Converting Language

I always knew I would translate 22 Triggers to German by myself. (Who better to do so than the author, and all that.) However, while doing so, I’ve come across unforeseen obstacles.
The question isn’t merely whether to translate things literally. Clearly, I would change certain phrases to fit the spirit of the German language in lieu of the English language. Of course. That’s not the point.
But, what to do when a portion of the text uses words, and their definition in order to make a point?

In the English version of 22 Triggers, it states the following:

Ergo, the word understanding doesn’t fit at all, as it implies that something is understood, when that may actually not be the case at all. It is, therefore, only their opinion. Their opinion.

Nothing more.

The primary definition of the word opinion is a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.

It’s not bad to occasionally remind ourselves of the meanings of words we commonly, casually, and sometimes carelessly, use.

Now, in German, the word for opinion is “Meinung”, but the definition of Meinung is not the same as the definition of opinion. To then simply translate the above paragraph would be inherently wrong. Thus, I find myself in front of new challenges, such as needing to rewrite parts of the book, because, not only is the German word defined differently, but a common synonym for it incites me to go into an entirely different direction and, in doing so, make an entirely different point. One which doesn’t exist in the English version of 22 Triggers.

In the end, I may end up with two different books.

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