Translation from German
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to key issues in linguistic approaches to translation, with a particular focus on translation theories developed in German-speaking contexts. It seeks to equip students with the tools to analyze texts from linguistic, sociolinguistic, stylistic, and rhetorical perspectives, taking into account the socio-historical and cultural context in which a text was produced, as well as its linguistic and authorial specificities. In the practical component of the course, students will be invited to engage directly in the translation of texts from a variety of literary genres, putting their acquired skills to the test. They will also work with innovative tools, such as generative AI-based applications and/or language corpora.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have refined their sensitivity to linguistic aspects of translation through critical engagement with selected translation theories. They will be able to identify the specific features of a text and apply a range of translation strategies, consciously drawing on their linguistic, literary, and theoretical competences to produce an Italian version of a text originally written in German. Students will also be familiar with, and able to use, the main lexicographic tools—both printed and digital—employed in professional translation practice. Furthermore, they will be able to justify and comment on their translation choices, both in written and oral form.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course consists of two parts:
Part A: Translation theory and technique
Part B: Translation of narrative texts and comics, and subtitling
The course, which is conducted entirely in German, is aimed at students on the Master's degree programmes in: European and Non-European Languages and Literatures; Modern Literature; Publishing, Communication and Fashion Studies. Students wishing to earn 9 cfu must follow the full programme. Students wishing to earn 6 cfu will follow a reduced programme, to be agreed with the course lecturer
The course aims to provide an introduction to translation, understood both as an academic discipline and as a cultural practice, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The first part of the course will therefore be an introduction to the theory and technique of translation, with a particular focus on insights and contributions from the German-speaking world. The second part, by contrast, will favour a practical approach structured around the analysis and commentary on translations of texts (literary works, comics). Subtitling will also be given considerable attention. In this way, students will learn strategies which they can subsequently put to the test through their own translation projects. The traditional and technological tools used by translators will also be covered.
This syllabus is is valid until February 2027.
Part A: Translation theory and technique
Part B: Translation of narrative texts and comics, and subtitling
The course, which is conducted entirely in German, is aimed at students on the Master's degree programmes in: European and Non-European Languages and Literatures; Modern Literature; Publishing, Communication and Fashion Studies. Students wishing to earn 9 cfu must follow the full programme. Students wishing to earn 6 cfu will follow a reduced programme, to be agreed with the course lecturer
The course aims to provide an introduction to translation, understood both as an academic discipline and as a cultural practice, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The first part of the course will therefore be an introduction to the theory and technique of translation, with a particular focus on insights and contributions from the German-speaking world. The second part, by contrast, will favour a practical approach structured around the analysis and commentary on translations of texts (literary works, comics). Subtitling will also be given considerable attention. In this way, students will learn strategies which they can subsequently put to the test through their own translation projects. The traditional and technological tools used by translators will also be covered.
This syllabus is is valid until February 2027.
Prerequisites for admission
Excellent knowledge in Italian; advanced knowledge (at least B2) in German.
Teaching methods
The course consists of two parts:
Part A: Translation theory and technique
Part B: Translation of narrative texts and comics, and subtitling
The course comprises 10 per cent of teaching activities delivered online. Further details will be provided during the course
Part A: Translation theory and technique
Part B: Translation of narrative texts and comics, and subtitling
The course comprises 10 per cent of teaching activities delivered online. Further details will be provided during the course
Teaching Resources
Parte A
- Cinato Kather, Lucia (2021): Mediazione Linguistica tedesco-italiano. Hoepli.
- Diadori Pierangela (2026): Teorica e tecnica della traduzione. Mondadori.
- Nardi, Antonella (2020): La sottotitolazione dal tedesco all'italiano. Carocci
- Schreiber, Michael (2016): Grundlagen der Übersetzungswissenschaft. De Gruyter.
These and further Resources are made available on Moodle
Parte B
- The texts to be translated are made available on Moodle
- Cinato Kather, Lucia (2021): Mediazione Linguistica tedesco-italiano. Hoepli.
- Diadori Pierangela (2026): Teorica e tecnica della traduzione. Mondadori.
- Nardi, Antonella (2020): La sottotitolazione dal tedesco all'italiano. Carocci
- Schreiber, Michael (2016): Grundlagen der Übersetzungswissenschaft. De Gruyter.
These and further Resources are made available on Moodle
Parte B
- The texts to be translated are made available on Moodle
Assessment methods and Criteria
9 CFU: the exam consists of two parts
- translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 pages), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
There is no oral examination.
6 CFU: the exam consists of:
- a translation of a literary text of approx. 2000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 page), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale).
There is no oral examination.
Important note: Although the course does not include an oral exam, the instructor reserves the right to invite individual students for an individual interview in order to confirm the final grade, should any doubts about the overall evaluation arise.
Arrangements for attending students: attending students will be allowed a reduction in the character limit for their translation and commentary on the translation. 'Attending students' refers to all those who actively participate in lectures and the activities set (presentations, discussions, translations completed at home, etc.). Further information will be provided during the course
- translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 pages), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
There is no oral examination.
6 CFU: the exam consists of:
- a translation of a literary text of approx. 2000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 page), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale).
There is no oral examination.
Important note: Although the course does not include an oral exam, the instructor reserves the right to invite individual students for an individual interview in order to confirm the final grade, should any doubts about the overall evaluation arise.
Arrangements for attending students: attending students will be allowed a reduction in the character limit for their translation and commentary on the translation. 'Attending students' refers to all those who actively participate in lectures and the activities set (presentations, discussions, translations completed at home, etc.). Further information will be provided during the course
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
GERM-01/C - German Language, Translation and Linguistics - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Mollica Fabio
Part C
GERM-01/C - German Language, Translation and Linguistics - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Zinesi Alice
Professor(s)
Reception:
Piazza Indro Montanelli -Dipartimento di Lingue, Letterature, Culture e Mediazioni- V piano - studio 5012
Reception:
To be discussed with students
S. Alessandro - Milano