Anyone speak German?

[simone]

what does it say?

thanks

[dickiesam]

Oh boy! It's been a long long time since I did German... but I think the third word is 'Audenken' [owdenken] which translates as memory, keepsake, memento or remembrance. The second word could be a derivative of erweis [pronounced er-vice] which means proof or demonstration. Still working on the first word! I assume this is the reverse of a photo signed on the back by Elspeth? The actual photo might provide some context for the translation.

[simone]

Hiya

The photo is just a portrait of lady... we know not who it is

[MaryA]

Oh go on, let's see it

[dickiesam]

I meant to add to my translation effort the comment that spoken and written German phraseology, especially with 'old' German, would depend on whether the person was a Northerner, Southerner, Austrian or even Swiss from a German speaking canton.

And I would love to see the picture. Can you put a date to it from the dress? The date might help with the translation and context since language changes over time.

[simone]

think it from 2nd world war timeish? ignore the picture of the carpet at the side cropped it but link still posting original

[MaryA]

I would agree with your timeframe, by the clothes, at least if she were British anyway.

[dickiesam]

Update! After much cogitating and reactivation of long-dormant brain cells....

I believe the first word in the phrase is Teuer [roughly Toyer]. It means, in this context, Beloved or Dear. Because it is an 'off-the-cuff' notation precise translation is difficult but it is obviously a very affectionate note to whoever the photo was given.

Teuer ervizeu Audenken.... Literally something akin to Beloved, proof of remembering. Meaning?... Something to always remind you of me.

One of my daughters, who did German much more recently than I, is going to have a look at it for me.

[simone]

thanks team we did think it would be some sort of fond momento

[arktt44]

"Zum ewigen Andenken - Elsbeth"
In rememberance always - Elsbeth (not a word by word translation but conveyance of the sentiment)

[arktt44]

Zum is the abreviation of "zu dem" "to the"

[MaryA]

Hi and welcome to the forum, thank you for your help on this post.

[simone]

Thanks so much arktt44

Welcome on board

Simone x