How to translate ‘Arrangement’ into English

The German word ‘Arrangement’ is used in many of the same ways as it is in English, i.e. in the context of flowers (er hat mir ein wunderschönes Arrangement aus roten und weiβen Rosen geschenkt) and music (ein neues Arrangement für Trompete und Orgel), or in the sense of ‘coming to an agreement’ with someone (Wenn Sie wollen, können wir ein Arrangement finden.)

In tourism texts the term generally means a package or special deal of some kind, maybe a Wochenend-Arrangement or a Vier-Tage Arrangement. Sometimes preceded

by ‘fertig geschnürt’ (ready-made/all-inclusive), it is frequently used in place of the German word Angebote… or the dreadful Packages (see above).

The Cambridge Dictionary gives the following definition of the term: eine Gruppen-, Pauschal- als Einheit zu buchende Zusammenstellung von Fahrt, Unterkunft und Verpflegung. In other words, a deal that includes not just the price of accommodation, but also any meals taken and transport costs to and from the location.

And there are many variations on this basic idea. I frequently come across Golfarrangements which comprise all the elements mentioned above plus the use of spa facilities and, most important of all for golfing vacationers, green fees. Another popular one is a Biker-Arrangement, covering accommodation, food of course (often something suitably hearty like a humongous steak and all the beer you can drink!) plus practical things such as covered parking and drying facilities - very important when you’ve been out biking all day in all weathers!

Your Arrangement might even offer something altogether more exotic, as here:

das All-Inclusive-Arrangement beinhaltet sämtliche Mahlzeiten, die im Community Dome serviert werden. Darüber hinaus sind geführte Trekking-Touren in die Wildnis Patagoniens im Preis inbegriffen = the all-inclusive package deal includes all meals (served in the Community Dome) plus guided trekking tours through the Patagonian wilderness.

So, in conclusion, package, deal or package deal generally cover all bases. And, of course, avoid the English word “arrangement” like the plague… as the otherwise delightful-sounding Hotel Savoy in Cologne (below) should have done!

Translating ‘beschaulich’ into English

From the verb ‘beschauen’, to observe or contemplate, comes the adjective ‘beschaulich’. In describing a person, it indicates that he or she is keen on reflection, pensive, contemplative by nature.

The adjective is also frequently used in tourism texts to describe locations that are quiet, a bit off the beaten track, tranquil, sedate… sleepy even (but with a positive rather than negative spin). It often also implies a certain modesty in size, a place that is undeveloped, and therefore, by implication, unspoilt.

And, of course, eine beschauliche Stille (an air of peace and tranquillity) or Ruhe und Beschaulichkeit (quiet contemplation) are just the USPs certain holidaymakers are looking for. This hotel in Schwerin offers a rather grand-sounding Oase der Ruhe und Beschaulichkeit (I’m not sure how oasis-like sitting on a hard chair at the bottom of a fire escape can be, but hey-ho. The idea is sound!) )

Anyway, here is a selection of recent examples of how I translated ‘beschaulich‘:

·         Einmal im Jahr ist Kitzbühel Schauplatz eines der spektakulärsten Ski-Events der Welt. An den drei Tagen des Hahnenkammrennens blickt die ganze Welt auf das beschauliche Alpenstädtchen und die Gamsstadt platzt förmlich aus allen Nähten = Once a year Kitzbühel is the venue for one of the world’s most spectacular ski events. During the three days of the famous Hahnekamm Race the eyes of the whole world are on this little town in the Alps as the crowds pour in to witness this amazing spectacle.

·         Oberlangenbach, beschaulich gelegen im Ortsteil Bergisch Born = Oberlangenbach occupies a quiet location in the district of Bergisch Born. 

·         Radtouren bieten sich im Wethautal besonders auf dem Mühlenwanderweg an, der Sie von Mühle zu Mühle zu den beschaulichen Dörfern führt = among the many idyllic hiking and cycling trails to enjoy in the Wethautal, the “Mühlenwanderweg”, a delightful route taking in mills and picturesque little villages, must surely be the prettiest. 

·         Trotz des beschaulichen Charakters hat die kleine Skistation jedoch eine bestens ausgebaute Infrastruktur und alle Voraussetzungen für einen gelungenen Skiurlaub zu bieten = despite the compact size of its ski area, St. Jean d'Arves has plenty of off-piste action on offer. 

·         Auf den Weihnachtsmärkten bemüht man sich um Beschaulichkeit und eine stimmungsvolle Adventszeit = the Christmas markets held here offer a tranquil scene befitting the solemn atmosphere of the advent season. 

·         Das Leben auf Formentera ist ruhiger und beschaulicher als auf Ibiza - dröhnende Diskotheken und ausschweifendes Nachtleben finden Sie nur auf der Nachbarinsel = visitors to Formentera will find it considerably quieter and more sedate than  Ibiza – no noisy discos or raucous partygoers here! 

·         Im September neigt sich die Hauptsaison ihrem Ende entgegen und ab Oktober senkt sich eine beschauliche Stille über die winzigen Fischerdörfer und Städte an der Atlantikküste = the main holiday season draws to a close in September and by October an air of peace and tranquillity has settled once again on the tiny fishing villages and towns along the Atlantic coast. 

·         Die Ortschaft erhielt um 1240 Stadtrecht und als „Jene“ war sie lange ein beschauliches Wein- und Ackerbauernstädtchen = it was granted municipal rights in 1240 and developed in subsequent years into the modest farming and wine-growing town of “Jene”. 

*On occasions, ‘beschaulich‘ is teamed up with another adjective. The combination ‘beschaulich-bescheiden‘ seems to be popular, in which case ‘quiet and unassuming‘ seems to cover all bases. I have also seen ‘beschaulich-lebendig‘, which I guess incorporates the idea of a place being quiet/small/unassuming...but still vibrant/with lots to offer. Sounds like the perfect holiday destination!