How the German Community handles PTE Requests

The GTEs (Global Translation Editors) of the German Polyglots team decide according to defined rules whether a requesting person is allowed to be a PTE (Project Translation Editor). With PTE rights, all translations – both for the branch de-DE default (du) and the branch de-DE formal (Sie) – within the authorized project can be reviewed and rejected, overwritten or approved.

These guidelines are for all who want to see their self-developed products (themes, plugins) translated to German (de_DE, Germany) to increase their acceptance among German-speaking users and for all others who want to help with translations are explained below.

PTE rights if you have developed a plugin or theme

Everyone who has developed a plugin or theme – whether German or non-German speaking – will receive PTE rights for his own project upon request. They will be informed that the translations are unaudited, the regulations will be linked and it will be pointed out explicitly that they have to be observed with the aim of a professional external effect. At the same time, they receive the offer to have the translations reviewed in the German Slack channel #polyglots at any time (see note).

PTE rights for others

We want to make sure that those who have developed a plugin or theme either receive a professional translation reviewed by us, or they take responsibility for the translations themselves. To do so, they can suggest people who helped with the translation for PTE approval (see the previous chapter).

Alternatively, you can submit a PTE request via the German Slack in the #polyglots channel. We will then check your translations. You will be guided according to the glossary, style guide, official rules and Duden (German dictionary) and you will be informed a lot about the handling of GlotPress, add-ons and de-De formal (Sie) as well as de-DE default (du). Only when these regulations are implemented and the tools and processes are understood, PTE rights will be granted (see next chapter).

The following applies to all

Everyone should follow the steps below to ensure a professional and error-free translation or for us to continue processing the PTE request:

• Hierarchy of rules:
  • Top priority is given to the glossary,
  • if a term is not in the glossary, then the style guide takes place,
  • followed by the current official set of spelling rules,
  • and last but not least, the Duden (German dictionary) is decisive.
• Visit us in the German Slack, channel #polyglots to get answers to any questions that may arise – whenever you are unsure, ask there first; (Please have a look at the German tutorial: How to register to the German Slack channel)
• Ask the team (and not individuals) in the German Slack, channel #polyglots for support.

Please also take note of the following

1. Please check your translations again yourself with regard to the above mentioned rules „Style Guide“, „Glossary“, „Official Rulebook“ and „Duden“ (German dictionary).
2. You can (and should) reject your own translated strings that contain errors and then re-suggest them. This way we can directly recognize your revised translations.
3. The German language has 2 branches: The formal address (formal, Sie) and the informal (default, du).
4. Glossary entries are mandatory, you can recognize them in the original strings by a dashed underline. Just hold the mouse cursor over it and the glossary term will be displayed.
5. Please do not use machine translations. The German translations (de_DE) are intended for people who speak German fluently. Machines can’t do that. If you are unsure about a translation, have it translated by another member of the community.