LETTER TO EDITOR - NY REVIEW OF BOOKS
##
On April 6, 2023, Frances Wilson provides a fine review of Kafka's THE DIARIES, newly translated by Ross Benjamin.
Wilson quotes, "This story 'The Judgment' I wrote at one stretch on the night of [September] 22-23 from 10 o'clock in the evening to 6 o'clock in the morning."
Wilson inserts, "in einem zug - literally: 'on one train.' "
I am not a native speaker of German, but I believe this is a mistranslation of "zug." The word "Zug" (now conventionally capitalized) does have a primary meaning of "train" as in railroad. However, it is related to the verb to pull "ziehen" which has past tense forms "zog" and "gezogen." A minor vowel change distinguishes "der Zug" the railroad train which pulls, and "er zog" he pulled.
I believe a natural translation of "in einem zug" would be "at one stretch" or "in one move or movement." Saying that "in einem zug" really means "on one train" is like saying that "I hit it with a bat' really means, "I hit it with a small flying rodent."
I have quoted ChatGPT4 below, but only because it confirms and collates my own understanding of German over the decades.
Best
Bruce Quinn MD
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
#####
Translate “in einem zug” and discuss the meaning of “zug “ here. A writer quoted this and said it literally means “on one train” and I’m doubtful. I think the English writer underestimated the different meanings of “zug “.
##
GPT
You are correct that the German phrase "in einem Zug" does not literally mean "on one train" in this context. Instead, it translates to "in one go" or "in one move/pull/draw." In this context, "Zug" refers to a single action or movement, such as taking a sip from a drink or making a move in a game.
The German word "Zug" can have multiple meanings, including:
1 Train (as in railway transportation)
2 Move, pull, or draw (as in an action or gesture)
3 Draft (as in a draft of air)
4 Trait or characteristic (referring to a person's attributes)
In the context you provided, the English writer misunderstood the intended meaning of "Zug" and should have considered the alternative meanings based on the context of the phrase. "In einem Zug" conveys the idea of doing something continuously without any breaks or interruptions.
#####
Is there any etymological relationship between "zug" and "ziehen"?
##
GPT
Yes, there is an etymological relationship between the German words "Zug" and "ziehen." Both words are derived from the same Old High German root "ziogan," which means "to pull" or "to draw." Over time, the language evolved, and "ziogan" split into two different words with related meanings.
"Ziehen" is the verb form, meaning "to pull," "to draw," or "to move" in the sense of applying force to change the position or direction of something. On the other hand, "Zug" is a noun and can refer to a pulling action, movement, or gesture, as well as other meanings I mentioned in a previous answer.
The shared etymological root explains the similarity in meaning between "Zug" and "ziehen" and why "Zug" can be used in the sense of "a pull" or "a draw" in certain contexts. The past tense forms of "ziehen," such as "er zog" (simple past) and "er hat gezogen" (present perfect), further demonstrate the connection between "ziehen" and "Zug."