German

This is a sub-page of Development:Pokémon Red and Blue/Localization Glossaries.

The following information comes from the XLS sheet ★ポケモン監修用資料\ローカライズ関連\グロッサリ\北米\【赤青】独語経緯041216.xls in GFDocs.7z.

A few things to know:

Translation notes appear in [brackets].
Accented letters are broken in the original spreadsheet, displaying as a question mark or an underscore. They have been corrected here.
Some entries have been re-ordered compared to how they appear in the XLS sheet. This is especially true for items, which are in index order in the sheet; these have been rearranged to group similar items together in the tables below.

Pokémon (ポケモン)#

Rejected Names#

Worth noting is that all three members of the Machop line have a comment stating how a name explanation has to be provided. Machamp was already listed as "MACHOMEI", whereas Machop and Machoke swapped names.

Early Name	Final Name	Explanation	Reason for Rejection
BIZARR＋GRAS[*]	BISAKNOSP	[None listed. Same approach as the French name (bizarre + herb).]	*We considered combining it with GRAS (grass), but GRAS only conveys the image lush grass, so that was a no-go.
PINKEL	SCHIGGY	Derived from the combination of "PINKE" (cash) and "SCHILD" (turtle), though it could be confused with "PINKEL" (pee), so we refrained from using it.	*Don't use. PINKEL means pee, so it's shouldn't be used.
LIMMERLI	SMETTBO	The word for butterfly is SCHEMETTERLING, but because it's difficult to pronounce, it usually comes out as "LIMMERL" when children try to say it. As such, LIMMERL has become the "established" childish way of saying "butterfly". Not only do children understand what it's supposed to be, but adults hear it as a childish way of saying butterfly, so it has a nostalgic sound to it.	[None listed.]
GURU	TAUBSI	The sound of a pigeon's cooing is "GURU GURU".	*Don't use (also refers to a religious leader).
KLEIN＋RATTE	RATTFRATZ	We tried to find a word that corresponds to the "ko" in "Koratta" [Rattata's JP name], and ended up with KLEIN, meaning "small".	*Don't use. KLEIN + RATTE doesn't sound good. Try not using "KLEIN" too often to mean "small".
BLITZ	PIKACHU	There is a word, "BLITZ", which means "lightning/flashing light". However, there is no word to express a mouse's cry (equivalent to the Japanese word "chu-chu"), so there's nothing to possibly combine with BLITZ.	[None listed. There are no word combinations.]
SANDAMER	SANDAN	Both Sandshrew and Sandslash. Both Pokémon have a name that starts with "SAND" as in Japanese. "AMER" has no particular meaning. If you read it slowly, it becomes "SAND AM MEER", which means "beach" or "desert sand". "MEER" also means many or a large amount, so by combining it with "SAND", it gives the impression of "a lot of sand". [Most of this explanation is incorrect/nonsensical. "[WIE] SAND AM MEER" is simply a saying that translates to "[LIKE] SAND IN THE SEA", referring to something being common.]	[None listed. The name being longer and its etymology being more complex likely caused this name to be given to the evolved form.]
SANDAMER	SANDAN	Both Sandshrew and Sandslash. Based on SAND, like in Japanese. We removed the "P" to try and improve the feel of the name. [Sandslash is known as "Sandpan" in Japanese.]	[None listed. The name being shorter and and its etymology being simpler likely caused this name to be given to the base stage form.]
VULCANUX	VULPIX	The number 6 intentionally wasn't mentioned. Instead, given it's a Fire type, the word VULKAN (fire/volcano) was used for both Vulpix and Ninetales to create a connection. FUCHS (fox) has an unpleasant pronunciation, but the ending -CHS sounds monstrous, so -UX was added right after the N to make NUX. There are very few words that end in NUX, so by using it instead of FUCHS directly, it's easier to associate the name with FUCHS.	[None listed.]
DUFPLA	DUFLOR	A combination of DUFT (smelly) and PFLANZE (plant).	*Don't use. It's better to use FLOR instead.
GIGRA	GIFLOR	A combination of GIFT (poison) and GRAS (plant). It also sounds similar to GIGA, a unit of strength, so it can be used to express its strength.	*Don't use. Gives off the image of a poisonous flower.
EZEK	BLUZUK	The word ZECKE (lice/tick), was chosen based on its artwork and the fact that it's a blood-sucking insect. Adding an E at the start makes it sound more monstrous.	*Don't use. Lice and ticks don't leave a good impression, and we wanted to create a more catchy vibe by combining "blood-sucking" and "insect".
BLUTSAUGER	BLUZUK	The word "SAUGEN" means "to suck," but "bloodsucker" becomes BLUTSAUGER, which brings to mind vampires or bat.	*Don't use. Brings to mind vampires and bats.
MIAUZ	MAUZI	A cat's meow is "MIAU". We added a Z to it to make it sound like "Nyarth" [Meowth's JP name].	*Don't use (trademark).
NYARTH		Same spelling as in Japanese. A cat's meow goes "MIAUZ MIAUU MIAUZ".	*Don't use (MAUZI is better).
NYARS[*]		Spelling that retains the same pronunciation as in Japanese. A cat's meow goes "MIAUZ MIAUU MIAUZ".
MEOWTH		Same spelling as in English. A cat's meow goes "MIAUZ MIAUU MIAUZ".
MIAUZ		Spelling that retains the same pronunciation as in English. Identical to the name we're considering as a German proposal.
PERSIAN	SNOBILIKAT	[None listed. Same as the Japanese/English/French name.]	*Don't use. The Japanese name is not to be used, because the results of the impression survey showed that it looks more like a siamese cat than a persian cat.
KONGOR	RASAFF	[This entry is completely blank. The name likely comes from "King Kong" and the monstrous ending "-or". As for the rejection, the higher-ups likely wanted the focus on the "enraged" aspect to be kept.]
KANIFERNO	ARKANI	Combines KANID (dog), and INFERNO (fire).	*Don't use. We want to focus on "majestic" and "running like the wind" as the basis, rather than "fire".
WINDY	ARKANI	Same as the Japanese name. "WIND" is pronounced the same, and the Japanese approach can be kept since it gives the image of riding the wind or running like the wind.	[None listed.]
MASCHOCK	MACHOLLO	[None listed. Same etymology as Machoke's final name.]	*Don't use. No explanations regarding this name were listed.
MACHOLLO	MASCHOCK	[None listed. Same etymology as Machop's final name.]	*Don't use. No explanations regarding this name were listed.
SARZENIA	ULTRIGARIA	We thought that Weepinbell is based on a pitcher plant, so we used the same approach to search for a pitcher plant that could work here. SARZENIA is taken from SARRACENIA [genus of pitcher plant], only with its spelling changed.	*Don't use (we preferred to use that name for Victreebel).
VULGOBRA	SARZENIA	A combination of the real carnivorous plants UTRICULARIA VULGARIS[*] and KOBRALILIE. The latter is a carnivorous plant that can swallow large objects, like a cobra, so it gives the impression that it's more evolved because it can swallow even larger objects.	*The name of another animal, "Cobra", was included, which makes it sound like a name given to a cobra. It would be better to have a more monstrous name, so it's a no-go. Also, it's not a different plant, but an evolved version of Sarzenia [Weepinbell], so it's a no-go.
SARZENIOS		[Same etymology as final, only with a different monstrous ending.]	*Don't use. We used the following monstrous endings to show that it evolved from SARZENIA [Weepinbell]. But when compared with one another, it gives the impression that "SARZENIA is a feminine noun, and SARZNIOS is a masculine noun. If SARZENIA was used independently for either Weepinbell or Victreebel, then this interpretation would not arise.
SARZENION
TENTAMOB	TENTACHA	[None listed. From "tentakel" (tentacle) and possibly a unique monstrous ending.]	*Don't use. No explanations regarding this name were listed.
GEO＋FELSEN	GEOROK	[Same etymology as final, only with "felsen" replaced with the English word "rock").]	*Don't use. We considered using FELSEN (rock) to create the image of a rock bigger than a pebble, but this was rejected because it didn't sound good when paired with GEO.
PYROPEGA	GALLOPA	Named after PYRO, the Greek word for "fire"[*], based on its type. It was combined with PEGASUS, a divine horse that also appears in Greek mythology.	*Don't use. The verdict is clear, in that it's more interesting to not focus on "fire", and it would be better to use "horse" and "fast runner" as the basis.
YADERAN	FLEGMON	[None listed. An incorrect romanization of the Japanese name, "Yadoran".]	*Don't use. The word "YADE" means "jade", which is misleading.
MUTLUS	PORENTA	[None listed. Name origin unknown.]	*Don't use. No explanations regarding this name were listed.
JUGON	JUGONG	Same as Japanese name.	[None listed.]
ROTZOK	SLEIMOK	[None listed. From "rotz" (snot) and the monstrous ending "-ok".]	*Don't use. No explanations regarding this name were listed.
GOSSE	NEBULAK	[None listed. A romanization of the Japanese name.]	*Don't use. The Japanese name, "Ghos", is pronounced very similarly to the word "GOSSE", which means "sewer" or "gutter".
GEIST	ALPOLLO	[None listed. Means "ghost".]	*The Japanese word for "ghost" is GEIST, though it also means "spirit", which has religious connotations. Another meaning of the word refers to a kind of liquor, so it's not allowed.
SCHLAFFEN	TRAUMATO	[None listed.]	*We tried to use SCHLAFFEN (to sleep), similarly to the Japanese name, "Sleep". But this puts the focus on the word SCHLAFF, which can also mean "lethargic/slack," so we chose not to use it.
EIEI	OWEI	[None listed. Same approach as the Japanese name, a repetition of the word for "egg" (EI).]	*Don't use. We thought putting two EIs together like "Tamatama" [Exeggcute's JP name], but this wouldn't change the fact that EI is a common noun, making it difficult to register as a trademark.
BALBAL	OWEI	Two BALLs are put side by side. [Exeggcute is known as "Tamatama" in Japanese. The word "tama" can be read as both "egg" and "ball".]	Don't use. Pronounced similarly to "BALLABALLA"[], a derogatory term for someone who is crazy.
PALMEI	KOKOWEI	Taken from PALMFRUCHT meaning "palm fruit". This word is made up of PALME (palm) and FRUCHT (fuit).	*Don't use. This is the same as its category, the "Palmfruit Pokémon".
GARAGGA	TRAGOSSO	[None listed. Marowak's JP name.]	*Don't use (TRAGOSSO is better).
MASKI	TRAGOSSO	We came up with this name because wearing its mother's bones on its head gives the impression of it wearing a MASK.	*Don't use. The words "bone" and "loneliness" are very important to this Pokémon, and we want that meaning to be kept.
MASKATOR	KNOGGA	[None listed. From "mask" and the latin suffix "-ator".]	*Don't use (KNOGGA is better).
GARAGGA	KNOGGA	Similar to the Japanese name.	*Don't use. The words "bone" and "loneliness" are very important to this Pokémon, and we want that meaning to be kept.
HUSTEN	SMOGON	[None listed. Means "cough".]	*The word "HUSTEN" means "cough", but it gives the impression of being weak or sickly. Not recommended as it brings to mind illness.
MUFFEX	SMOGMOG	Since it uses the move "Sludge", the word MÜFFELN [stench] was used to express a strong, foul smell. By changing the ending to EX, it becomes more monstrous. The ending -EX also gives the impression that it's a more evolved Pokémon, when compared to the -ON used by Koffing.	*Don't use (doesn't convey that it's two Koffing).
GLÜCKLICH	CHLANEIRA	The Japanese name, "Lucky", can be translated literally as "GLÜCKLICH" ("good luck").	*Don't use (requires the use of umlauts).
SEESILIA	SEEPER	[None listed. Comes from "seepferdchen" (seahorse), and possibly "sessilia" the scientific name for a clade of barnacles. Sounds similar to the female name "Cecilia".]	*Don't use (SEEPER is better).
GOLDISCH	GOLDINI	GOLDFISCH is a general term for goldfish. If you use the name of a particular species of goldfish, the name will be very long, no matter which one you use, since it will come from Latin or Greek. (For example, in the case of the Demekin [Telescope goldfish], its name is long: GOLDFISCH MIT GLOTZAUGEN).	*Don't use (GOLDINI is better).
GOLDON	GOLKING	Like Seaking's original name, we didn't based it off the name of a specific goldfish, rather on the generic term itself, GOLDFISCH (goldfish). By changing the ending to ON, it sounds even more powerful and monstrous.	[None listed. It was likely requested for the "king" aspect to be kept.]
ROCKSTA	STERNDU	[None listed. From "rockstar", a pun on Staryu being a starfish.]	*Don't use. No explanations regarding this name were listed.
KARPFEN＋KÖNIG	KARPADOR	[None listed. Same approach as the Japanese name (Carp + King).]	*We tried to translate King into KÖNIG, but it doesn't look good with an umlaut, so in the end we didn't end up using it.
KARPADOF	KARPADOR	Koi are collectively called Karpfen. This was combined with DOOF, which means "annoying/idiot". In other words, Magikarp is frustratingly easy to catch with an Old Rod, and when you catch one it has no strength or speed to speak of, and is unfit for battle. We tried approaching it from these aspects. Although it's a weak Pokémon, it evolves into a powerful Pokémon called Gyarados, we didn't focus on that particular aspect.	[None listed. Likely rejected for straying too far from the original meaning, or over the use of a "negative term".]
VOLTRA	BLITZA	Derived from VOLT, a unit measure. Its ending was changed to improve the feel of the name.	*Don't use (trademark).
GENGAU	MEWTU	Since it's the "Genetic Pokémon" its name is taken from GEN (gene). [The "-AU" part could come from "GENAU" (exactly, precisely, faithfully), in reference to Mewtwo's status as a failed clone.]	[None listed. Likely a trademark situation.]
MIUTU		Same as the Japanese name.	*Don't use (trademark).
MUTU		MU is taken from MUTATION. This is combined with TU, the German spelling of the English word TWO. Even young children can understand English numbers, so this makes it sound closer to the Japanese name.	*Can no longer be used due to Mew's name change.
GENGIS	MEW	Since it's the "Genetic Pokémon" its name is taken from GEN (gene) and combined with GENESIS.	[None listed. Likely a trademark situation.]
MIU		Same as the Japanese name.	*Mewtwo is a trademark that can't be used, so it can be used.
MU		MU is taken from MUTATION.	*Don't use (trademark).

A series of comments can also be found next to the etymologies of a few Pokémon:

Pokémon	Comment	Explanation
Caterpie	キャタピラを元にした名前 [Name based on "caterpillar"]	*Names based on caterpillars, like the Japanese and English ones, are not allowed as they could easily remind people of the bulldozers used at construction sites. [Caterpillars are called "raupe" in German, and this term is also used to refer to the treads of a vehicle.]
Weedle	NADELを用いた名前 [Name using NADEL]	Given Weedle's defining trait, we wanted to use "NADEL", a general term for needles. However, in Germany the proliferation of drugs has become a major social problem, and in slang this word strongly implies the meaning of "drug injection needle". *Don't use. This is a slang term that gives a very strong impression of being a "drug injection needle".
Weedle	ビードル [Beedle]	Don't use. Using the word "Beedle" itself is not allowed as it would be too easily compared with not only the BEATLES, but also the Volkswagen BEETLE, the name of a car by a German manufacturer that is loved throughout Europe. *Don't use. Easily reminiscent of other names.
Pidgey	POPO	*Don't use. The Japanese name can't be used because POPO means "butt".
Spearow[*]	鬼を意味する言葉 [Word meaning "demon"]	There are two words that mean demon: OGER and TEUFEL. OGER, as used in Europe, easily conjures up images of cannibalistic ogres that devour humans in a graphic manner. It's not just a big scary man, but one who devours human flesh violently and vividly, giving a very cruel and miserable impression. TEUFEL, on the other hand, has a very strong religious image, meaning "Satan" or "devil". *Don't use. The religious aspect may attract complaints from some churches.
Clefairy	PIPI	*Don't use. The word PIPI means "pee", so we chose not to use it.
Vulpix	SECHS＋単語 [SECHS+word]	SECHS refers to the number 6. There is no issue when it's in a row of numbers, but it could be misunderstood when used alone or in combination with a word. *Don't use. SECHS could be misunderstood as something else than a number.
	FUCHS	*Don't use. FUCHS (fox) is too similar to a swear word.
	SECHS＋SCHWANZ	A direct translation of "six tails" would be "SECHS + SCHWANZ". Don't use. Both SCHWANZ and SECHS have obscene meanings.
Cubone	カラカラ [Karakara]	*Don't use. The pronunciation "~la-la" is not allowed because it's reminiscent of the word TRALALA, which means "crazy".
Marowak	ガラガラ [Garagara]
Kangaskhan	ガルーラ [Garura]	*The Japanese name "Garura" is not allowed because the "garu" part easily brings to mind the word "GURU", which means "religious leader."
Seadra	SEADRA	Don't use. The name "Seadra" has a similar pronunciation to "CIDRE"[] (cider).
Seadra	〜ララ [〜la-la]	*Generally, the pronunciation "~la-la" is not allowed because it's reminiscent of the word TRALALA, which means "crazy".
Mr.Mime	バリヤード [Barrierd]	*Don't use. The word "barrier" gives the impression of it being surrounded by barbed wire, rather than a protective wall.
Mr.Mime	MR.MIME	*In English, dots are used, like with MR., but with the German Pokémon names we avoided using dots and other symbols as to keep the series consistent.
Scyther	ストライク [Strike]	*Don't use. The Japanese name "Strike" is easily associated with a labor union strike, rather than the idea of cutting something cleanly.
Snorlax	KABIGON	The Japanese name KABIGON is not allowed because its pronunciation is akin to that of KARBON (carbon)[], as well as the word "KABIHAKABINE"[sic], which means "ship's cabin" or "gondola"[*].

Finalized Names#

Name	Explanation
BISASAM	BISA comes from "BIZARR" which means "bizarre". Synonyms include WUNDERSAM and SELTSAM, but BIZZAR is the one with the best feel, and the next easiest to pronounce when combined with SAM[EN] (seed). To improve the look and sound, we changed the ZA in BIZARR to SA. SAM comes from SAMEN, which means seed. We removed the EM from SAMEN based on how it would sound. These [This entry abruptly ends mid-sentence. Likely meant to say something along the lines of "These words give it the meaning of "mysterious seed", like in Venusaur's entry. ]
BISAKNOSP	BISA comes from "BIZARR" which means "bizarre". We changed ZA to SA so that it would be easier to pronounce when combined with the next word, KNOSP. Since Ivysaur carries a flower bud on its back, we used KNOSP, a direct translation of "flower bud". KNOSP (flower bud) can be used to express its type, and the fact that this Pokémon evolved from Bulbasaur's ZAMEN[sic] (seed).
BISAFLOR	BISA comes from "BIZARR" which means "bizarre". We changed ZA to SA so that it would be easier to pronounce when combined with the next word, FLOR. FLOR is a general term for flowers, meaning "blooming flower". FLOR can be used to express its type, and the fact that this Pokémon evolved from Bulbasaur (seed) and Ivysaur (flower bud). These words give it the meaning of "mysterious flower".
GLUMANDA	GLUT means "burning fire" or "scorching heat". It can express the fact it's a Fire type. In a name impression survey, many children saw the fire on its tail and associated it with the word GLUT. If you were simply referring to regular fire you would use FEUER, but it wouldn't combine well with MANDA, so we didn't do that. The endings are each a combination of words that mean lizard. The GLU in GLUMANDA comes from GLUT, and MANDA comes from SALAMANDER, a small lizard or salamander. This gives the impression that it's a small lizard that is linked to fire.
GLUTEXO	GLUT means "burning fire" or "scorching heat". EXO comes from ECHSE, a generic name for lizards, with its spelling changed to sound more monstrous. Considering that the Japanese name [Lizardo] is also a generic term for lizards, with ECHSE the meaning would be the same. Also, MANDA, which was used for Charmander, is classified under ECHSE and refers to a small lizard, so the comparison between Charmander and Charmeleon's size is also clear
GLURAK	GLUT means "burning fire" or "scorching heat". RAK comes from the RAC in DRACHEN (dragon), with the C changed to a K. The beginning of the Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard's names represents a burning flame. As ofor the endings, they express the change in size from a small lizard, to a normal lizard, to a dragon, in line with their evolution.
SCHIGGY	Made up of SCHILDKRÖTE, a general term for turtles. Even when abbreviated to SCHILD, it still means turtle, so we used SCHILD as the basis for Squirtle and Wartortle. Adding IGGY to the end of a name is a nickname for children or women, and is used to express "small and cute".
SCHILLOK	Even when abbreviated to SCHILD, it still means "turtle", so we thought of Wartortle and Blastoise based on SCHILD. We doubled the "L" to make it look better, and added "OK" to the end, which is used in words like SHOCK (impact/shock). This expresses a powerful image and makes it look more monstrous.
TURTOK	We intentionally didn't use SCHILD, instead using the English word TURTLE. Being an English word makes it sound cool, so it gives the impression that it's a cool, powerful Pokémon that evolved from Squirtle and Wartortle. By combining this with the ending "OK", which contains a double consonant, it gives the image of an even stronger Pokémon. It corresponds exactly to the "-ex" part of "Kamex" [Blastoise's JP name].
RAUPY	Caterpillars are called RAUPE, so we changed the ending from E to Y to make it sound more monstrous, like the Japanese name. Like with Squirtle, adding "ee" at the end makes for a very gentle and endearing name.
SAFCON	The "SAF" part comes from "SAFE", referring to a lump of iron or a safe. Since it can use the move Harden, this gives the impression of a Pokémon enclosed in a sturdy shell. The "CON" at the end comes from KOKON (cocoon), with the K changed to a C, adding the meaning that it's may still evolve. These gives the image of a Pokémon that is hard on the outside, but soft on the inside.
HORNLIU	We understood that it has a horn on its head, not a needle, and so we came up with a name based on HORN. The suffix "-LIU" has no meaning, but if you read the whole thing in one go, it becomes HORNLIU, which sounds like "ONLY YOU" in English. Since it's a weak Pokemon name at first glance, we think this name is useful for making players think that "I must get you".
TAUBSI	TAUBE, the generic word for "pigeon", is used at the beginning of Pidgey, Pidgeotto, and Pidgeot's names. The suffix "-SI" has no meaning, but it sounds fitting for a monster name, and the I sound at the end gives it a cute image.
TAUBOGA	TAUBE, the generic word for "pigeon", is used at the beginning of Pidgey, Pidgeotto, and Pidgeot's names. A combination of TAUBE and OGA. OGA itself has no meaning, but it was added to match its stronger impression, since OGA doesn't have the same cute vibe as Pidgey's SI.
RETTAN	We reversed the general term for (poisonous) snakes, NATTER. It can use the move "Poison Sting", so we think this is fitting. If we kept it as ARBO [Ekans' JP name], it wouldn't sound familiar to German people, instead sounding French. Therefore, we used an anagram for both Ekans and Arbok.
PIKACHU	Same as Japanese name. "PIKACHU" itself has no meaning. PIKA only refers to the unit, and CHU has no analogue. The correct way to pronounce this name is "PIKATSCHU". The term for a mouse's cry is "PIEPEN", but it seems that most people are unaware that mice even squeak. [The "chu" of Pikachu comes from (チューチュー, chūchū), the Japanese onomatopoeia of a mouse squeak.]
MYRAPLA	Combines MYSTERIUM (mystery) and PFLANZE (plant). In German, the pronunciation of the letter "PF" is very complicated. If it were MYRAPFLA, it would be both tough to pronunce and ugly to look at. As such, the F after the P was intentionally omitted.
ENTON	ENT is taken from ENTE (duck), and we added ON to make it sound more monstrous. There is also a male name called ANTON. By adding ON, we are making it easier to pronounce by making it sound similar, rather than directly reminiscent, of the male name ANTON.
ENTORON	ENT is taken from ENTE (duck), and we added ORON to distinguish it from Psyduck. ORON itself has no meaning, but Golduck ends in "-oron" whereas Psyduck only ends "-on". It's similar to how in Japanese we say "patapata" and "batabata", with the latter being a noisy, dynamic expression. By using a sound in between or a different pronunciation, we can add dynamism and express strength, so here we use ORON to give a stronger impression than in Psyduck. ["patapata" (パタパタ) and "batabata" (バタバタ) are onomatopoeia for a small repeated sound, like pitter-patter. "Batabata" is the "stronger" of the two.]
QUAPSEL	Comes from KAULQUAPPE (tadpole). The suffix "-SEL" comes from CAPSEL[sic], which suggests something small.
QUAPUTZI	Comes from KAULQUAPPE (tadpole). The ending UTZI is reminiscent of the word JACUZZI[*], which is used to describe a bubbly bath. You can immediately imagine that this Pokémon is a tadpole that has something to do with bubbles.
QUAPPO	Comes from KAULQUAPPE (tadpole). The suffix "-O" was added to make it sound more monstrous than Poliwag and Poliwhirl.
MACHOLLO	The word MACHO is used to reflect its muscular physique. Combined with the suffix "-OLLO", it sounds more monstrous.
MASCHOCK	The word MACHO is used to reflect its muscular physique. This is combined with SCHOCK (shock) to give the impression that it uses its muscles to attack. It gives an even more powerful impression than Machop.
MACHOMEI	The word MACHO is used to reflect its muscular physique. This is combined with MEISTER, a word that means "champion" or "master." This gives the impression that out of Machop, Machoke, and Machamp, it's Machamp that's the strongest and most evolved.
KNOFENSA	Since it's still a bud, the prefix KNO comes from the word KNOSP, which means bud. The suffix FENSA comes from NEFENSA, a real carnivorous plant. [There is no plant that goes by that name. It's likely a corruption of "Nepenthaceae", a genus of pitcher plants.]
SARZENIA	We thought that it was based on a pitcher plant, so we used the same approach to search for a pitcher plant that could work here. SARZENIA is taken from SARRACENIA [genus of pitcher plant], only with its spelling changed.
TENTACHA	We used TENTAKEL (tentacle) and combined it ACHAT (agate). This conveys that this Pokémon's defining traits are its tentacles and agates.
MAGNETILO	Based on MAGNET, as in "magnet, magnetic force". Since MAGNET ends with a T, we searched for a word that could follow that T, and be used to compare evolution and size. As such, we added the suffix ILO, from KILO, a unit of weight. [Compare with Magne'ton', which is also the German name.]
PORENTA	There is no equivalent or similar expression to "a duck carrying spring onions", so we translated it directly from Japanese. POR is taken from "PORREE" (leek), and "ENTE" simply means "duck", so we combined the two.
SLEIMA	Since there is no adjective that means "sticky" or "gooey", the word SCHLEIMER[sic] (mucus), was used instead, with its spelling changed to sound more like a Pokémon name. Slime, a common monster in RPGs, is called "SCHLEIM" in German, and to clearly distinguish the two here the "CH" from SCHLEIM was removed, and the ending was changed to sound more monstrous, giving us "SLEIMA".
SLEIMOK	Based on SLEIMA (Grimer), with an added "OK" to make it sound stronger and more monstrous. Just like the word "SCHOCK" (shock), "OK" has a powerful impression in both pronunciation and meaning. In Japanese, when Grimer evolves, the ending becomes "ton," which is a similar approach.
NEBULAK	As you can understand from Germany's dark past, if "gas" was used it could prove problematic, so we avoided using that word in the name. Instead, we used NEBEL (fog) instead. The suffix ULAK has no meaning, but the spelling and pronunciation of ULA can be found in DRACULA. By doing this, we wanted to evoke something dark and mysterious.
ALPOLLO	Since it uses moves such as Confuse Ray[*] and Night Shade, and its existence itself is spooky and eerie, we based the name on a word that could convey these traits. Therefore, we used ALP[TRAUM], which means "nightmare". ALP[TRAUM] (nightmare) is generally used to describe something whose existence is creepy and whose true nature is difficult to grasp. The suffix OLLO has no meaning, but it's easy to associate with ALP and sounds monstrous.
OWEI	Since it's the "Egg Pokémon", EI (egg) was used. This is also based on its appearance. The prefix OW was added to make it sound more monstrous.
KOKOWEI	Since it's the "Coconut Pokémon", KOKO (coconut) was used. This is combined with OWEI (Exeggcute), to convey that the two are connected through evolution. When one of Exeggutor's heads falls off, it becomes an Exeggcute, and so when that happens to KOKOWEI it separates from KOKO and becomes OWEI. This makes it a name that expresses this characteristic perfectly.
TRAGOSSO	By consciously combining these three words, we tried to express a particular sense of sadness and loneliness. The TRAG part at the start has two meanings. 1) TRAGÖDIE is a word that means "tragedy". Cubone's mother was killed while escaping from Team Rocket, and it was left all alone after her death, so this story is very tragic, hence the use of "tragedy". 2) TRAGEN means "to wear", which was chosen because Cubone wears the bones of its late mother on its head. Related to the aforementioned TRAGÖDIE. At the end, we added OSSO[], a Latin word meaning "bone". Normally, "bone" is KNOCHEN in German, but we deliberately used OSSO[], a medical term, to express that bone itself is important.
KNOGGA	Considering that the "Lonely Pokémon" Cubone evolved into the "Bone Lover Pokémon" Marowak we deliberately used the German word KNOCHEN (bone). (Cubone uses the Latin word OSSO to mean "bone.") Also, by adding GGA to the end of the word, the pronunciation as a whole is similar to the English word "Knock out", a term that has spread to Germany. This gives the impression of a strong monster that attacks using bones.
NOCKCHAN	Comes from the boxing term "KNOCK OUT". This is combined with CHAN, from JACKIE CHAN, who is well known in Europe for his movies. We searched for famous real boxing stars, but couldn't find any. As such, like Hitmonlee, we took his name from an actor. [Hitmonlee's Japanese name is used here, but this entry is clearly referencing its English name instead, which is based on actor and martial arts legend Bruce Lee. In comparison, "Sawamular" comes from Tadashi Sawamura, a famous kickboxer.]
SMOGON	Since is uses the move "Smog", we used the word SMOG (smoke). We added "ON" at the end to make it sound more monstrous. Also, considering Germany's history, we didn't want to use a name that placed too much emphasis on "gas". Incidentally, gasoline is often called "gas" in Japan and the US, but in Germany it's called "BENZIN", with gas stations called "TANKSTELLE."
SMOGMOG	It looks like two Koffing (SMOGON). In other words, we wrote down "SMOGONSMOGON" and took out the extra ONs to make SMOGMOG. There is no particular meaning to MOG, but if there is a MOG right after SMOG, it's easy to tell that this MOG comes from SMOG, so it gives the impression it's two SMOGON.
CHANEIRA	Focusing on the fact it's a rare Pokémon, we used the word CHANCE, to give the player the impression that when they find it, "Now's your chance to get it! Don't let it get away!". Since it's the "Egg Pokémon", and lays eggs, we added EI (egg) to it. And it being a rare Pokémon, "RAR" (rare) is used at the end to properly convey what we had in mind.
KANGAMA	Since this parent and child duo resemble kangaroos, we based the name on the word KHÄNGURU (kangaroo). The ending MA makes it more monstrous, and it corresponds exactly to the "-ra" part of "Garura" [Kangaskhan's JP name].
SEEPER	Taken from SEEPFERDCHEN (seahorse). As it's quite a long word, it was changed from SEEPFERDCHEN to SEEPER, making it easier to pronounce, and shorter like the Japanese name (Tatsu).
SEEMON	Taken from SEEPFERDCHEN (seahorse) and the word MONSTER. While Horsea's name has a shorter, lighter ring to it, Seadra is more monstrous, and we can also express thee fact it has evolved.
GOLDINI	According to a name survey conducted by NOE with children, the name "GOLDINI" was also popular. It's a simple a combination of GOLDFISH and the suffix "INI", meaning "small/cute", but it proved popular for being straightforward and easy to pronounce.
STERNDU	A direct translation of the English name. STAR is STERN, and YU (or YOU) becomes DU. It was a very popular name with children in the name survey.
PANTIMOS	The name comes from PANTOMIME[*]. The MOS at the end makes it sound more monstrous.
SICHLOR	The crescent-shaped blades that Scyther wields are called SICHEL, so we used that word in the name. The OR at the end expresses its monstrous nature.
ROSSANA	The Japanese name can be written as ROUGELA[*], but ROUGE is not a common word for red. The German ROT, the Italian ROSSO, and the English RED are more commonly used than ROUGE. Also, the pronunciation is reminiscent of an Italian salad called RUCOLA, so ROSSO was used instead of ROUGE. The ending was changed to ANA, which corresponds to the "-la" part of "Rougela".
KARPADOR	The word for carp is KARPFEN. The reason we used ADOR is because it has a powerful image. For example, in bullfighting, the matador gives the impression of a strong and brave man.
AMONITAS	Both Omanite and Omastar are named after the word AMMONIT (ammonite). The ending has been changed to sound more unique and monstrous.
AMOROSO	Both Omanite and Omastar are named after the word AMMONIT (ammonite). The ending has been changed to give it a stronger image than Omanyte.

The following Pokémon have no etymologies listed:

Butterfree: "SMETTBO" comes from "Schmetterling", and possibly "Bö" (a gust of wind).
Arcanine: "ARKANI" is the same approach as the English name (Arcane + Canine).
Dewgong: "JUGONG" likely comes from the "Ju-" of "Jurob" (Seel's German name), and "dugong". "Jugon" is also a romanization of the Japanese name.
Seaking: "GOLKING" is the same approach as the English name ("Goldfisch" (goldfish) + King).

Moves (わざ)#

Rejected Names#

Early Name	Final Name	Explanation	Reason for Rejection
PRÜGEL	FUCHTLER	Means "to go on a rampage, to beat someone up".	*Don't use. It's like a blind rage, while we want the image of a weak fighter who gets excited while fighting.
SCHNEIDER	ZERSCHNEIDER	[None listed. A mistranslation: "schneider" means "tailor", while "zerschneiden" means "to cut something up".]	*Don't use (ZERSCHNIDER fits better with the image of Cut).
WINDSTOß	WINDSTOSS	[Same etymology as final name.]	[None listed. Typo.]
FUßKICK	FUSSKICK	Since there's no literal translation of "ketaguri" [Low Kick's JP name], we used "foot kick", an expression close to the original one.	[None listed. Typo.]
ERHOLUNG[*]	GENESUNG	Same as the English name (translates to "recovery").	[None listed. "Erholung" can also be read as "rest/relaxation", so it was likely changed to avoid misunderstandings.]
KAMIKAZE	FINALE	In Europe, the word kamikaze has taken on a life of its own, not only meaning "attacking an opponent at the cost of one's own life", but also being perceived as a cool word from the East (not unlike samurai, ninja, etc.) Just like how Germans don't like to use the word "gas", wouldn't it be better for Japanese people to avoid the word "kamikaze"?	*Don't use. It's better to avoid the word kamikaze, like how Germans prefer not to use the word "gas."
NEBEL	WEISSNEBEL	Same as the English name (translates to "fog" or "mist").	*Don't use. There is also a "Black Mist" [Haze's JP name], so if the number of characters allows it "White Mist" would be better.
SCHALLBOOM	ULTRASCHALL	"SCHALL" means "sonic - acoustic - noise".	*Don't use. The English word "BOOM" has been introduced to Germany, but only in the sense of a "trend" or "fad" [as in "a boom in popularity"].
TRIPLETTEATTACKE	TRIPLETTE	[None listed. Same as the English name.]	*Don't use (too many characters).
KOPFSCHERE	GUILLOTINE	The word "guillotine" is not recommended in Germany, where there is no death penalty. Instead, the approach we took was to read "guillotine" as "head cutter". "KOPF" means "head", and "SCHERE" means "scissors".	*Don't use. Stick to the image of "sharp, powerful blade (scissors)".
UKLAMMAER[sic]	KLAMMER	Literal translation of the Japanese name ("to squeeze [in-between]").	*Don't use (this same term is already used for "Constrict" [UMKLAMMERUNG]).
KNOCHENBOOMERANG	KNOCHMERANG	[None listed. Same as the Japanese name, "Bone Boomerang".]	*Don't use (too many characters).
SCHMAROTZER[sic]	EGELSAMEN	This is a term used to refer to a person who stays in someone else's house at their expense. In other words, it means "freeloader". It's not a direct translation of "parasitic species", but rather a "leeching off someone's lodging, food, and drinks."	*Don't use. Stick to the image of "leeching seeds".

A series of comments can also be found next to the etymologies of a few moves:

Move	Comment	Explanation
Lovely Kiss[*]	悪魔 [Devil]	*Don't use ("devil" has religious connotations).
Sludge[*]	[S]CHLAMMBAD＋攻撃 [MUDBATH+attack]	*Don't use. Adding the word "attack" would make the name too long. ["SCHLAMMBAD" is Sludge's German name.]
Skull Bash[*]	ロケットずつき [Rocket Headbutt]	*Don't use. Adding the word "rocket" would make the name too long.

Finalized Names#

Name	Explanation
FINALE	Don't use. We chose this word because suicide bombing is the ultimate means of sacrificing one's own life. In other words, it means "the ultimate self-sacrifice". The English translation of the name was a very long word, so "FINALE" was chosen after much deliberation.[*]
SCHNABEL	Literal translation of the Japanese name ("to peck"). [Incorrect. "Schnabel" means "beak". Updated in Gen VIII to "Pikcser" (peck).]
GUILLOTINE	A literal translation. Since this move doesn't involve actually chopping a Pokémon's head off, there's no problem with using the word "guillotine".
PFUND	Literal translation of the Japanese name ("to pound"). [Incorrect. "Pfund" refers to the currency pound. Updated in Gen VIII to "Klaps" (light smack).]
GIFTBLICK	A literal translation of "Snake Glare" [Glare's JP name] would be "Poison Glare", because "GIFT" means "poison" and "BLICK" means "glare". "GIFTBLICK" is used to mean "the way a snake glares when catching its prey". [A wonky translation, given how this move doesn't inflict poison in any way. Updated in Gen VIII to " Schlangenblick" (Snake Glare).]

The following moves have no etymologies listed:

Thrash: "FUCHTLER" can be read as "Flail" in this context.
Recover: "GENESUNG" is a direct translation of the English name.
Mist: "WEISSNEBEL" is a direct translation of the Japanese name ("White Mist").
Defense Curl: "EINIGLER" is a made-up word that seems to come from "ein-igel", literally "(to curl up like) a hedgehog". This is closer to the Japanese name ("Curl Up").
Leech Seed: "EGELSAMEN" is a direct translation of the English name.

Items (どうぐ)#

Rejected Names#

Early Name	Final Name	Explanation	Reason for Rejection
MAX-TRANK	TOP-TRANK	[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	*Don't use. In German, MAX refers to "the amount of something". Here this would be the amount of the medicine itself, which could lead to misunderstandings.
BESSERUNG	TOP-GENESUNG	[None listed. Means "recovery".]	*Don't use. This is a word that means "recovery", but it's one used when humans are sick, not one that describes a complete recovery.
GENESUNG		[None listed. Means "recovery".]
VÖLLIGE WIEDERHERSTELLUNG		[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	*Don't use (too many characters).
BONBON	SONDERBONBON	The words for "mysterious" and "rare" are all long, so we settled on just "candy".	*Don't use ("Rare" is missing).
POCKS PAKET	EICHS PAKET	"POCK" means "Prof.Oak", "S" stands for the possessive form "of" (German possessives have no apostrophe), and "PAKET" is "parcel/luggage" (such as home-delivered postal parcels)".	*Don't use. Prof.Oak had his name changed.
RAD-VOUCHER	RAD-COUPON	[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	*Don't use. "VOUCHER" is an uncommon word.
GEMEIMNIS ALTBERNSTEIN	ALTBERNSTEIN	"ALTBERNSTEIN" means "amber" and "GEMEIMNIS" means "secret". [Old Amber's JP name is "Secret Amber". As for "ALTBERNSTEIN" it's actually a made-up compound word, made up of "alter" (old) and "bernstein" (amber).]	*Don't use (too many characters).
ALTER ANGEL	ANGEL	In Germany, people wouldn't append an adjective to a fishing rod like that, they’d instead say "a fishing rod that no one uses anymore" or "a broken fishing rod". The combination of ALTER [old] and ANGEL [rod] doesn't sounds natural.	*Don't use. Uses two "A"s in a row, which would sound horrible together.
GUTE ANGEL	PROFIANGEL	[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	*Don't use. In everyday conversation, you wouldn't say "This is a good fishing rod" using "GUTE ANGEL".
LIFTSCHLÜSSEL[*]	LIFTÖFFNER	[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	Don't use. Not only is it too long, but using "SCHLÜSSEL"[] (key) paired with LIFT makes it sound like the keys used by lift workers.
KARTENSCHLÜSSEL	TÜRÖFFNER	[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	*Don't use (too many characters). There is no alternative to "KARTENSCHLÜSSEL", a card key commonly used in hotels.
GEHEIMNISÖFFNER	?-ÖFFNER	[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	*Don't use. "SECRET" translates to "GEHEIMNIS", which is too long as-is.
GOLD ZÄHNERSATZ	GOLDZÄHNE	[None listed. Literal translation of the Japanese name.]	A literal translation of "Gold Dentures" would be "GOLD ZÄHNERSATZ", which is too long, so it's not allowed.
REGENBOGENORDEN	FARBORDEN	[None listed. Literal translation of the English name.]	*Don't use. "REGENBOGEN" (rainbow) is too long of a word.

Finalized Names#

Name	Explanation
FELSORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". Same approach as the English name. "FELS" refers to a rock/rock formation.
QUELLORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". Literal translation of the English name. "QUELL" refers to a water source.
DONNERORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". Literal translation of the English name. "DONNER" means "lightning".
FARBORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". Literal translation of the English name. "FARB" means "color".
SEELENORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". Literal translation of the English name. "SEELEN" means "soul".
SUMPFORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". A literal translation of the English name. [The etymology stops here, failing to mention that "SUMPF" means "marsh".]
VULKANORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". Literal translation of the English name. "VULKANO" means "volcano".
ERDORDEN	Badges are called "ORDEN". Literal translation of the English name. "ERD" refers to earth/ground.

Oak's Parcel doesn't have an etymology listed. "EICHS PAKET" is a literal translation.

Locations (地名)#

Rejected Names#

Early Name	Final Name	Explanation	Reason for Rejection
WEIß	ALABASTIA	[None listed. Means "white".]	*Don't use. It's nowhere near interesting to simply use "white".
GRÜN	VERTANIA CITY	[None listed. Means "green".]	*Don't use. It's nowhere near interesting to simply use "green".
GRAU	MARMORIA CITY	[None listed. Means "gray".]	*Don't use. It's nowhere near interesting to simply use "gray". Aside from being the name of a color, but also has the meaning of "dull/desolate," which would make it sound too inorganic.
BLAU[*]	AZURIA CITY	[None listed. Means "blue".]	*Don't use. It's nowhere near interesting to simply use "blue", "light blue", or "sky blue".
REGENBODEN	PRISMANIA CITY	[None listed. Means "rainbow".]	*Don't use. The word REGENBODEN (rainbow) is too direct.
ZWILLING	SEESCHAUMINSELN	[None listed. Means "twin".]	*The Japanese name is "Twin", but "ZWILLING" can't be used because it's reserved for humans and other living creatures.
SIEGESSTRAßE	SIEGESSTRASSE	The literal translation of "the road to victory". "S[I]EGES" means "victory", and "STRAßE" means "road".	[None listed. A fairly odd change, given how "strasse" is a spelling exclusive to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Moreover, the rest of the script uses "straße", as one would expect.]
S.S.ANNE	M.S.ANNE	[None listed. Same as the English name.]	*Don't use. The English word "S.S.", short for "steam ship", is not allowed because of Nazi imagery.
SEA COTTAGE	KÜSTENHAUS	[None listed. Same as the English name.]	Don't use, translates to "house on stilts overlooking the sea".
POKéMON GYM	POKéMON ARENA	In Germany, the word "gym" is used for gymnastics and physical education classes, almost becoming a de-facto school term. In fact, in some regions, schools used to be called gymnasiums. In order to clarify the meaning of "physical training," we'd have to say "training gym," which is a very lengthy term.	*Don't use. When you hear the word "gym," you automatically think of a place where you can do rhythmic gymnastics on a mat.
UNBEKANNTES DUNGEON	GEHEIMDUNGEON	[None listed. A half-translation of the English name.]	*Don't use. "UNKNOWN" translates to "UNBEKANNTES", which is too long as-is.

Finalized Names#

Name	Explanation
ALABASTIA	We used "ALABASTER[WE]IS", which means "pure white-alabaster". Alabaster is a smooth and high-quality mineral, and is used as material for making sculptures. This word expresses well both the "pure white" aspect, and the idea that "nothing has been shaped yet".
VERTANIA CITY	Taken from the Latin word "VERT" meaning "green/evergreen". Since it's a city, "CITY" was added to differentiate it from a town.
MARMORIA CITY	We used "MARMOR", which means "gray, the color of stone". The word is of Greek origin, and means "marble". Since it's a city, "CITY" was added to differentiate it from a town.
AZURIA CITY	Derived from the Persian word "AZUR", which means "light blue" or "sky blue". Because it's derived from Persian, it also brings a sense of mystery. Since it's a city, "CITY" was added to differentiate it from a town.
ORANIA CITY	The only word in German that means orange is "ORANGE". Originally, there was no word for that color, so it had to be introduced to Germany from France. It's still commonly used today, but the word ORANGE itself already has a sense of exoticism to it. Taking into consideration the orange color in the anime, the exotic "ORANGE" was not used directly, rather having its spelling changed to make it sound like a place name, resulting in ORANIA. "CITY" was added to differentiate it from a town.
LAVANDIA	Derived from the same English word, LAVENDER.
PKMN-CLUBHAUS	Since this is a place where Pokémon-related magazines, diaries, graphs, etc. are kept, we used the German word "CLUBHAUS", a place where specialized items and materials in a certain field are gathered. We deliberately avoided simply saying "HAUS," as it would refer to a large building such as a house, apartment, or mansion. [This name is used by Mr.Fuji's dialogue in the Pokémon Tower, whereas the sign in Lavender Town refers to his house as "POKéMON HAUS" (the same name as Cinnabar's Pokémon Mansion). The Gen 3 remakes added another another instance of "CLUBHAUS", but the house sign was only updated in the Let's Go games.]
PRISMANIA CITY	Taken from the word "PRISMA" which means "[object that] refracts/disperses light - beautiful light passing through an angular prism". Since it's a city, "CITY" was added to differentiate it from a town.
SAFFRONIA CITY	Taken from SAFFRON, same as the English name. Since it's a city, "CITY" was added to differentiate it from a town.
FUCHSANIA CITY	Taken from FUCHSIA, same as the English name. Since it's a city, "CITY" was added to differentiate it from a town.
SEESCHAUMINSELN	Literal translation from English. "SEE" means "sea", "SCHAUM" means "foam", and "INSELN" means "island".
ZINNOBERINSEL	Same as the English name. "ZINNOBER" means "oil painting red", and "INSELN" means "island".
POKéMON ARENA	Instead of a gym, we thought of it as an ARENA, that is a "stadium" or "fighting arena."

Characters (人物)#

This table contains a grayed-out entry for "グリーン" ("GREEN"), like its English equivalent (this line was removed altogether in the French XLS sheet).

The "Locations" table also has an entry for "Daycare (Person)", which is nowhere to be found in the actual game or anime script. The French XLS sheet gave that entry a duplicate of its used "location" equivalent (PENSION), but the German one gave it the unique "ERZIEHER" (educator/teacher). This name never made it anywhere, with the closest being Gen V's Nursery Aide trainer class being called "Erzieherin".

Rejected Names#

Early Name	Final Name	Explanation	Reason for Rejection
PROF. POCK	PROF. CHEN	A literal translation would be "Pokémon Doctor." In German, the Japanese name "Okido" is pronounced "oak", like in English. We purposely avoided using OAK, because it sounds like a frog croaking. Instead, we chose to refer to him as a Pokémon Professor, to convey his profession, and that he does proper Pokémon research. If we used "PROF. POKÉ" as-is, it would be too direct, and could still be misunderstood as a Pokémon itself being a doctor. As such, we went with POK, which is similar to POKÉ.	*Don't use. Ends up sounding like "Mr. Pock". It's best to use a real last name, and something that has meaning. It would be better to choose a tree that has a dignified name.
MAJOR FLASH	MAJOR BOB	Using the same approach as in English, we chose a name based on his appearance and style. MAJOR is the military rank that immediately comes to mind in Germany. And since he uses Electric-type Pokémon, the word FLASH is used to easily convey the idea of electricity. Equivalent to SURGE[*] in English.	*Don't use. It would be better to use a name that isn't so direct and obvious. FLASH is too straightforward. The name of a gym leader should be something that can be implied based their looks and demeanor.
EINBRECHER	DIEB	Since there was no word that meant "post-fire robber" [Burglar's JP name], the word "intruder" was used. "EINBRECHER" means "housebreaker/trespasser".	Don't use. Gives the impression of a burglar stealing while people aren't looking, because they lack the courage to go and rob them by force.
PLÜNDERER	DIEB	"PLÜNDERER" means "plunderer".	*Don't use (DIEB is more fitting).
ELITETRAINER	TRAINER TRAINERINE	[None listed.]	*Unlike in Japan, ELITE tends to be associated with the difference between rich and poor, as in "society's elite class", rather than "the best at something."
TOPTRAINER／T.TRAINER	TRAINER TRAINERINE	[None listed.]	*Don't use (too many characters). Abbreviations are not allowed as they lead to misunderstandings.
BEAUTY	SCHÖNHEIT	A literal translation of "Grown-Up Woman" [Beauty's JP name] would prove a bit too long. The life of an adult woman is hard to picture from a child's point of view, as if they lived in a world of their own. Since they give out relatively large amounts of money when compared to other trainers, the idea of models in the fashion world came to us. Their existence is so different from that of ordinary women, and is difficult for children to imagine. In France, "model" simply refers to a person who poses for a painting, so when identifying a fashion model, "top" is added as a suffix of sorts.	Top models feel too much like they're from a different world. We want it to feel like they're an older lady who lives next door.
ELITE VIER	TOP VIER	[None listed. A literal translation of the English name, "ELITE" + "VIER" (four).]	*Don't use. ELITE tends to be associated with the difference between rich and poor, as in "society's elite class", rather than "the best at something."
DRAGAN	SIEGFRIED	Since Lance uses Dragon-type Pokémon, we chose a name that's related to dragons while still sounding like a name. DRAGAN is an actual name used in the country of Yugoslavia.	Don't use, too direct. Has a cool vibe, and the approach in itself is good though.
GYM	ARENALEITER ARENALEITERIN	In Germany, the word "gym" is used for gymnastics and physical education classes, almost becoming a de-facto school term. In fact, in some regions, schools used to be called gymnasiums. In order to clarify the meaning of "physical training," we'd have to say "leader of a training gym," which is a very lengthy term.	*Don't use. When you hear the word "gym," you automatically think of a place where you can do rhythmic gymnastics on a mat.

A series of comments can also be found next to the etymologies of a few trainer classes:

Class	Comment	Explanation
Youngster	短パン〜 [Shorts~]	*In Germany, people generally don't wear shorts, so we don't want something with "shorts" in it because it would feel a bit odd.
Juggler	ジプシー [Gypsy]	*"Gypsy" refers to a specific ethnic group, and so its use here is not allowed.
Cue Ball	スキンヘッド [Skinhead]	*In Europe, the word "skinhead" has come to refer to neo-Nazis, so its use is not allowed.

Finalized Names#

Name	Explanation
ASH	Same as the English name. It sounds similar to the narcotic hashish, but unless the name ASH starts with an H, there's no need to worry about it being mistaken for "hashish" in German.
ROCKO	This name is based on the English word "ROCK", because Brock has a Rock-type Pokémon. However, the English name BROCK doesn't sound like a person's name in German, so it was changed to sound more like a German name (e.g. Marco).
PROF.EICH	[None listed. "Eich" is a German last name meaning "Oak".]
MAJOR BOB	The military rank that immediately comes to mind in Germany is MAJOR, so we used it at the beginning of the name. Then, the name BOB was used, which to German people sounds like one an American/American soldier would have. Combined with MAJOR, it also has a nice feel, like he's about to say "Hey, garçon!" with an English accent.
PYRO	The word for wig is "PERÜCKE", but a man wearing a wig could easily evoke the image of cross-dressing, so we didn't translate "wig" directly to avoid misunderstandings. Instead, since Blaine uses Fire-type Pokémon, we based the name on the Greek word PYRO, which means fire. PYRO is a common prefix, with terms like "Pyrotechnics", so we figured it would fit here as well. [The "wig" part is in reference to Blaine's JP name, "Katsura", which can be read as "wig".]
TEENAGER	In Germany, people under the age of 9 are usually called KIND (child). Anyone older than that, that is 10 to 18 y/o, is called a TEENAGER. In the world of Pokémon, you may become a Pokémon trainer when you turn 10, so you can imagine that all the trainers that appear are at least that old. As such, we chose TEENAGER, which refers to people 10 y/o and over.
STREBER	The literal translation of "nerd". It gives off a very strong image of being gloomy, uncool, and always too busy studying.
GLATZKOPF	The literal translation of the Japanese name is "skinhead, bald head". It gives the image of a skinhead wearing a leather jacket and riding around on a motorcycle with worn-out tires, which is very fitting.
SIEGFRIED	It's an actual German name, one which also appears in the epic poem "The Song of the Nibelungs". In this story, Siegfried is a hero renowned for having slain a dragon. The name "LORELEI" also appears in the same story, so there is a connection with the Elite Four, making Lance fit in with them. "The Song of the Nibelungs" (original title: Das Nibelungenlied) is an epic poem by an unknown author (circa ~1190-1204). A masterpiece of medieval German heroic poetry, consisting of 39 songs. The first 19 chapters tell of the love and marriage between Siegfried, prince of the Netherlands, and Kriemhild, sister of the Burgundian king. The last 20 chapters powerfully depict Kriemhild, who loses her husband and remarries to Etzel, great king of the Huns, until she avenges her former husband's enemy. (Source: Shogakukan's Japanese Language Dictionary)

Categories (分類)#

Rejected Names#

Early Name	Final Name	Reason for Rejection
SCHLÄFER	TAGTRÄUMER	*Don't use (TAGTRÄUMER is better). Literal translation of "sleeping" [眠る].
SICHEL	MANTIS	*Don't use. It wouldn't be okay for children to call a mantis that. Means "sickle" [鎌].
SICHELKÄFER	MANTIS	*Don't use (too many characters). Literal translation of "praying mantis" [カマキリ]. [Wrong. "SICHELKÄFER" is a made-up word that could be translated as "SICKLE BEETLE", whereas "gottesanbeterin" is what praying mantis are called in Germany.]
PANZERTIER	SCHALTIER	*Literal translation of "carapace" [甲羅]. ["PANZERTIER" actually translates to "armored beast". There is no rejection comment, but the higher-ups likely wanted a closer translation to the English versions' "SHELLFISH".]
FLUSSKRABBE[*]	KRABBE	*Don't use (too many characters). Literal translation of "freshwater crab" [沢蟹, Krabby's JP category].
FLIEGENFALLE	FLIEGENTOT	*Don't use (too many characters). Means "flytrap" [ハエ取り].
FEUERSPUCKER	BRENNER	*Don't use (too many characters). Literal translation of "spitfire" [火吹き].
SHW./AFFE	SCHW./AFFE	*A literal translation of "pig monkey". Because "SCHWEIN" (pig) has too many characters, it has been abbreviated to "SHW." The slash symbol is used, since without it it would become "SCHW.AFFE", as if it were one word. It would be difficult to distinguish "pig" and "monkey", so a slash was used to keep the meaning clear. [There is no rejection comment, but the higher-ups likely pointed out that an extra character could be used.]
STERN	STERNFORM	*Don't use. The "shape" part of "starshape" is missing. Literal translation of "star" [星].
MUSCHELKRABBE	SYMBIOSE	*Don't use (too many characters). Means "hermit crab" [やどかり].

Notes#

Mankey/Primeape and Staryu's categories don't have etymologies listed. They are all the same as their original Japanese and other localized equivalents.
Blastoise and Kabuto/Kabutop's category (SCHALTIER) doesn't have an etymology listed, though it's the same as the "SHELLFISH" mistranslation from the English release.