[update: all translations in the comments, thanks!!] I bought a vegan passport a few years ago and have used it traveling through various non-english speaking countries. Basically, it’s a paragraph about being vegan translated into a bajillion different languages – the idea being anywhere in the world you are you should be able to show it to someone at a restaurant and they should be able to bring you something vegan. This seems like a good idea, but I think the execution was a bit off.
The biggest problem is that the paragraph spends too much time talking about “ethics” and basically makes you sound like a pain in the ass, and that isn’t really very convincing. I’ve gotten mixed results using it and on more than one occasion gotten something of a “that’s dumb, no” reaction. I’ve had friends help edit some of the translations to get right to the point, but unfortunately I forgot it in Los Angeles and won’t be able to bring it on this trip. Because of that, I’m hoping some readers here can help me with something similar, but more effective. In efforts to avoid the ugly food poisoning like side effects of tainted food, I need the following text translated into French, German, and Dutch. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
“Hello. I have an allergy to animal products and can not eat any meat or dairy products. This includes items such as milk, butter, and eggs as well as any kind of chicken, beef, or fish stock in broth. Could you please suggest something from your menu which is free from these items.
I could become very sick if I eat the wrong thing, however I understand this might be an unusual request, and very much appreciate your help. Thank you.”
I know saying allergy instead of vegan might be cheating, but over the last 15 years I’ve found it to be much more effective for two main reasons. First of all, I’m not a flag waiver. I’m not trying to “spread the word” or change anyone’s mind, so what someone else calls it really makes no difference to me. I just want something to eat, and the less things standing in my way for that the better. Secondly, while 90% of the people I might ask this of are more than happy to comply, there’s also 10% which take offense to it for some reason. Those are the folks who think it’s funny to hide meat or cheese on a veggie sandwich (which is about as rude as spitting in someones food) with the added bonus of 24-48 hours of diarrhea and vomiting. Telling those kinds of people it’s an ethical choice gives them a reason to mess with you, telling them it’s medical and asking for their help generally brings positive results. Last year a restaurant in Berlin served me a veggie plate that I’m fairly certain they cooked in butter, and that evening and next day were extremely unfun.
So anyway, any help with those translations would be a life saver.
Andre December 22, 2008 at 6:30 am
Staying away from butter in Paris might be a challenge. Here is the French version of your text.
Bonjour. Malheureusement je suis allergique à certaines protéines animales et je ne peux manger ni viande ni produits laitiers. Cela inclus les oeufs, le beurre, le lait de même que le bouillon de boeuf, de poulet ou de poisson. SVP veuillez me diriger vers les options végétariennes de votre menu.
Je comprends que cette requête soit inusitée, et je m’en excuse, mais je peux devenir très malade si je mange la mauvaise chose. Merci infiniment pour votre aide.
astera December 22, 2008 at 7:43 am
Hallo!
Ich bin auf Tierprodukte allergisch und kann daher keine Fleisch- oder Milchprodukte essen. Das beinhaltet Nahrungsmittel wie Milch, Butter, Eier, als auch Bestandteile von Huhn, Rind, oder Fisch z.B. in Suppen. Könnten Sie mir bitte etwas von Ihrer Speisekarte empfehlen, das keinerlei Spuren dieser Produkte enthält?
Ich könnte sehr krank werden, wenn ich etwas falsches esse, aber ich verstehe natürlich, dass es sich hierbei um eine ungewöhnliche Bitte handelt und weiß Ihre Hilfe sehr zu schätzen.
Vielen Dank!
Andre December 22, 2008 at 8:22 am
I totally understand. I’m legitimately allergic to alcohol and while 90% of people are cool and understand there are always a handful of people who act like idiots. It’s not a big deal for me so I always find it weird when others are “offended”.
Good luck on yer trip!
Michael December 22, 2008 at 12:23 pm
My dutch isn’t so good but:
Hallo. Ik heb een allergie voor dierlijke producten en niet kan eten vlees of zuivelproducten. Dit geldt ook voor objecten zoals melk, boter en eieren, alsmede iedere vorm van kip, rundvlees, vis of materieel in de bouillon. Kunt u suggereren iets van je menu die vrij is van deze items.
Ik kan wel erg ziek als ik iets verkeerds gegeten, maar ik begrijp dit misschien een ongebruikelijk verzoek, en zeer veel waardering voor uw hulp. Dank je.
Remy Overkempe December 22, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Hallo. Ik heb een allergie voor dierlijke producten en kan daarom geen vlees- of zuivelproducten eten; dit is inclusief melk, boter en eieren, alsook alle soorten kip, rund of vis in soepproducten. Zou u alstublieft iets kunnen aanbevelen dat vrij is van deze producten.
Ik kan ernstig ziek worden als ik iets verkeerd eet. Echter, ik begrijp dat dit een ongewoon verzoek is en ben u dan ook heel erg dankbaar voor uw help. Hartelijk bedankt.
paul December 22, 2008 at 12:26 pm
i agree that saying you’re allergic to dairy/animal works best. most people don’t know or don’t understand what vegan is, but they sure as hell get the food allergy thing.
Stephane Daury December 22, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Confirming the French translation is accurate (that’d have been one nasty nasty “joke”…).
Marieke December 22, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Michael’s attempt at a Dutch translation, despite the intentions, isn’t very clear. Remy’s version looks perfect, go with that one!
Sean Bonner December 22, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Thanks so much everyone!! This is amazingly helpful.
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