# Translation of plaque found in Czech Republic. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 10, 2011, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838 "2011-04-10T04:29:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bmw7777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b2d939/32.png) [@bmw7777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmw7777)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/1 "2011-04-10T04:29:30Z")
I want to know if anyone can translate what this says. I took this picture at the Sedlec Ossuary in Czech Republic. It looks like German to me. Can anyone help? [![](https://i.imgur.com/qtQ0y.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/qtQ0y.jpg) > **[Sedlec Ossuary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedlec_Ossuary)** > > .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}49°57′43″N 15°17′18″E / 49.96194°N 15.28833°E / 49.96194; 15.28833 > The Sedlec Ossuary (Czech: Kostnice v Sedlci; German: Sedletz-Beinhaus) is a Roman Catholic chapel, located beneath the Cemetery Church... ---
**Author:** ![panamajack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/47e85d/32.png) [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/2 "2011-04-10T05:41:53Z")
What I can make out (italicized letters are guessed at): Der [_Ma_hn_e_] der gebohr_ne_ Ritter _h_err Wentzel M_ültz_er von Ro_se_nthal [??_il_andt] _I_hro [kaÿ]: Maÿ C. VI: ge_mester_ [?_hrift_] Leutenant zu Pferd[?/t/e]. Verschiden den 28 Aprill 1741 Seines Alters 69 Jahr\*.\* gott La[s/ß] ihm Seelig Ruhen. If I’ve got it right, that’s “In memory of Wentzel Mültzer von Rosenthal [possible additional name], born a nobleman[lit. knight]. [middle part I can’t make out]… Lieutenant of Horse (Cavalry?). Departed the 28 April 1741, his age 69 years. God let him rest in peace.” I’ve never seen a ÿ before, so I’m not sure what those words are; possibly it’s a way of writing ü or just y. Also note that the I in Ihro and J in Jahre are actually the same letter (since there wasn’t a strong separation between the two). Reading it as “Ihro”(‘thou’) may be wrong but with Jahr spelled as it is on the same stone I think that must be it somehow. ---
**Author:** ![panamajack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/47e85d/32.png) [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/3 "2011-04-10T05:48:58Z")
I suspect that ‘gemester’ may be something like English ‘muster’ (but as far as I know German no longer has any cognates like that), that is to say “he was discharged at that rank”. ---
**Author:** ![panamajack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/47e85d/32.png) [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/4 "2011-04-10T05:56:01Z")
Weird, that edit didn’t seem to work, but I think the third word is likely “edel”, making it “noble-born as a knight”. This makes the second word questionable, but my guess is it’s still something in the ‘memorial’ vein. ---
**Author:** ![Floater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/dc4da7/32.png) [@Floater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Floater)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/5 "2011-04-10T06:01:45Z")
It starts: Der wohledel geborene Ritter Herr Wentzel Mülsser(?) von Rosenthal etc. “wohledel” should correspond to the Swedish “välborne” = of noble birth. ---
**Author:** ![Floater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/dc4da7/32.png) [@Floater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Floater)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/6 "2011-04-10T06:07:42Z")
Make that “wohledel geborene”! ---
**Author:** ![WilliamWilsonsDoppelgaenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df705f/32.png) [@WilliamWilsonsDoppelgaenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WilliamWilsonsDoppelgaenger)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/7 "2011-04-10T16:41:30Z")
I believe the middle part is Weilandt Ihro Kay. May. C VI., short for “weilandt Ihro Kayserliche Mayestät Carl VI.”, meaning “at the time of His Imperial Majesty Carl/Karl/Charles VI.” (this guy was Holy Roman Emperor from 1711 to 1740, so that would fit). The next part I read as gewester Obrist Leutnant zu Pferdt, meaning “former Lieutenant-Colonel (Oberstleutnant) of the cavalry”. ---
**Author:** ![bmw7777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b2d939/32.png) [@bmw7777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmw7777)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2011, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/8 "2011-04-10T22:39:50Z")
You guys are pros! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/9 "2011-04-11T16:53:02Z")
> [@bmw7777](#): > > I want to know if anyone can translate what this says. I took this picture at the Sedlec Ossuary in Czech Republic. It looks like German to me. Can anyone help? > > [Imgur: The magic of the Internet](http://i.imgur.com/qtQ0y.jpg)… Interesting. Was there a seal or insignia at the bottom there? ---
**Author:** ![Mechanical\_Whispers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mechanical_whispers/32/276_2.png) [@Mechanical\_Whispers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mechanical_Whispers)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/10 "2018-08-09T10:54:38Z")
I know this is an old thread, but while researching this very thing, I came across this board. Thank you for your help! I may have been able to fill in some blanks. Though I’m not entirely sure this is 100% correct. “Der Wohl Edel Gebohrne Ritter herr Wentzel Multzer von Rosenthal, Weilandt Ihro kais. Maj. C. VI. gewester Obrist Leutenant Zu Pferdt, Versdjiden den 28 Aprill 1741 Seines Alters 69 Jahr. gott Lass ihn Seelig Ruhen.” “The noble-born knight Wentzel Mültzer of Rosenthal, at the time of His Imperial Majesty Charles VI. Former Lieutenant-Colonel of the cavalry, Dedicated the 28 April 1741, his age 69 years. God let him rest in peace.” And yes, there is a coat of arms underneath this inscription. I took this photo on a recent trip there: [https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/95cec0260b9932320ef5160ac777b812/5BF63DD4/t51.2885-15/fr/e15/s1080x1080/38215606\_1311603178975531\_6588805910276079616\_n.jpg](https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/95cec0260b9932320ef5160ac777b812/5BF63DD4/t51.2885-15/fr/e15/s1080x1080/38215606_1311603178975531_6588805910276079616_n.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![kk\_fusion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kk_fusion/32/15276_2.png) [@kk\_fusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kk_fusion)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/11 "2018-08-09T11:11:43Z")
> [@Mechanical\_Whispers](#): > > I know this is an old thread, but while researching this very thing, I came across this board. Thank you for your help! I may have been able to fill in some blanks. Though I’m not entirely sure this is 100% correct. > > “Der Wohl Edel Gebohrne > Ritter herr Wentzel Multzer von > Rosenthal, Weilandt Ihro kais. Maj. > C. VI. gewester Obrist Leutenant Zu > Pferdt, Versdjiden den 28 Aprill > 1741 Seines Alters 69 Jahr. gott > Lass ihn Seelig Ruhen.” > > “The noble-born > knight Wentzel Mültzer of > Rosenthal, at the time of His Imperial Majesty > Charles VI. Former Lieutenant-Colonel > of the cavalry, Dedicated the 28 April > 1741, his age 69 years. God > let him rest in peace.” > > And yes, there is a coat of arms underneath this inscription. I took this photo on a recent trip there: > [https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/95cec0260b9932320ef5160ac777b812/5BF63DD4/t51.2885-15/fr/e15/s1080x1080/38215606\_1311603178975531\_6588805910276079616\_n.jpg](https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/95cec0260b9932320ef5160ac777b812/5BF63DD4/t51.2885-15/fr/e15/s1080x1080/38215606_1311603178975531_6588805910276079616_n.jpg) Almost correct: …_Verschieden_ (deceased) den 28. April 1741 … ---
**Author:** ![Mechanical\_Whispers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mechanical_whispers/32/276_2.png) [@Mechanical\_Whispers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mechanical_Whispers)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/12 "2018-08-09T11:43:20Z")
Thank you! Though, isn’t it odd that it is spelled “Verschiden”? Seems there’s an “e” left out. Or does that spelling imply death? Does anyone know the origin of the coat of arms. Looks like a double headed eagle and a griffin on top, perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/13 "2018-08-09T11:52:20Z")
> [@Mechanical\_Whispers](#): > > I know this is an old thread, but while researching this very thing, I came across this board. Thank you for your help! I may have been able to fill in some blanks. Though I’m not entirely sure this is 100% correct. > > “Der Wohl Edel Gebohrne > Ritter herr Wentzel Multzer von > Rosenthal, Weilandt Ihro kais. Maj. > C. VI. gewester Obrist Leutenant Zu > Pferdt, Versdjiden den 28 Aprill > 1741 Seines Alters 69 Jahr. gott > Lass ihn Seelig Ruhen.” Slight modifications, spelling, punctuation, nothing important but a slightly more accurate transcription. The two dots over the y in Maÿ are an old abbreviation sign. The word would be Mayestät (Majestät in modern spelling, = Majesty). Kais. is for Kaiserlichen (or whatever the proper ending is, I get lost :)). Verschiden (modern spelling Verschieden) doesn’t mean dedicated, it means departed/passed away/nice word for “died”. “Der Wohl Edel Gebohrne Ritter herr Wentzel Mültzer von Rosenthal, weilandt Ihro Kais. Maÿ C. VI: gewester Obrist Leutenant Zu Pferdt, Verschiden den 28 Aprill 1741 Seines Alters 69 Jahr. gott Las ihm Seelig Ruhen.” ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/14 "2018-08-09T11:53:21Z")
> [@Mechanical\_Whispers](#): > > Thank you! Though, isn’t it odd that it is spelled “Verschiden”? Not really. Spelling wasn’t too regularized back then—sometimes not even within the same document. Variation between i, ie, y, and ü was not unusual. ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/15 "2018-08-09T11:54:51Z")
> [@Mechanical\_Whispers](#): > > Thank you! Though, isn’t it odd that it is spelled “Verschiden”? Seems there’s an “e” left out. Or does that spelling imply death? Some of the spelling is definitely old-fashioned. Some may also just be inaccurate. (It’s difficult to erase on stone, and you can’t crumple it up and start again. Once something is set in stone, it’s… yeah. :)) ---
**Author:** ![Mechanical\_Whispers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mechanical_whispers/32/276_2.png) [@Mechanical\_Whispers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mechanical_Whispers)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/16 "2018-08-09T12:15:53Z")
VERY interesting. Thank you all!! ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/17 "2018-08-09T13:25:34Z")
> [@Mechanical\_Whispers](#): > > VERY interesting. Thank you all!! Hope you’ll hang around. We’re trying to attract new members. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/18 "2018-08-09T13:36:41Z")
> [@bmw7777](#): > > I want to know if anyone can translate what this says. I took this picture at the Sedlec Ossuary in Czech Republic. I edited the title to indicate the country (instead of CZ). Please take the time to make your titles clear. My first thought was that you meant the Panama Canal Zone. ---
**Author:** ![Mechanical\_Whispers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mechanical_whispers/32/276_2.png) [@Mechanical\_Whispers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mechanical_Whispers)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/19 "2018-08-09T14:02:14Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Hope you’ll hang around. We’re trying to attract new members. I certainly will. This site seems like it’d be great for research! ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-plaque-found-in-czech-republic/577838/20 "2018-08-10T12:28:42Z")
> [@Mechanical\_Whispers](#): > > I certainly will. This site seems like it’d be great for research! There are lots of experts on here in all kinds of fields. If I can’t find an answer with Google I post the question here and usually get an answer.