Die Guten gehen im gleichen Schritt. Ohne von ihnen zu wissen, tanzen die andern um sie die Tänze der Zeit.
Kafka-Fragmente
Song Cycle by György Kurtág (b. 1926)
Translated to:
French (Français) — Fragments de Kafka (Guy Laffaille)
1a. Die Guten gehn im gleichen Schritt ...
Language: German (Deutsch)
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Good soldiers march in time", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Les bons marchent d'un même pas...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1b. Wie ein Weg im Herbst
Language: German (Deutsch)
Wie ein Weg im Herbst: Kaum ist er reingekehrt, bedeckt er sich wieder mit den trockenen Blättern.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Like a path in autumn", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Comme un chemin en automne", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1c. Verstecke
Language: German (Deutsch)
Verstecke sind unzählige, Rettung nur eine, aber Möglichkeiten Der Rettung wieder so viele wie Verstecke.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Hiding places", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Cachettes", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1d. Ruhelos
— Tacet —
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Agité"
1e. Berceuse I
Language: German (Deutsch)
Schlage deinen Mantel, hoher Traum, um das Kind.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "First Berceuse", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Berceuse I", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1f. Nimmermehr (Excommunicatio)
Language: German (Deutsch)
Nimmermehr, nimmermehr kehrst Du wieder in die Städte, nimmermehr tönt die große Glocke über Dir.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , "Nevermore (Excommunicatio)", copyright © 2011, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Nevermore (Excommunication)", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Jamais plus (Excommunication)", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- IRI Irish (Gaelic) [singable] (Gabriel Rosenstock) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1g. "Wenn er mich immer frägt"
Language: German (Deutsch)
"Wenn er mich immer frägt." Das ä, losgelöst vom Satz, flog dahin wie ein Ball auf der Wiese.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1h. Es zupfte jemand am Kleid
Language: German (Deutsch)
Es zupfte jemand am Kleid, aber ich schüttelte ihn ab.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Someone tugged at my dress", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Quelqu'un tira sur mes habits", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1i. Die Weißnäherinnen
Language: German (Deutsch)
Die Weißnäherinnen in den Regengüssen.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "The seamstresses", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Les lavandières", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1j. Szene am Bahnhof
Language: German (Deutsch)
Die Zuschauer erstarren, wenn der Zug vorbeifährt.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Scene at the station", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Scène à la gare", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1k. Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910 (Berceuse II)
Language: German (Deutsch)
Geschlafen, aufgewacht, geschlafen, aufgewacht, elendes Leben.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2011, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- IRI Irish (Gaelic) [singable] (Gabriel Rosenstock) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1l. Meine Ohrmuschel...
Language: German (Deutsch)
Meine Ohrmuschel fühlte sich frisch, rauh, kühl, saftig an wie ein Blatt.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "My ear...", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Mon oreille...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1m. Einmal brach ich mir das Bein
Language: German (Deutsch)
Einmal brach ich mir das Bein, es war das schönste Erlebnis meines Lebens.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Once I broke my leg", subtitle: "Hassidic Dance", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Une fois je me suis cassé la jambe", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1n. Umpanzert
Language: German (Deutsch)
Einen Augenblick lang fühlte ich mich umpanzert.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "I felt armored", subtitle: "Bombproof", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Revêtu d'une cuirasse", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1o. Zwei Spazierstöcke
Language: German (Deutsch)
Auf Balzacs Spazierstockgriff: ich breche alle Hindernisse. Auf meinem: Mich brechen alle Hindernisse. Gemeinsam ist das "alle".
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Two walking sticks", subtitle: " (Authentic - Plagal)", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Deux bâtons de marche", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1p. Keine Rückkehr
Language: German (Deutsch)
Von einem gewissen Punkt an gibt es keine Rückkehr mehr. Dieser Punkt ist zu erreichen.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "No going back", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Plus de retour", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1q. Stolz (1910/15. November, zehn Uhr)
Language: German (Deutsch)
Ich werde mich nicht müde werden lassen. Ich werde in meine Novelle hineinspringen und wenn es mir das Gesicht zerschneiden sollte.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Proud (November 15, 1910, 10 o'clock)", subtitle: "I won't let myself get tired.", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Fierté (1910, 15 novembre, dix heures)", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1r. Träumend hing die Blume
Language: German (Deutsch)
Träumend hing die Blume am hohen Stengel. Abenddämmerung umzog sie.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Dreaming, hung the flower", subtitle: "Homage to Schumann", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "La fleur rêvant accrochée", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1s. Nichts dergleichen
Language: German (Deutsch)
Nichts dergleichen, nichts dergleichen.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Nothing of the kind", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Rien de tout cela", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
2. Der wahre Weg
Language: German (Deutsch)
Der wahre Weg geht über ein Seil, das nicht in der Höhe gespannt ist, sondern knapp über dem Boden. Es scheint mehr bestimmt, stolpern zu machen, als begangen zu werden.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "The true path", subtitle: "Homage - message to Pierre Boulez", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le vrai chemin", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3a. Haben? Sein?
Language: German (Deutsch)
Es gibt kein Haben, nur ein Sein, nur ein nach letzen Atem, nach Ersticken verlangendes Sein.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Having? Being?", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Avoir ? Être ?", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3b. Der Coitus als Bestrafung
Language: German (Deutsch)
Der Coitus als Bestrafung des Glückes des Beisammenseins.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Sex as Punishment", subtitle: "Song of Mary Magdalen", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le coït est une punition", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3c. Meine Festung
Language: German (Deutsch)
Meine Gefängniszelle -- meine Festung.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "My Fortress", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Ma forteresse", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3d. Schmutzig bin ich, Milena...
Language: German (Deutsch)
Schmutzig bin ich, Milena, endlos schmutzig, darum mache ich ein solches Geschrei mit der Reinheit. Niemand singt so rein als die, welche in der tiefsten Hölle sind; was wir für den Gesang der Engel halten, ist ihr Gesang.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "I'm filthy, Milena", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Je suis sale, Milena...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3e. Elendes Leben
Language: German (Deutsch)
Geschlafen, aufgewacht, geschlafen, aufgewacht, elendes Leben.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2011, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- IRI Irish (Gaelic) [singable] (Gabriel Rosenstock) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3f. Der begrenzte Kreis
Language: German (Deutsch)
Der begrenzte Kreis ist rein.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "The closed circle", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le cercle restreint", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3g. Ziel, Weg, Zögern
Language: German (Deutsch)
Es gibt ein Ziel, aber keinen Weg; was wir Weg nehmen, ist Zögern.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Goal, Path, Hesitation", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "But, chemin, hésitation", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3h. So fest [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch)
So fest wie die Hand den Stein hält. Sie hält ihn aber fest, nur um ihn desto weiter zu verwerfen. Aber auch in jene Weite führt der Weg.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
See other settings of this text.
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3i. Penetrant jüdisch
Language: German (Deutsch)
Im Kampf zwischen dir und der Welt sekundiere der Welt.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Pushy Jewish Thought", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Juif pénétrant", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3j. Verstecke [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch)
Verstecke sind unzählige, Rettung nur eine, aber Möglichkeiten Der Rettung wieder so viele wie Verstecke.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Hiding places", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Cachettes", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3k. Staunend sahen wir das große Pferd [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch)
Staunend sahen wir das große Pferd. Es durchbrach das Dach unserer Stube. Der bewölkte Himmel zog sich schwach entlang des gewaltigen Umrisses, und rauschend flog die Mähne im Wind.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "We were amazed to see the large horse", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Étonnés nous avons vu le grand cheval", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3l. Szene in der Elektrischen
Language: German (Deutsch)
Die Tänzerin Eduardowa, eine Liebhaberin in der Musik, fährt wie Überall so auch in der Elektrischen in Begleitung zweier Violinisten, die sie häufig spielen läßt. Denn es besteht kein verbot, warum in der Elektrischen nicht gespielt werden dürfte, wenn das Spiel gut, den Mitfahrenden angenehm ist und nichts kostet, das heißt, wenn nachher nicht eingesammelt wird. Es ist allerdings im Anfang ein wenig überraschend, und ein Weilchen lang findet jeder, es sei unpassend. Aber bei voller Fahrt, starkem Luftzug und stiller Gasse klingt es hübsch.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Scene on a Streetcar, 1910", subtitle: "In a dream I asked the dancer Eduardowa if she would deign to dance the csárdás again", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Scène dans le tramway", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4a. Zu spät (22. Oktober 1913)
Language: German (Deutsch)
Zu spät. Die Süßigkeit der Trauer und der Liebe. Von ihr angelächelt werden im Boot. Das war das Allerschönste. Immer nur das Verlangen, zu sterben und das Sich-noch-Halten, das allein ist Liebe.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Too late (October 22, 1913)", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Trop tard : 22 octobre 1913", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4b. Eine lange Geschichte
Language: German (Deutsch)
Ich sehe einem Mädchen in die Augen, und es war eine sehr lange Liebesgeschichte mit Donner und Küssen und Blitz. Ich lebe rasch.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "A long story", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Une longue histoire", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4c. In memoriam Robert Klein
Language: German (Deutsch)
Noch spielen die Jagdhunde im Hof, aber das Wild entgeht ihnen nicht,
so sehr es jetzt schon durch die Wälder jagt.
...
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924), written 1917
See other settings of this text.
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4d. Aus einem alten Notizbuch
Language: German (Deutsch)
Jetzt am Abend, nachdem ich von sechs Uhr früh an gelernt habe, bemerke ich, wie meine linke Hand die Rechte schon ein Weilchen lang aus Mitleid bei den Fingern umfaßt hielt.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "From an old notebook", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "D'un vieux cahier", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4e. Leoparden
Language: German (Deutsch)
Leoparden brechen in den Tempel ein und saufen die Opferkrüge leer: das wiederholt sich immer wieder: schließlich kann man es vorausberechnen, und es wird ein Teil der Zeremonie.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Leopards", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Les léopards", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4f. In memoriam Joannis Pilinszky
Language: German (Deutsch)
Ich kann...nicht eigentlich erzählen, ja fast nicht einmal reden; wenn ich erzähle, habe ich meistens ein Gefühl, wie es kleine Kinder haben könnten, die die ersten Gehversuche machen.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "In memory of Joannis Pilinssky", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "À la mémoire de Joannis Pilinszky", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4g. Wiederum, wiederum
Language: German (Deutsch)
Wiederum, wiederum, weit verbannt, weit verbannt. Berge, Wüste, weites Land gilt es zu durchwandern.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Once again, once again", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Encore une fois, encore une fois", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4h. Es blendete uns die Mondnacht...
Language: German (Deutsch)
Es blendete uns die Mondnacht. Vögel schrien von Baum zu Baum. In den Feldern sauste es. Wir krochen durch den Staub, ein Schlangenpaar.
Text Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "We were blinded by moonlight", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le clair de lune nous éblouissait...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Total word count: 707