I'm designing a map for a German Style Ren Fair that has been in an annual event for the last 15 years. There is a matter of debate with the correct spelling of one of the streets (Baker Street in German.) Most everyone involved with the fair is telling me to spell it Bäkkerstrasse. However, Google translate tells me to use Bäckerstrasse, and this is also how it's spelled on the old outdated map that I am updating (As Bäcker Strasse). Google translate does not recognize Bäkkerstrasse as meaning anything.
To be fair:
A. I don't speak of a word of German.
B. Perhaps Bäkkerstrasse is an outdated spelling and Bäcker Strasse is the modern spelling?
The setting of the fair is a fictional German village from 1450-1600.
I would greatly appreciate the help of someone fluent in German who is also familiar with the language history and evolution. Thanks!
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I always see it spelled "Bäckerstrasse" (Switzerland and Liechtenstein) or "Bäckerstraße". There is a Bäckerstrasse/Bäckerstraße in for example Vienna, Munich, Hamburg, Potsdam, Zurich, Lüneburg, Rostock, Brandenburg an der Havel, Hamelin and Minden.
I would say Google Translate is quite inaccurate! If you type in something in English, then what you get in German may be right. But, put that phrase in German back into the translator and translate back into English, and the meaning has totally changed! =)
I would use the one with the C (sorry, I do not know how to do umlauts here). I have noticed that in new maps, it is spelled with the C.
But, if the others in the fair have told you to use the k, then I would probably do so.
But, I just realized another thing. A c is commonly replaced by a k in German. So, either goes. =) Sorry for the confusing answer, but the bottom line is: I would go with whatever the other people in the fair say..I just tried to give you my opinion...
Hope this helps!