Feuerwerk

01:29 Oct 11, 2021 

I have read Wheen’s English version of this novel and know that it has so far been translated into more than 50 languages including Thai. I asked this question because the Thai version of this novel translates “Hinter uns schlägt es ein.” (“One lands behind us.” in Wheen’s version) to “One shell lands behind us.” It also translates “…funkt es wieder herüber,” (“..another comes.” ) and “Der nächste Schuß…” (“The next shot..”) to “..another shell comes.” And “The next shell..”, respectively. That makes me confused whether they are hit by fireworks or shells.

15:27 Oct 10, 2021 

Official isn't the right word. My bad. Widely accepted would be better. How many (officially published) translations into English of this masterwork are there?

13:57 Oct 10, 2021 

Kat says, "Mighty fine fire-works if they weren't so dangerous" (4.45).
https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/all-quiet-on-...

13:39 Oct 10, 2021 

There's nothing wrong with fireworks. Kirsten, if you post this answer, I'll agree with you.

13:35 Oct 10, 2021 

For shelling. I suppose they emit some light in the dark when fired off.

You should look at the official translations, but in case it's about making a new one, I'd just go with fireworks. Why make things more difficult than they should be?

13:34 Oct 10, 2021 

You can have an official translation of a European Union directive, or a United Nations treaty, but not of a novel!

It can be helpful to see how others have translated a text, but being published doesn't make them official, or even correct. They're not set in stone, and you can improve on them.

13:00 Oct 10, 2021 

I have no idea how many English language versions there are of this book, but I suggest you find an official translation and see what was used in English for the German 'Feuerwerk'