A Boing Boing reader writes, "German fans of Harry Potter employ a distributed translation effort, collaboratively translate the entire novel in 45 hours rather than waiting 3 months for official German-language translation. Copyright issues pending as publisher strikes ominous pose…. "
To avoid any legal threats, the fans have pledged not to distribute their efforts to any third parties…
The "Harry in German" internet club is plastered with messages from members praising the idea. One member, Starlight, said: "My best friend thought translating some HP would be a good way to practise my English."
But it is not only students who have contributed to the patchwork translation. A 50-year-old mechanic said he took part to "prevent the brain from rusting"…
Spokeswoman Katrin Hogrebe told German news portal Netzeitung: "We would not cast judgment if we were talking about a group of people translating together in their kitchen."
She added that any violation of copyright laws would be legally acted upon.
Link to Harry in German club, Link to Guardian coverage
