Übersetzungszweck

Übersetzungszweck (translation purpose) is a concept in translation studies describing the intended function of a translated text within the target culture. It guides the translator's choices and determines what counts as an acceptable translation. In functionalist theories such as Skopos theory, the translation's purpose takes precedence over literal fidelity to the source text; the text is judged by whether it accomplishes its intended function for the target audience.

Determining the Übersetzungszweck involves clarifying the target audience, medium, and institutional context, as well as the goals of the translation assignment. Purposes can be informational or documentary (to convey facts and instructions), instrumental or persuasive (to influence behavior or opinions), aesthetic (to entertain or evoke emotion), or normative (to conform to specific standards, such as legal or regulatory language).

Practically, the Übersetzungszweck affects terminology, style, level of explicitation, and the degree of localization. A user manual may prioritize clarity and unambiguous instructions; a marketing text may prioritize adaptiveness to local culture and persuasive tone; a literary work may emphasize stylistic effects and cultural resonance; a legal contract may require precision and formal tone.

Challenges arise when the source text's purposes conflict with the target's needs, or when the function is not clear. In such cases, translators document the decisions, justify deviations, or seek clarifications from clients. In sum, Übersetzungszweck is a central determinant of translation strategy, shaping how content is rendered to fulfill its intended use in the target context.