Correct translation of Udet's message on tail?

[Barry Hickson]

G'day All! I have seen at least two differing translations of the legend
" Du doch nicht !!" painted on the upper tail surface of Udet's Fokker DV11 & wondered if one of our German members or someone can give the correct English translation.

Thanks in advance.

[gipsymoth236k]

In English:

1. "Certainly not you!!"

2. "You and who else!!"

Regards,
Gary Sewall

[Jenny]

Interesting on a number of levels. The two alternative translations very nearly translate out as a pair of oxymora's. And why did he use the informal rather than the informal? This is almost getting into "Voulez vous couche avec moi" territory! (Unfortunately my computer does not provide the appropriate accents.) Why did he use the informal rather than the informal??? My German isn't so good, so please explain. Anyone???? Jenny

[UPZZZZ]

First translation is correct! The second translation has another meaning and is not correct. It would be a kind of question in german: DU UND WER NOCH?
You can also translate" Du doch nicht" to IT'S NOT YOU!

[crankcase]

Originally Posted by Jenny

Interesting on a number of levels. The two alternative translations very nearly translate out as a pair of oxymora's. And why did he use the informal rather than the informal? This is almost getting into "Voulez vous couche avec moi" territory! (Unfortunately my computer does not provide the appropriate accents.) Why did he use the informal rather than the informal??? My German isn't so good, so please explain. Anyone???? Jenny

The informal form works because it is in an impersonal context. The nature of the challenge establishes an atmosphere of informality. The formal "Sie" would look silly and out of place. There are no social conventions (or pretensions) operating here.

"Sie" would, however, be appropriate if the two comabtants, knowing each other only formally, were meeting to have a classic duel (e.g. swords or pistols). Then society's rules govern, even if the guys are out to kill each other!
marc

[VtwinVince]

I always translated it as "It can't be you!".

[RobW]

Knowing that online translators are not the most reliable method... I decided to try a few out and see what they said...

Yahoo Bablefish:
"You nevertheless not!"


Google:
"You do not!"

...or if you forget the "!" "Surely you do not"

Microsoft Word gave up after du...

WordLingo:
"You nevertheless not!"


I prefer "Certainly not you!"

Gotta love those online translators...

Rob

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Gentlemen:
Du doch nicht!! reads You certainly not!! In the German form Du is personal, In English it would be, Certainly not You!!
Blue skies,
Dan-San

[Barry Hickson]

Thanks to all who responded. Very interesting & now I know the correct translation.
I guess he was saying to anyone on his tail. "No you are not going to shoot me down!"

[Froggy]

Bonsoir

In French i should translate " Non! Vous aussi !" ou "Non! Pas Vous!"