I am sorry to say that in German "acht" is just "eight" and not the imperative form of "achten" (to respect, to pay attention), not even coloquially. The correct imperative of "achten" would be "achte", "achtet" or "achten Sie". As a noun, "die Acht" survives only in old idioms like "in Acht und Bann tun" (to ostracize). "Acht" is an albeit very rare German surname. Currently there is no "Iris Acht" in the telephone directory.
 
Dieter Zimmer, Berlin
----- Original Message -----
From: Carolyn Kunin
To: NABOKV-L@LISTSERV.UCSB.EDU
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 5:20 PM
Subject: [NABOKV-L] Wer ist Iris?

Clayton Smith on Iris Acht... Translated,“acht” would have a meaning akin to the authoritative command, “Pay attention!” Given Nabokov’s knowledge of German and penchant for linguistic games, there can be little doubt that he is telling astute readers in no uncertain terms to look at this passage, and specifically Iris Acht, very carefully."


Dear Mr Smith,

Please don't forget the original Iris Acht - - an unfortunate actress who dies young in a wild novel, the victim of a gray villain. 

Carolyn Kunin
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All private editorial communications, without exception, are read by both co-editors.