3

I'm currently working on a German text. I need to translate "suspended flowers" into German. When I used my dictionary the most suitable translations was "hängende Blumen" but I don't think that's the right way to express it.

I'm trying to describe the time when I was visiting a cave. What I want to say:

At the entrance there were suspended flowers besides the stalagmites.

What I have so far:

Am Eingang waren neben den Stalagmiten hängende Blumen.

Improve this question
7
  • 2
    Why do you think it is wrong? Maybe you can give us more context. At least a complete sentence would be fine.
    – Hubert Schölnast
    Jul 3, 2017 at 18:52
  • I'm trying to describe the time when I was visiting a cave. What I want to say: At The entrance there were suspended flowers besides the stalagmites. What I have so far: Am Eingang waren neben den Stalagmiten ?hängende Blumen?.
    – ADDB
    Jul 3, 2017 at 18:58
  • 5
    It's probably even more right than in English: suspended IMHO implies that has been done to them artificially, while "hängend" just means they're hanging down from somewhere.
    – tofro
    Jul 3, 2017 at 19:14
  • @tofro really? That's good to know then! Thank you.
    – ADDB
    Jul 3, 2017 at 19:28
  • 2
    And you can change it into a verb: Am Eingang hingen Blumen neben den Stalagmiten" or "... hingen neben den Stalagmiten Blumen", depending on intended emphasis. "... waren hängende Blumen" sounds artificial.
    – dirkt
    Jul 3, 2017 at 19:57

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

The sentence

Am Eingang waren neben den Stalagmiten hängende Blumen.

is absolutely correct.

You can find possible translations for »hängend« here: http://dict.leo.org/englisch-deutsch/hängend

The word »hängend« is a participle (i.e. can be used as an adjective or as a verb) and is derived from the verb »hängen« (you'll find translations on dict.leo.org too).

Improve this answer
4

We have compound nouns

Hängeblumen, Hängepflanzen

but these do not quite catch the artificial decorative nature of suspended flowers as they are more terms for describing the growth pattern of some plants.

We therefore may need to explain the term while translating:

Der Eingang neben den Stalagmiten war mit hängenden Blumen verziert.
Neben den Stalagmiten hingen Blumenampeln am Eingang.
Den Eingang neben den Stalagmiten verzierten Hängepflanzen.

Improve this answer
3
  • Blumenampeln is definitly artificial, while suspended flowers might or might not be made by man.
    – tofro
    Jul 4, 2017 at 13:10
  • @tofro Apparently suspended flowers are more artificial than hanging flowers. For something to be suspended (= "aufgehängt") a voluntary action by man is required.
    – Takkat
    Jul 4, 2017 at 16:02
  • See OP's answer to my comment above. Apparently, he likes it natural.
    – tofro
    Jul 4, 2017 at 16:49

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.