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
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. German to English
  3. Chemistry; Chem Sci/Eng

Säure/Basen-Haushalt

English translation: acid-base balance

02:43 Oct 8, 2012
German to English translations [PRO]
Science - Chemistry; Chem Sci/Eng / Mineral water
German term or phrase: Säure/Basen-Haushalt
Alles, was wir essen und trinken hat einen Einfluss auf den Säure/Basen-Haushalt in unserem Körper.

I am confused by the various explanations offered on the internet. Originally I was going to translate this as "acid/alkaline balance" but am now wondering if "acid-base balance" might be the correct translation. Can anyone help? Apparently alkaline and basic don't have the same meaning: http://www.ehow.com/about_6132782_alkaline-vs_-basic.html
Jeanie Eldon
United Kingdom
Local time: 20:28
English translation:acid-base balance
Explanation:
In a context like this, we do not say "alkaline"... alkalinity is not the opposite of acidity. Basicity is the opposite of acidity. There is a difference between alkalinity and basicity. The first is an extensive property, (depends on amount, size), the second is an intensive property. Just like an object being described as red is an intensive property, while the strength of the redness is an extensive property.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 18 mins (2012-10-08 03:01:57 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Most welcome, Jeanie...

Selected response from:

Zareh Darakjian Ph.D.
United States
Local time: 12:28
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +6acid-base balance
Zareh Darakjian Ph.D.
Summary of reference entries provided
See following article
Colin Rowe

  

Answers


5 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +6
acid-base balance


Explanation:
In a context like this, we do not say "alkaline"... alkalinity is not the opposite of acidity. Basicity is the opposite of acidity. There is a difference between alkalinity and basicity. The first is an extensive property, (depends on amount, size), the second is an intensive property. Just like an object being described as red is an intensive property, while the strength of the redness is an extensive property.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 18 mins (2012-10-08 03:01:57 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Most welcome, Jeanie...



Zareh Darakjian Ph.D.
United States
Local time: 12:28
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in ArmenianArmenian
PRO pts in category: 162
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you for your rapid reply and assistance. I'm most impressed with your knowledge and qualifications (couldn't help taking a peek at your profile).


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Sabine Akabayov, PhD
24 mins
  -> Thank you, Doctor!
agree  analytical (X)
2 hrs
  -> Thank you, Claudia!
agree  Coqueiro
3 hrs
  -> Thank you, Coqueiro!
agree  Susanne Schiewe
4 hrs
  -> Thank you, Susanne!
agree  Heike Holthaus
10 hrs
  -> Thank you, TranslatorHeike!
agree  milinad
1 day 1 hr
  -> Thank you, milinad!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)




Reference comments


7 hrs
Reference: See following article

Reference information:
"Acid–base homeostasis is the part of human homeostasis concerning the proper balance between acids and bases, also called body pH. The body is very sensitive to its pH level, so strong mechanisms exist to maintain it. Outside the acceptable range of pH, proteins are denatured and digested, enzymes lose their ability to function, and death may occur."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid–base_homeostasis

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 7 hrs (2012-10-08 10:41:11 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

I think "acid–base homeostasis" is actually a closer translation than "acid-base balance" for the term "Säure/Basen-Haushalt", but I also think that in this context it is actually the "Säurebasengleichgewicht" that is meant, in which case "acid-base balance" would be correct here.

See also:
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Säure-Basen-Haushalt

Colin Rowe
Germany
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 32
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search