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I'm not sure anyone will want to take this on because it's probably sort of time consuming or frustrating but I'm hoping someone might be interested enough.
My sister (a fellow awesome Starcraft fan) has been doing a lot of investigating into our genealogy and histories of family members and has 14 letters of our great grandfather's. Most of the letters are from our great grandfather Schulim to either our great grandmother Ella or his parents & siblings- the rest are from Ella or his brother David to him. They all lived in Vienna. At the time (1918-1919), Schulim was a lieutenant in the Austrian army, and he was being held as a prisoner of war in Cassino, Italy.
She has been trying to translate from German to English for several days, but has not made much progress using Google translate. The handwriting is very hard to read, and because she doesn't know German she can't use contextual clues to figure out what the words are, so she's entering nonsense and getting nonsense back. She figures having someone who speaks German could translate this much more quickly and easily. Plus, she's finding that even sentences she thought she had transcribed correctly are translating awkwardly and figures a native speaker could do a better job with this as well. If anyone wants to help out with translating a few of them for her, we'd be very grateful.
The letters:
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5827/schulimletter1b.jpg
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/7306/schulimletter2b.jpg
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/5641/schulimletter3b.jpg
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/8489/schulimletter4b.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2742/schulimletter5b.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8210/schulimletter6b.jpg
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9165/schulimletter7b.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1408/schulimletter8b.jpg
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1560/schulimletter9b.jpg
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1193/schulimletter10b.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1848/schulimletter11b.jpg
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/183/schulimletter12b.jpg
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2143/schulimletter13b.jpg
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2015/schulimletter14b.jpg
Here's what my sister has tried to transcribe so far, so you don't have to start from square one in trying to interpret the handwriting:
+ Show Spoiler +1b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich bin seit 4 XI 1918 in ilat[?] gefangenschaft. Ich habe schon einige mal geschrieben, bin aber sicher, daß Du noch nicht bekomen[sic] habe. Mir geht ziemlich gut. Ich hoffe daß Du diese karte bekomen[sic] [??], und bitte[?] Dich [??] gleich auf[?] die oben angegebene Adresse zu antworten. Voraussichtlich bleibe ich hier längere Zeit[?]!? Was hört man bei dir? Wo [?]ind Olive[?] l.[?] Eltern?
Mit Gruß Schulim
Cassino, en 18/i 1918
2b.
Cassino, 18/3 1919
L. E!
Ich warte noch immer auf weitere Nachrichten, aber vergebens. Werde[?] ich noch zange[?] warten mi[?]? Am 16:[00] abend haben wir Purim geziert. Wir waren 160 Juden beisammen. Ein Koluge[?] hat[?] uns die. Megyle[?] Esther[?] im galiziehensing[??]. Lang vorgelesen [?] aber ohne Prager[?] J[?]. Es winden[?] jüdisch u. hebräische Lieder z[?]gen u. allesu[?]. Wit[?] erzählt. Wir 10 ehr[?] (Retrant[?]) Jind[?] wir, feierlich gestimmt[?] auseinandergegehen[?]. Lo[?] bei mir nichts[?] meines. Wie geht es Du? Wir geht es ohren[?] N.[?] Eltern[?]?
Mit besten[?] Grüßen Schulim
3b.
Meine Lieben!
Von Euch no[?] Keine nachricht! Bei mir[?] nicht von[?] [?]. Es geht mir ziemlich gut. Hier [?] schon sehr warm. Wie sch[?] [?] bei Euch Auß? Was macht Mania Schulim in Kinder? Ich habe nicht niehr zu schreiben. Auf ein [?] wiedersehen.
Mit Grun[?] n [?] Gruß v. Rosenbeaum [?] Burg.
4b.
Cassino 25/5 1919
Liebe Ella!
Ich habe gestern einen Brich von 22/IV bekommen. Nach den bie einhausenden Berichten sind die Verhältnisse in Wien nicht sehr glänzend[?]; und Du schreiben, daß es Dir und meinen l.[?] Angehöriger so[?] gut geht!
5b.
Cassino, 10/VII 1919
Meine Lieben!
Bei mir ist nicht von Bedeutung. Da ich bei meiner Gefangennahme angegeben habe, daß ich nach[?] Galizien[?] [?] bin, [?] ich von den
6b.
Cassino 18/3 1919
Meine Lieben!
[?] mir micht[?] Nates[?]. Von Euch no[?] immer Keine Nachricht. Vorgestern haben wir den Purim geziert. Mortcho[?] Rosenbaum hat[?] uns die "Megule" vorgelesen. Ich winsche[?] Euch einen [?]lichen Pessach? Rosenbaum had[?] heute au[?] Uch eine Karte
10b.
Wien 24 Mai 19
Lieben Schulim,
Wir erhielten von Dir eine Karte in der du anfragst[?] ob Izmiel[?] [?] Sniatyn zurickgekomien[??] ist. Nebenbei aber Klagst[?] Du wieder dass Du von [?] noch Kein einziges Schreiben hast. Woher also die Nachricht? Von[?] frl. Margulies erfahren[?] ich, dass du Don[?] ops[?] eine Brief erhalten hast, hoffenthiel bekomnst Du bald auel und[?] sere[?] Es zutssen[?] vicle[?] sein
Kusse David
11b.
6/II 1919
Lieben S.!
Habe eiene Karte, mit diesen Adresse von 18/I 1919 er[?]: halten! Ich schreibe also auch auf die andere Adresse da ich nicht weiß welche[?] die richtige[?] ist. Habe nichte[?] die Universitatsprüfung[?] [?] frau[?] mit guten [?]nacht. Dein[?] Zunder[?] der und hat mich dan
Much obliged if anyone chooses to help out.
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Damn that handwriting is unreadable, if i could read it i would help, sorry 
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1b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich bin seit 4 XI 1918 in ilat[?] gefangenschaft. Ich habe schon einige mal geschrieben, bin aber sicher, daß Du noch nicht bekomen[sic] habe. Mir geht ziemlich gut. Ich hoffe daß Du diese karte bekomen[sic] [??], und bitte[?] Dich [??] gleich auf[?] die oben angegebene Adresse zu antworten. Voraussichtlich bleibe ich hier längere Zeit[?]!? Was hört man bei dir? Wo [?]ind Olive[?] l.[?] Eltern?
Mit Gruß Schulim
Cassino, en 18/i 1918
Dear Ella,
I've been a Prisoner of War in Italy since November 1918. I've tried writing several times before but I'm pretty sure that you haven't received anything yet. I'm doing fine. I hope you get this letter and ask you to respond to my address above immediately. It looks like I'll be staying here for a longer period of time. What's new on your end? [the next part is hard to read, I read it like this: Where are your (first?) parents?] [it could also be: Where are Olive's parents?]
Yours truly, Schulim.
In: Cassino, January 18th 1919
[the dates aren't necessarily 100% correct but these are my guesses]
Will do more when I have the time, first one was very easy to translate, the other ones look more complicated. By the way, it looks like Schulim was a jew, I assume you are aware of that already?
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1
Dear Ella!
I am in their captivity since 4 IX 1918. I already wrote several times, but I am sure you didnt got anything [so far]. I am pretty well. I hope that you will get this card and ask you to answer to the above adress. I'll probably stay here for a longer time. What have you been hearing? Where are Olives parents?
greetings Schulim
Usually my english isnt so bad, but translating german sentences straight into english is pretty hard for me, sorry. 
Maybe I continue if i have more time.
Edit: alright, the above one is way better than mine... :D
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No one asked about the sister first? Wow, TL you have matured! <3
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On August 07 2011 01:54 Avius wrote:
No one asked about the sister first? Wow, TL you have matured! <3
and obviously u haven't.
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On August 07 2011 01:48 dkh wrote:Show nested quote +
1b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich bin seit 4 XI 1918 in ilat[?] gefangenschaft. Ich habe schon einige mal geschrieben, bin aber sicher, daß Du noch nicht bekomen[sic] habe. Mir geht ziemlich gut. Ich hoffe daß Du diese karte bekomen[sic] [??], und bitte[?] Dich [??] gleich auf[?] die oben angegebene Adresse zu antworten. Voraussichtlich bleibe ich hier längere Zeit[?]!? Was hört man bei dir? Wo [?]ind Olive[?] l.[?] Eltern?
Mit Gruß Schulim
Cassino, en 18/i 1918
Dear Ella, I've been a Prisoner of War in Italy since November 1918. I've tried writing several times before but I'm pretty sure that you haven't received anything yet. I'm doing fine. I hope you get this letter and ask you to respond to my address above immediately. It looks like I'll be staying here for a longer period of time. What's new on your end? [the next part is hard to read, I read it like this: Where are your (first?) parents?] [it could also be: Where are Olive's parents?] Yours truly, Schulim. In: Cassino, January 18th 1919 [the dates aren't necessarily 100% correct but these are my guesses] Will do more when I have the time, first one was very easy to translate, the other ones look more complicated. By the way, it looks like Schulim was a jew, I assume you are aware of that already?
Yes definitely aware of that, that side of my family is Jewish and his son, my grandfather, has a long personal story of escaping the Holocaust which is how that side of my family came to be in America. Also he would be able to translate these but he's essentially blind now.
Thanks for the help so far.
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Germany / USA16648 Posts
Some of that stuff is really hard to read. I'd love to help, but I'm insanely busy atm. With the awesome community we have, I'm sure you'll get everything translated. If this isn't done in the next two weeks or so shoot me a PM, I should have more time then.
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I just want to say that this blog is really, really interesting. Sounds stupid, but i can't wait to read the rest of the letters after the first one that got translated. As long as you let us read them! :D
I have always loved World War (History overall) stuff!
I hope you get the help you wanted/needed!
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2b
Cassino, 18.3.1919 [thats obviously March 18th, the day and months are changed in German]
L.E!
I'm still waiting for more messages, but so far nothing! Will I have to wait much longer?
On 16th in the evening we celebrated "Purim". We were about 160 Jews. A colleague read us the "Megyle Esoher ?" [maybe a Jewish term] in galizian? singsong, but without "graper?" . Several jewish and hebraic songs were sung and a lot of jokes were told. At 10 o'clock (?Reurait) we separated in a happy mood. Besides that nothing new from me. How are you? How are your parents?
Best regards, Schulim
[the unknown terms are probaly all some form of jewish/hebraic part of the Purim-celebration]
3b.
Cassino, 10.3.1919
My dears!
Still no message from you. Nothing to [?] from me. I'm doing very good.
It's very hot here. How is it looking with you? Hwo are Maria Schulim and kids doing? I have nothing more to write. To a soon meeting.
Greetings and [?] . Schulim
Greetings from Rosenbaum [?] Burg.
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I really hope this goes well for you. I tried looking at some of them, however I only studied German a little in school and I'm 100% sure these intelligent Germans will be much more help to you. This is really interesting, though.
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4b.
Cassino 25/5 1919
Dear Ella!
Yesterday I received a letter from 22/IV! According to the reports the situation in Wien [Vienna] is not so pretty; and they say that you and my I. [first?] relatives have it so good. Is it [?] to only comfort me?! Some officers were even written that they should stay here as long as they can. How much I would like to be with you right now! The messages from my relatives usually get here in monthly intervals or even bigger. What thoughts are coming to the mind! - By the way, what about Brisk[?] ? Who is there right now, the Poles or [?] ? About his travel home, I think it would be better if [they?] postponed it until there are no[?] regular circumstances.
I'm not allowed to write more than 15 lines. I have to end [??],
Schulim
5b.
Cassino, 10/VII 1919
My Dears!
Nothing noteworthy from me. Since I said at my capture that I'm responsible towards Galizien, the Italians noted me as a Pole and I probably will be transferred to another (polish) camp.
What will happen after that, I don't know. What is new with you? I haven't had a message in a long time.
With greetings and [?]
Schulim
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pretty hard to translate, but its so interesting :-)
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ORIGINAL:
3b.
Meine Lieben!
Von Euch no[?] Keine nachricht! Bei mir[?] nicht von[?] [?]. Es geht mir ziemlich gut. Hier [?] schon sehr warm.
Wie sch[?] [?] bei Euch Auß? Was macht Mania Schulim in Kinder? Ich habe nicht niehr zu schreiben. Auf ein [?] wiedersehen.
Mit Grun[?] n [?] Gruß v. Rosenbeaum [?] Burg.
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CORRECTION/TRANSCRIPTION BY ME:
3b.
Meine Lieben!
Von Euch noch immer keine Nachricht! Bei mir (...). Es geht mir ziemlich gut. Hier ist (es) schon sehr warm. Wie schaut es bei Euch aus? Was macht Mania Schulim mit (den) Kindern? Ich habe nichts mehr zu schreiben. Auf ein baldiges Wiedersehen.
Mit Gruß und viele Grüße v. Rosenbaum (v.| u.) Burg
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ENGLISH:
Dear loved ones!
Still haven't got a letter from you! (...). I am doing fine here. It's quite hot here. How's it going over there? How is Mania Schulim doing with the kids? Having nothing more to write now. I hope we meet each other as soon as possible | Goodbye!
With best regards and greetings from Rosenbaum and|or Burg!
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I am not really good in translating English <=> German. Please correct my translation and transcription if your find any mistakes.
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On August 07 2011 04:15 Erwin wrote:
Was just about to start translating it.
Great way of first posts 
Topic is really interesting!
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6b.
Cassino 18/3 1919
Dear loved ones! [good translation, @Huehang :-) ]
Nothing new from me. Still no message from you. The day before yesterday we celebrated the Purim. Maricho [?] Rosenbaum read us the "Megrile[?]" - I wish you all a happy "Pessach"! - Today Rosenbaum wrote a card to you, and asks Kirch[?] to somehow get the card [?].
What are you all up to? What are Maria and kids doing?
With greetings and kisses, Schulim
Greetings from Rosenbaum
7b
Cassino, 10/III 1919
L.E! [probably Dear Ella]
The bad postal transportation is probably the reason why I haven't reveiced anything from you except the card from 6/II. I have not received anything from my relatives. There is nothing of meaning from us here. I'm learning a bit French and Hebrew. Today I started to learn English.
The weather is very nice. It's pretty hot in the afternoon!
What is happening with you? How are you? Your relatives? Write often!
Greetings to [?] [+probably some additional greetings]
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8b
Cassino, 18/IV 1919
My dear loved ones!
3 days ago I received a letter from 12/ Febr. and a telegram from 11/4 from you. But none of them is very elaborate. I ask you again to please write everything in detail. I'm doing pretty well, I'm healthy.
On 14th in the evening we had a very nice [?]. Rosenbaum [?] the [?] for 200 jews. [again some sort of jewish culture] For Pejsach[?] we each got 2 kilos of Mazos[?].
Greetings and kiss, Schulim
Greetings and kisses to Maria Schulim [?]
and Greeting from Rosenbaum and Burg
9b
[Don't write between the lines!]
Vienna, 11th of March 1919
Dear Schulim!
We picked up your letter from a colleague that returned from Cassino. It is inexplicable that you receive no letters from us. We even sent [?] a letter in French! Now we write you every week. Except you, we are all at home now.
Kisses, [?] !
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I will give this a shot, but I must admit that some of that is very hard to read.
4b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich habe gestern einen Brief vom 22/IV (4) Bekommen. Nach den hier einlaufenden berichten sind die verhälltnise in Wien nicht sehr glänsend, und so scheint
Dear Ella!
Yesterday I recieved a letter from the 22nd of April.
#Edit
Recently pressed the post button to early. 4b incoming in a few minutes!
#Edit 2
Just saw further up that someone was a lot faster than me
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10b
[Don't write between the lines!]
Vienna, 24th May 19
My dear Schulim!
We received your card where you ask if Daniel[?] returned from [Schiratyn?]. Additionally you lament again, that you still have no letter from us. So where is the message from?
I hear from Mrs. Margulies that you received a letter from her, hopefully you will get [?] soon. There must be a lot.
Kisses, [?]
11b
[Don't write between the lines!]
6/II 1919
My dear S.!
Received a card with this adress from 18/I 1919. So I'm also writing to the other adress because I don't know which one is the right one. Did the French university-exam with good [?]. Your brother David picked me up from the university afterwards. Soon I will do the English one, and then I will go home. But please write towards [here?]. Maybe we see each other soon?
Dearest greetings, [?Name]
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On August 07 2011 04:52 ShaneFreeze wrote:#Edit 2 Just saw further up that someone was a lot faster than me
The more different translations there are, the closer we might come towards the actual meaning of the letters. My translations are pretty rough and probably not very good english. BUT that might also just be the way the people spoke like back then. ;-)
12b
Cassino, 10/IV 1919
Dear loved ones!
I have received no message from you at all. I hope everything is alright. There is nothing of importance here. I am pretty well. It is 5 days until "Pejsach". Last year I celebrated it in [?] circles, this time I will have to celebrate it in captivity. We ordered "Mazen" from [Roin?]. How are you doing concerning this matter? Happy holidays and a happy [?].
Many kisses from your [Schulim, I guess]
13b
Cassino, 2/IV 1919
My dear Ella!
Sadly have to begin my card with the same words, that I have so often: except for your card from 6/II I have received no message from you. Try the adress: [?], di guerra, Cassino d'affari civili; [?] Hotel Europe.
Nothing of meaning from me. I'm doing pretty well. What are you up to? How are my parents? When do you leave Vienna?
With Greetings [?] Schulim
14b
Cassino, 2/[?] 1919
My dear Ella!
I received your letter from 3rd/6 at 27th/6. I'm very happy that you are getting good news from your relatives. Hopefully in the future Busk[?] will still be spared from the [?].
What about Saha Roth? Are you mad at her? I asked you to greet her many times since I am here, but you have written nothing about her. How is she?
L. Elia! [Dear Elia?]
I have written to you at the [?] very often. Do you get all those? There is nothing of meaning here. I can't write about everything, because it gets censored very precisely. Hopefully it won't be long and I will tell you everything verbally.
Until then be greeted dearly, Schulim
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It's just a rough translation, but I think you can get most of the meaning. Nice way to pass the time when I'm bored and just sit at the PC anyway. :-)
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