How do you say that in German?

I’d like to begin this time with a little task. Without looking at the glossary on this page, how would you translate the following words into German: “mind”, “purpose” and “anticipation”? If you are struggling, then you are in good company. Prize-winning translator Dirk van Gunsteren listed these as examples of words that have a number of meanings in German and in some contexts no direct equivalent. To find out how van Gunsteren — who has translated the works of T. C. Boyle, John Grisham, Thomas Pynchon and Philip Roth, among others — breathes life into a German version of an English story, read our interview with the translator, which begins on page 24.

Few of us may have the linguistic talent for translation, but if you are reading this magazine, you will be trying to improve your English skills. To find out where you stand, take a look at our feature “Do your level best” (pages 14– 19). Our author Clare Maas explains very clearly how language levels are assessed and why they are useful. It is an article to cut out and keep.

Finally, this issue includes two new elements. Author and English teacher Chad Smith gives you background information on phrases used in popular culture in our new section English Explained on page 47. And on page 28, we present Grammar Tales, where we reinvent classic fairy tales, spiced up with a bit of grammar. We hope you enjoy them and look forward to your feedback.