Ramey Rieger (X) Mar 1, 2016:

Passing on the torch instead of the load Good one, Sir Andrew!

Lancashireman Mar 1, 2016:

Lastbeschreibung It might be worth checking out instances of this on the web. It appears to have a very specific meaning in engineering - nothing to do with complaints or hardship.

Julia Burgess (asker) Mar 1, 2016:

@philgoddard Not sure this is of much help, but:
Before this motto is stated, the speaker (the text is in the form of an interview) tells the interviewer about the company's projects intended to instil the company's values (pretty standard ones: honesty, etc.) in the next generation (children). The next question moves on to the potential challenge of rolling out set values around the world (from a cultural point of view). However, no difficulty/burden/responsibility is mentioned before this 'motto' appears.

I'm wondering whether there is some flexibility in the verb 'beschreiben', given the various suggestions so far (e.g. dwelling on). That would certainly give me more options!

philgoddard Mar 1, 2016:

And why would they want to "describe the burden"? What does it say before and after this?
If this is their motto, it shouldn't include a negative statement.

Julia Burgess (asker) Mar 1, 2016:

@franglish - some more context It's an engineering company, largely different sorts of metalworking. Not sure that this extra background is of much help here, though.

Wendy Streitparth Mar 1, 2016:

Agree with Cilian - my instant thought.

franglish Mar 1, 2016:

It might be of interest to know what this company provides, and thus explain 'Die Beschreibung der Last'.

Cilian O'Tuama Mar 1, 2016:

Feuer = torch = responsibility Last = burden of responsibility
How I see it.