to pick s.o. up

ich meinte nicht das konkrete abholen mit dem auto oder so, sondern im sinne von aufgaben kreieren die bezug zum täglichen leben von schülerInnen nehmen --> sie da abholen wo sie stehen

kann man auch in diesem sinne to pick s.o. up verwenden?
aber wie lautet dann der ganze satz?


danke nochmal für alle tips!

This has been discussed before, without coming up with anything really brilliant IMO, but so that we are all on the same page:

  related discussion:etw./jdn. dort abholen wo

Even with context, this is probably difficult to translate, but the translation probably depends a lot on the precise context.

This may not be very helpful, but I think this sort of phrase is difficult to translate because it conflates several concepts (not all of which are important in a given context), implies a number of assumptions and leaves out a number of things that may be important. In context the task may be easier because some of the implications or assumptions are obvious or irrelevant.

In such a situation, I would attempt to analyze the components;
I would say the phrase implies:
1)the intention of getting a person to do something (probably by persuasion, perhaps by argument)
2) metaphorically going to where the person is, probably to look at things from his perspective (or at least pretend to do so)
3) the assumption that one's own intention will not change when one sees things from the other person's point of view
4) an attempt is then made to motivate the person to metaphorically go with the speaker to a different location, i.e. to follow a certain course of action which probably involves a change of viewpoint.
5. Since this is a politician’s phrase, any pretence or dishonesty implied in the above must not be made apparent in the translation.
6. The other person involved is probably being viewed as having a particular social role (e.g. potential voter; social services client or religious convert) and this may need to be made explicit in the translation.

In brainstorming mode, I would think of things like:
engage them
empathize with them
appreciate where they are coming from
meet them on their own ground
try to see things from their perspective (or through their eyes)
explain things from their point of view
adapt our reasoning to their way of thinking
recognise that they see things differently and adapt our approach accordingly
acknowledge their concerns and address them
address the issues that matter most to them
address the challenges that they face
. . .

I suppose, often, it really means thinking about who you are talking to before giving the same old speech over and over again -- and pretending that you care a toss about anything other than getting your way or their vote.

thank you very much for your help!your suggestions clarified a lot and i think i have found an appropriate translation now.

have a nice day!


sandra

Which one is it, sandra?

Yeah, Sandra.
Don't leave us in the lurch!
;)

Forum = nehmen und geben!

to cater to someone's (specific) needs

would work here, IMO