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Certified Translations for the language combinations
English - German - English / Spanish - German- Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Accredited, sworn or licensed translators - what is their job?
2. What exactly is your job title?
3. Interpreter and translator - what`s the difference?
4. How are certified translations made out?
5. Do you need the original documents for the certification of translations?
6. Do you also translate from English into Spanish and vice versa?
Accredited, sworn or certified translator - why are they needed and what exactly is their job?
In Germany, the translator`s profession is not legally protected or regulated which means that everybody who considers himself qualified may offer translation services. In order to guarantee correct and accurate translations, especially public authorities often require certified translations which can only be provided by accredited or sworn translators. They are appointed by the court of their domicile and authorized to certify translations.
What exactly is your job title?
I am a sworn translator for English and Spanish, state-examined and authorized by the Munich Regional Court I, and I am licensed to certify translations. However, I am not an interpreter.
Interpreter and translator - what`s the difference?
An interpreter translates spoken words while a translator works with the written word. The training to become an interpreter has another focus.
How are certified translations made out?
Each certified translation is verified with seal and signature to attest the accuracy and completeness of the translation and the correct rendering of the original text. Then the translation is fixed to a copy of the original text and sealed. In Bavaria, the translator states that he/ she was sworn in Bavaria, the language the text was translated from, place and date and whether the original document, a certified copy or a normal copy had been submitted to the translator. A certified translation is only valid in conjunction with the original seal from the translator, not from a translating agency, and it may not be sent via email.. What is certified, in the sense of “confirm”, is the accuracy of the translation, but the translator does not authenticate or certify a document the way a notary would.
Do you need the original documents for the certification of translations?
In principle, I do not necessarily require the original document. “Certification” does not mean that documents are authenticated or certified, but the accuracy of the translation is confirmed. Therefore, the only important point is that the documents, that are to be translated, are complete and perfectly readable.
However, in many cases I do in fact prefer to base the translation on an original. Copies of official records from public authorities are, for example, often illegible and bear many stamps which must be translated or explained,, and it is much easier to put documents of irregular formats and sizes in an envelope and post them.
Do you also translate from English into Spanish and vice versa?
No, since my mother tongue is German and with respect to quality and expenditure of time, I share the opinion of many colleagues that it is not advisable to translate “between two foreign languages”. Furthermore, I am only authorized to certify translations for the language combinations English-German-English and Spanish-German-Spanish.
To be continued ...
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