Glossary entry

Deutsch term or phrase:

stofflich fließend

Englisch translation:

flowing like material

Added to glossary by Helen Shiner
Oct 23, 2008 15:42
15 yrs ago
2 viewers *
Deutsch term

stofflich fließend

Deutsch > Englisch Kunst/Literatur Fotografie/Bildbearbeitung (und Grafik) Graphic Design
The term appears in a paragraph talking about the renewed importance of the line in graphic design. Here is the context:

"Das Spektrum der Liniengrafiken reicht von technisch konstruktiv über biologisch amorph bis zu stofflich fließend."

I know "stofflich" can be translated as material or substantial, but am at a loss of how to translate it in this context. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Proposed translations (Englisch)
3 +1 flowing like material
3 Flowy textures
Change log

Oct 24, 2008 09:10: Helen Shiner Created KOG entry

Discussion

Aisha Prigan (X) (asker) Oct 23, 2008:
It refers to graphic design, not costume design (where "stofflich" would make a lot more sense). It is a review of a book about how "the line" (the geometric element) is making a comeback in graphic design.
Ken Cox Oct 23, 2008:
Any chance this is referring to costume designs? (Stoff = fabric)

Proposed translations

+1
1 Stunde
Selected

flowing like material

This is offered just to confirm the meaning - I would hope one could come up with something rather more sophisticated, though absolutely nothing springs to my mind immediately. All three terms in the sentence refer to content and type of shape. Perhaps the best example of flowing line would be to think Jugendstil/Art Nouveau. Terms like s-shape and whiplash, curvilinear, etc. are generally employed, but this is very specifically refering to material, fabric, drapery, even, though the last would not really describe it. As Ken says if the graphic design represents clothing or elements of it, or even curtains, say, it would be fitting, otherwise it is a very strange thing. Sort of a combination of the flowing of the amorphous with the more delineated line of the technical, i.e somewhere between the two other images.

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Note added at 17 hrs (2008-10-24 09:10:35 GMT) Post-grading
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Thank you for the points, Aisha
Note from asker:
Thank you for your helpful comments! It is a strange text, which is why it is so difficult to come up with an appropriate translation. Your comments have definitely given me some ideas. Thanks again!
Peer comment(s):

agree Nandini Vivek : If you see Sibsab's reference, your translation is just the perfect fit.
13 Stunden
Thank you, Nandini - looks like it; a weird one.
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
1 Stunde

Flowy textures

It just sounds appropriate to me, considering the fact that 'Stoff' in German could mean fabric. So, instead of using the word fabric, I thought 'texture' would sound better. Then I got caught between texture-like flow and flowy texture. I feel flowy textures sounds better.
Peer comment(s):

neutral Helen Shiner : Since this is about the shape of the thing - the line - texture is not appropriate. Also not sure about flowy - not used in UK at least - but may be perfectly acceptable in US, of course.
3 Min.
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Reference comments

10 Stunden
Reference:

did you see this?

Note from asker:
No, I hadn't seen this link! Thank you so much!
Peer comments on this reference comment:

agree Helen Shiner : well done!!
6 Stunden
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