Moving to Germany can be thrilling. Yet when you settle in a new country, you face a mountain of paperwork as an expat. Many of these papers need official translations to gain acceptance from authorities and institutions. This is where certified translation services step in. This blog will walk you through the process, key facts, and numbers about certified translation services, with a focus on Germany.
Why do professionals in germany need certified translation services?
Certified translation applies when you introduce official documents that are in a foreign language other than German. Certified translation involves having a professional translator, who has been certified by a competent body, translate a document. The translated document accompanies a certification mark, which is an affirmation that it is accurate and true to the original document.
As an expat in Germany, you might need certified translation services for a variety of documents, such as:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Educational degrees and transcripts
- Driver’s licenses
- Work contracts
The German government and other institutions might require certified document translations of your document, which should be in English. This helps them grasp the contents of the documents and ensures the translations are official and reliable.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is not the same as a regular translation. It is an official certified translation that has specific legal requirements. Certified translations in Germany are performed by court-sworn certified translators who are approved by the government agencies and thus are law-trained to translate and certify documents.
For instance, if you need a certified translation of birth certificate in German, it implies that the translation should be carried out by an Official and certified translator, and they should certify the correctness of the translation.
Types of certified translations you may need
Below is a list of common documents that need to be translated:
| Document Type | Purpose | Example Case |
| Birth Certificate | Proof of identity, citizenship, family relations | When applying for a visa or residency |
| Marriage Certificate | Proof of marital status | When registering a marriage in Germany |
| Educational Degrees and Transcripts | Verification of qualifications | Applying for jobs or higher education |
| Driver’s License | Legal permission to drive in Germany | Exchanging a foreign driver’s license |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Verification of criminal history or lack thereof | When applying for certain jobs or permits |
| Work Contract | Proof of employment status and conditions | Applying for a work visa or residence permit |
How to find the best certified translation services near you
Finding best certified translation services close by is a common worry for expats. Germany, fortunately, has a market with good rules for certified translators. You can locate certified German translation services via internet search or government websites.
Most of the translators in Germany are available to work on the net, so online access to certified translation services is always an option while you are at home.
You may type “certified document translation services near me” and locate different providers to choose from. Below is a very short list of things to consider in choosing a certified translator:
- Qualifications: Check if the court has sworn in and certified the translator.
- Know-how: Search for translators who have worked on legal and official papers before.
- Language Match: Be sure the translator can work with the languages you need, like certified English to German translation.
- Feedback: Look at what other customers say to make sure the service is good.
The Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators (BDÜ) says Germany has more than 7,500 certified translators. This group can also help you find certified translation services.
Common challenges expats face with certified translations
Getting a certified translation in Germany may look easy, but expats often run into a few hurdles:
- Cost: Certified translations are more expensive than standard translations. Based on the document and size, €20 to €100 per page is typical.
- Time: Certified translations are available in anything from one week to a few days, so it’s well worth planning well ahead for emergency applications.
- Regional Differences: In some situations, a certified translation in one German state may not be accepted in another. It’s worth checking the specific requirements of the local authority
Here’s a quick table summarizing these challenges:
| Challenge | Description | Solution |
| Cost | Certified translations are often pricier | Get multiple quotes and use online services |
| Time | Translations can take several days to complete | Start the process early to avoid delays |
| Regional Differences | Local authorities may have varying requirements | Confirm with authorities beforehand |
Certified english to german translations: a common requirement
If you’re from a country where English is spoken or where documents come in English, you’ll need a certified English-to-German translation for official needs.
Let’s say you want to apply for a visa or register your family in Germany. In that case, you might need a certified translation of your birth certificate from English to German.
A 2020 survey by Insider showed that more than 60% of expats said they had to hand in certified translations when they applied for residence permits or other legal papers in Germany. English-speaking expats often need English to German certified translations.
Can you get a certified translation online?
Good news! Many certified translation services now offer online options. You can upload your documents to their websites, get a price, and receive your official certified translation by email or regular mail. More and more people are choosing this method because it’s so easy.
Some websites focus on particular paperwork, such as providing official translations of birth records. These sites make sure you receive quick and trustworthy translations without needing to go to the translator’s workplace yourself.
In Germany, online official translation services still need to meet the same legal rules as face-to-face services. The translator must take an oath in court and put the required certification stamps on the translated papers.
How much do certified translations cost?
The cost of certified translations can vary widely depending on the type of document, its length, and the urgency of the translation. Below is an approximate cost table for different types of certified translations:
| Document Type | Average Cost (per page) |
| Birth Certificate | €20 – €50 |
| Marriage Certificate | €25 – €60 |
| Educational Degrees and Transcripts | €30 – €100 |
| Driver’s License | €20 – €40 |
| Work Contract | €50 – €100 |
As a general rule, shorter documents like birth or marriage certificates are cheaper to translate, while longer documents such as work contracts or educational transcripts will cost more.
What expats are saying about certified translations
Expats in Germany frequently share their experiences with certified translators. Many report the importance of choosing the right translation service.
For example, John M, an expat from the UK, says:
“I had to get a certified translation of my birth certificate when applying for a residence permit. It was a bit more expensive than I expected, but it was accepted without any issues by the authorities.”
Another expat, Maria L from Spain, shares:
“I used an online service for my certified English translation. It was very convenient, and I didn’t have to leave my home. I received the document in a few days.”
Conclusion
Certified translations are an integral component of becoming a part of Germany as an expat. For any certified translation of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or academic transcript, you must hire a certified translator sworn in and legally qualified. There are so many certified translation companies online that you can find the best for you.
If you have no idea where to begin, start by looking for certified translation services near me. It can give you a list of professionals who can guide you through the legal process and prepare your documents for submission in Germany.
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– Certified Translation Services in Germany
– Official Translation Services in Germany
– Certified Translation Services: The Need and The SolutionContact our team today to learn more about the Certified Translation Services. You can follow us on Linkedin and X to get the latest insights.