "pull" too ... ... old-fashioned?
Ramey Rieger (X) Jan 25, 2017:
Hi Kelly and welcome to kudoz!

Proposed translations

+4
11 mins
Selected

she's yours/she's mine

Seems to be the simplest rendition
Peer comment(s):
agree Thomas Pfann : geilomat / Since asker seems concerned about the potential to misunderstand this as 'she's already mine', what about adding 'so'? ('She's so mine'.) Do you think that might make it clearer? Or is it just the same? / I agree! :-)
35 mins
reel her in//Anyone familiar with teenage abbreviated speech, would understand it as it is. The two are friends, so it's not a matter of rivalry or even ownership. The young man already SEES her as his,doesn't mean she is.
agree Carola Lange : This online discussion amongst teenagers shows that there is a range of interpretations, but I would tend to lean to the more explicit - i.e. clear sexual intent http://www.gutefrage.net/frage/was-meinen-jungs-wenn-sie-sag...
5 hrs
Or at least sexual aspirations :-) I'm am SO glad I'm out of that!
agree Björn Vrooman : Inside joke of the day: I'd better agree / before someone slaps me. Else, see discussion.
8 hrs
You're safe from me...
agree TonyTK : I like Thomas' "she's so (italic) mine".
10 hrs
I do, too
neutral Michael Martin, MA : The German is (teenage) slang but your solution isn’t, Ramey. More like a timeless colloquialism that anybody could use.
18 hrs
Which Kelly must adapt to her context-less question.
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "is what I went with - it was suggested by Ramey although not as the official suggestion."
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search