Glossary entry (derived from question below)
German term or phrase:
Durch etwas definiert sein
English translation:
to be defined by sth.
Added to glossary by
British Diana
Nov 4, 2012 13:37
11 yrs ago
1 viewer *
German term
Germany
enthusiast
Native in: English (Variant: British) 
Works in: German to English, English to German, English, and 1 more.
Etwas wird definiert durch
German to English
Marketing
Management
Image Film - description of a company's departments
In a text for the storyboard of an "Image Film" which goes through the various departments of a company describing what each is responsible for, I have this sentence:
"Das umfassende Aufgaben- und Angebotsspektrum von Firma X wird neben dem hohen Maß an Service und Qualitätssicherung durch die zentrale Abteilung Z definiert."
Even after turning the sentence round: "Die zentrale Abteilung Z definiert das umfassende Aufgaben- und Angebotsspektrum von Firma X" I still don't know what it really means and how the "neben dem hohem Maß an Service und Qualitätssicherung" fits in.
I suspect this is a marketing term of some kind?
Please help if you happen to be at your desks (I'm working here in Southern Germany as it is raining hard outside)!
"Das umfassende Aufgaben- und Angebotsspektrum von Firma X wird neben dem hohen Maß an Service und Qualitätssicherung durch die zentrale Abteilung Z definiert."
Even after turning the sentence round: "Die zentrale Abteilung Z definiert das umfassende Aufgaben- und Angebotsspektrum von Firma X" I still don't know what it really means and how the "neben dem hohem Maß an Service und Qualitätssicherung" fits in.
I suspect this is a marketing term of some kind?
Please help if you happen to be at your desks (I'm working here in Southern Germany as it is raining hard outside)!
Proposed translations
(English)
| 4 +2 | defined by (see below) |
Susan Welsh
|
| 4 | Something is in their charge |
David Moore (X)
|
| 3 | oversees/lays out |
Michael Martin, MA
|
Proposed translations
+2
27 mins
Susan Welsh
United States
United States
Native in English
United States
Psychology, economics, politics
Native in: English 
Works in: Russian to English, German to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
4
Selected
defined by (see below)
I think it just means that the central office Z defines the tasks, etc., "in addition to the high level of service and quality assurance." "Neben" can mean "in addition to," as well as its various other meanings. And I would definitely turn the sentence around as you did, to get rid of the passive voice.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
philgoddard
: I think this is fine. it decides what products and services they sell, and sets customer service and quality assurance standards.
14 hrs
|
|
Thanks, Phil
|
|
| agree |
Rebecca Garber
1 day 17 mins
|
|
Thank you, Rebecca
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you, Susan. This is what I offered my client in the end."
1 hr
Something is in their charge
I say this a thoroughly sloppy piece of German text.
You cannot IMHO use "define" in this context; what they mean is that the central department "X" is responsible for. I would understand that to mean that they "define" the parameters and make sure that they are adhered to. And that they ensure that the "hohen Mass an Service und Qualitätssicherung" - high standards of service and quality are maintained - or however you prefer to word it.
""Definieren" is definitely not an appropriate word to use as a verb governing these two (three) objects in my view.
You cannot IMHO use "define" in this context; what they mean is that the central department "X" is responsible for. I would understand that to mean that they "define" the parameters and make sure that they are adhered to. And that they ensure that the "hohen Mass an Service und Qualitätssicherung" - high standards of service and quality are maintained - or however you prefer to word it.
""Definieren" is definitely not an appropriate word to use as a verb governing these two (three) objects in my view.
Note from asker:
| Thank you, David, especially for your insight into the sloppiness. I was beginning to doubt my grasp of German! |
1 hr
Michael Martin, MA
United States
United States
Native in German
&
English
Works in field
United States
Creativity wins in the long run
Native in: German (Variant: Germany) , English (Variant: US)
Works in: German to English
Related KudoZ points
:
63
oversees/lays out
In addition to ensuring a high level of service and quality assurance, the Corporate Department (Office) oversees/lays out the company's portfolio and offerings
Or: is charged with laying out/overseeing the company's portfolio and offerings
Or: is charged with overseeing the company's ...
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Note added at 1 Stunde (2012-11-04 15:36:59 GMT)
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Ignore the last "Or"..
Or: is charged with laying out/overseeing the company's portfolio and offerings
Or: is charged with overseeing the company's ...
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 Stunde (2012-11-04 15:36:59 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Ignore the last "Or"..
Note from asker:
| Thank you, Michael! |
Discussion
Thank you for your comments so far. I think with your help I now know what the texter was trying to say. This particular dept. is responsible for defining the tasks and products of the company (that's why it is a central department) and also for laying down the high standards of service and quality. In a way these tasks, products and high standards,whatever themselves define the essence of the company as they are so crucial.
Orla, please post your suggestion as an Answer!
The central office delineates/shapes(nice suggestion from Orla) our/company X's comprehensive catalogue/spectrum of activities and offerings, as well as assuring high quality and in-depth?? service.
Like Simon I feel another verb is needed to make it clear!