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Lebensgrundlagen des Menschen

English translation: resource base which sustains human life

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:Lebensgrundlagen des Menschen
English translation:resource base which sustains human life
Entered by: Deborah Shannon

13:57 Jan 15, 2000
German to English translations [PRO]
Science - Environment & Ecology
German term or phrase: Lebensgrundlagen des Menschen
Dear colleagues, the above term is one I frequently encounter in my work, without having seen a satisfactory counterpart in the English-language literature.
It means the natural environment, biodiversity etc., specifically the capacity of this to perform its essential functions for humankind - sometimes in a local, usually in a more global context.
In this connection there is also the troublesome notion of "Die Leistungsfähigkeit des Naturhaushaltes", which I call until now "the capacity of the natural environment to perform its essential functions" or "the functional capacity of the natural environment".
Any comments?
Christopher Hay
Germany
Local time: 00:12
life's necessities
Explanation:
As general in meaning as possible to suit the greatest variety of contexts. In a scientific text I would expand to: 'the necessities of (or essentials for) human existence'
Selected response from:

Deborah Shannon
Germany
Local time: 00:12
Grading comment
Hallo Deborah, long time no hear, hope your holidays were restful. I award you the point because I find your formulation the most elegant.
Excuse the miserable 1 point, but none of the answers really hit the concept properly, so I have given a strict rating.
In particular, it is essential to render the notion of NATURAL PRECONDITIONS, which your rendering does not.
Above all, I need(ed) a "true" term used in the relevant debates. Will keep on searching ...
1 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
nahuman necessities
John Schweinsberg (X)
nabasic conditions of human livability
Kristina M (X)
naFundamental requirements.
Mike McDonald (X)
nalife's necessities
Deborah Shannon
nabasic human life requirements
Henning Bochert (X)


  

Answers


2 hrs
human necessities


Explanation:
Lebensgrundlagen = means of livelihood, necessities of life, basic necessities of life

For "Leistungsfähigkeit des Naturhaushaltes" I would suggest "ability of the ecosystem to maintain itself" or "maintaining the natural balance"
Naturhaushalt = ecosystem, natural balance

John Schweinsberg (X)
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5 hrs
basic conditions of human livability


Explanation:
"Leistungsfähigkeit des Naturhaushaltes"
perhaps "nature's capacity to provide livable conditions"

I realize neither one of these suggestions is literal, but they may hit the nail on the head (and I think they sound pretty good).


Kristina M (X)
Local time: 18:12
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
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12 hrs
Fundamental requirements.


Explanation:
Die Insel X liefert die Lebensgrundlagen des Menschen.

The island of X is able to fulfil man's fundamental requirements.

Just what is 'fundamental' would depend on the part of the globe in question. Somewould view CNN as fundamental.

Mike McDonald (X)
Local time: 23:12
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4
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18 hrs
life's necessities


Explanation:
As general in meaning as possible to suit the greatest variety of contexts. In a scientific text I would expand to: 'the necessities of (or essentials for) human existence'

Deborah Shannon
Germany
Local time: 00:12
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 34
Grading comment
Hallo Deborah, long time no hear, hope your holidays were restful. I award you the point because I find your formulation the most elegant.
Excuse the miserable 1 point, but none of the answers really hit the concept properly, so I have given a strict rating.
In particular, it is essential to render the notion of NATURAL PRECONDITIONS, which your rendering does not.
Above all, I need(ed) a "true" term used in the relevant debates. Will keep on searching ...
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 day 2 hrs
basic human life requirements


Explanation:
"Leistungsfähigkeit des Naturhaushaltes" seems to be well equalled by your second suggestion.

Henning Bochert (X)
Germany
Local time: 00:12
Native speaker of: German
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