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. Swedish to English
  3. Geography

göteborgare

English translation: inhabitants of Gothenburg/Gothenburgers

12:54 Jul 6, 2006
Swedish to English translations [Non-PRO]
Geography / Nomenclature
Swedish term or phrase: göteborgare
Göteborg is increasingly used instead of the older style, Gothenburg. What does this make 'göteborgare'? Göteborgians? Or still Gothenburgians?
geraldkimb (X)
Local time: 11:01
English translation:inhabitants of Gothenburg/Gothenburgers
Explanation:
Here is a prescriptive view.
Göteborg has not achieved the status of being acceptable in English (like Beijing, for example) and perhaps never will. Similarly, Athens is unlikely to become Athenai or Athene.
I've never seen Gothenburgian referring to someonewho lives there. Nor, for that matter, have I seen a Gothenburger (even a vegetarian one).

Some Swedes seem to think that if they change the English, they will change English usage, e.g. starting to write Göteborg University on the website.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 3 hrs (2006-07-06 16:36:47 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Widipedia: n Dutch, Scots, German and English- languages with a long history of being spoken in the trade and maritime-oriented city - the name Gothenburg (with varying pronunciations) was traditionally used for the city, while the French form of the city name is Gothembourg. These traditional forms are now widely replaced with the use of the Swedish form Göteborg.

Correction! Göteborg is never used in the UK, at least.
The article goes on to refer to Gothenburgers.
Selected response from:

E2efour (X)
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:01
Grading comment
Thanks. I see Göteborg in so many places now, it's hard to discount it entirely. But Gothenburgers certainly seems the best choice for denizens. Thanks.
3 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
5 +3inhabitants of Gothenburg/Gothenburgers
E2efour (X)


  

Answers


21 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +3
inhabitants of Gothenburg/Gothenburgers


Explanation:
Here is a prescriptive view.
Göteborg has not achieved the status of being acceptable in English (like Beijing, for example) and perhaps never will. Similarly, Athens is unlikely to become Athenai or Athene.
I've never seen Gothenburgian referring to someonewho lives there. Nor, for that matter, have I seen a Gothenburger (even a vegetarian one).

Some Swedes seem to think that if they change the English, they will change English usage, e.g. starting to write Göteborg University on the website.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 3 hrs (2006-07-06 16:36:47 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Widipedia: n Dutch, Scots, German and English- languages with a long history of being spoken in the trade and maritime-oriented city - the name Gothenburg (with varying pronunciations) was traditionally used for the city, while the French form of the city name is Gothembourg. These traditional forms are now widely replaced with the use of the Swedish form Göteborg.

Correction! Göteborg is never used in the UK, at least.
The article goes on to refer to Gothenburgers.

E2efour (X)
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:01
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
Grading comment
Thanks. I see Göteborg in so many places now, it's hard to discount it entirely. But Gothenburgers certainly seems the best choice for denizens. Thanks.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Kathy Saranpa: or "residents"
3 hrs
  -> Thanks
agree  Alfa Trans (X)
17 hrs
  -> Thanks
agree  Peter Linton (X): or 'natives' but inhabitants is best. Though you could describe an individual "Göteborgare" as a "native of Gothenburg".
2 days 19 hrs
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