[precisioncoder]

After living abroad for 10 years I think one of the biggest things I've learned is that translations don't quite work. The problem is the context and emotional framework in relation to the words.

For example "Viel Glück" can translate to "Good Luck" but what exactly is meant from this and how someone feels about me wishing it to them is quite different from Canada where I grew up.

At home it's a polite and kind of nice way to wish someone luck in what they're doing. Here it's often seen as a little sarcastic or teasing as there's a tiny culture implication that it means they didn't prepare enough.

There are massive amounts of this context or slight shading around the words which can completely change the contextural meaning of an exchange without changing anything about the literal translation.

Also, as to schadenfreude I really don't think German people identify with the idea of taking pleasure from another's misfortune. In fact most of the German speakers that I know would feel quite hurt or offended by the insinuation that they take pleasure from other's misfortune. It's more an acknowledgement that it happens, and a way to bring it into the conversation than something anyone would be proud of or want to do. Interestingly enough it's one of the most common borrowed words in English from German and is helpful to describe many situations. (Edit spelling)

[silvester23]

> Here it's often seen as a little sarcastic or teasing as there's a tiny culture implication that it means they didn't prepare enough.

I have always thought the same thing about "Good for you" which I think would commonly be translated as "Schön für dich". You cannot possibly say that without sounding sarcastic.

Regarding "Viel Glück", I usually use "Viel Erfolg" when I'm being sincere.

[esotericn]

"Good for you" I think sounds ridiculously sarcastic in British English, fwiw.

[jgwil2]

Even in American English you would have to be incredibly chipper and sincere for it not to sound sarcastic.

[precisioncoder]

Yes! That's a great example of words that have different meaning conveying a similar context. ("Viel Erfolg" meaning more like "Lots of success."/"I wish you success"). Even that though I feel has a bit of different subtext. Honestly that's the hardest thing about learning another language. Even after 10 years here I often say something which in meaning is exactly correct but still fails to convey what I wish due to some cultural subtext that I wasn't aware of.

[phonypc]

>At home it's a polite and kind of nice way to wish someone luck in what they're doing. Here it's often seen as a little sarcastic or teasing as there's a tiny culture implication that it means they didn't prepare enough.

For what it's worth, "good luck" also has the sarcastic meaning in my mind, depending on context. I'm Canadian and only speak English.