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unterstellen

English translation: insinuate

17:21 Oct 19, 2012
German to English translations [PRO]
Law/Patents - International Org/Dev/Coop
German term or phrase: unterstellen
Die Verwaltungen könnnen an Hand der externen Rechnungsprüfungsberichte belegen, dass sie keineswegs so korrupt sind, wie ihnen von Teilen der Zentralregierung und der Presse systematisch unterstellt wird.

This is about government authorities in a notoriously corrupt country. I'm not sure if this is more of an 'assume' kind of 'unterstellen', or the 'insinuate' kind....
LisaV20
United States
Local time: 19:37
English translation:insinuate
Explanation:
"Unterstellen" has several meanings, according to its context, as Ramsey suggests.

To me, there is only one correct word to use here, and that is this one, in the given context. Its dictionary definition of "to hint indirectly at (something unpleasant)" fits perfectly; to use most of the others would immediately attract a lawsuit for libel against the writer.
Selected response from:

David Moore (X)
Local time: 19:37
Grading comment
Thank you so much!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +3insinuate
David Moore (X)
3 +2imply, allege
Carmen Lawrence
4 +1indicate/suggest/ allude/insinuate/intimate
Ramey Rieger (X)
3impute (to them)
Horst Huber (X)


Discussion entries: 5





  

Answers


5 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
imply, allege


Explanation:
I think here they are saying 'imply' or 'allege'.

Carmen Lawrence
Greece
Local time: 20:37
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Michael Martin, MA: Yes, imply is probably too weak but allege is perfect
31 mins
neutral  David Moore (X): Imply is as Michael says hardly strong enough, but "allege" to me sounds quite wrong.
1 hr
agree  Valeska Nygren: allege
1 day 6 hrs
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4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
indicate/suggest/ allude/insinuate/intimate


Explanation:
take your pick

Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 19:37
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Usch Pilz: Can I just INDICATE: I would SUGGEST INSINUATE.
8 hrs
  -> Yes, you may, but I would suggest that "suggest" is less biting.
neutral  David Moore (X): This is really a grapeshot approach! One might fit...
11 hrs
  -> Are you insinuating....?
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14 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
insinuate


Explanation:
"Unterstellen" has several meanings, according to its context, as Ramsey suggests.

To me, there is only one correct word to use here, and that is this one, in the given context. Its dictionary definition of "to hint indirectly at (something unpleasant)" fits perfectly; to use most of the others would immediately attract a lawsuit for libel against the writer.

David Moore (X)
Local time: 19:37
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Thank you so much!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Katia DG
2 hrs
agree  British Diana
10 hrs
neutral  Ramey Rieger (X): I think "suggest" indicates a less malicious intent, leaving it up to the read to interpret. No law suit there.
1 day 52 mins
agree  Trudy Peters
1 day 6 hrs
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23 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
impute (to them)


Explanation:
"Systematisch" makes it much more serious than just hinting or suggesting. If it were completely out in the open, it would be "allege"; it is as strong as that, but remains unstated.

Horst Huber (X)
United States
Local time: 13:37
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 8
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