German Sworn Translator

Official translations play a crucial role in legal, administrative and academic exchanges between countries. For any request involving civil status documents, contracts or certificates, you will need the services of a German sworn translator. Such a professional guarantees that your documents will be accepted by the authorities and institutions in both countries. In this article, we explain in detail what a sworn translator is, when you might need one and why it makes sense to use a specialist agency like ours.

TRANSLATION

Sworn and certified
30 per page
  • Certified Translator
  • Official translation
  • Stamped and Stamped
  • 24-hour emergency
  • Postal delivery
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What is a sworn German translator?

Definition and role of a sworn German translator

A German sworn translator is a professional translator approved by a court of appeal, which enables him to produce translations with legal and official value. Unlike a conventional translator, he or she is authorised to certify that the translation conforms to the original and can therefore attest to the accuracy of the translation, whether from German into another language or into German.

This means that his translations are recognised by the public authorities, academic institutions, courts and companies in both countries. Once the translation has been completed, the translator affixes his stamp and signature to validate it. This stamp gives the translated document the same status as the original, making it indispensable in many contexts.

The difference between a sworn translator and a specialist translator

While a specialist translator may have in-depth skills in a technical, legal or financial field, only a German sworn translator can produce a translation that will be recognised as official. This privilege is granted after the translator has taken an oath before a court of appeal, thereby undertaking to produce translations that are faithful and in conformity with the original texts.

In other words, if you need to submit a translated document to a German administration, consulate, university or court, it is imperative that you go through a sworn translator. A conventional or specialist translator will not be able to provide this guarantee of authenticity, which could result in your document being rejected.

When should a sworn German translator be called in?

Contexts in which a sworn translation is mandatory

Situations in which you may need a specialist German sworn translator are many and varied. Here are a few common examples of where its services are indispensable:

  1. Administrative and legal procedures :
    • Birth, marriage and death certificates.
    • Divorce or court judgments.
    • Marriage contracts or notarised documents.
  2. Recognition of diplomas :
    • University diplomas.
    • Transcripts and certificates of studies.
    • Certificates of training or professional qualification.
  3. Immigration and Visa Applications :
    • Certificates of residence, residence permits.
    • Criminal record certificates.
  4. Naturalisation procedures :
    • Documents proving marital status.
    • Declarations of nationality.
  5. Commercial agreements and invitations to tender :
    • Company articles of association.
    • Cross-border trade agreements.
    • Tender documents.

The consequences of an unsworn translation

In some cases, using a non-sworn translation can lead to delays, file rejections and even legal complications. If you submit an uncertified document to a court or administrative authority, your document could be rejected, resulting in additional costs and longer processing times.

Il est donc crucial de vous assurer que la traduction de votre document est effectuée par un traducteur assermenté reconnu par les autorités compétentes, que ce soit à l’étranger ou en Allemagne.

Rates for sworn German translators

Our rates are transparent and competitive for all your sworn translation needs. Below are our standard rates and urgent delivery options:

Sworn translations

Price per page

30€

Delivery times

  • Standard 3 to 5 days

Free

  • Express 48 h

10€

  • Express 24 h

20€

Types of delivery

  • By email

Free

  • Email + Standard postal delivery

5 €

The price The minimum order value is €30.

Delivery times and terms

Our standard turnaround time for a sworn translation is 2 to 3 working days. However, we understand that some situations require faster turnaround. That's why we offer express delivery options:

  • 48-hour delivery 10 supplement per page.
  • 24-hour delivery 20 supplement per page.

For those who prefer to receive their documents in hard copy, we also offer a postal delivery option for an additional cost of €5. Our agency ensures that each document is correctly dispatched and arrives in perfect condition.

How do I choose a good sworn German translator?

Selection criteria for a sworn German translator

To guarantee the validity of your translated document, it is essential to choose your German sworn translator. Here are some criteria to consider:

  1. Official Certification The translator must be registered on the official list of sworn translators with a court of appeal. You can check this information by consulting the online directories of sworn translators.

  2. Experience and specialisation Make sure the translator has proven experience in the field of your document. For example, an employment contract will require specific legal skills.

  3. Deadlines and flexibility A good sworn translator must be able to adapt to your time constraints. At our agency, we offer emergency services for translations requiring delivery in 48 hours (additional charge of €10) or in 24h (additional charge of €20).

  4. Confidentiality Your documents may contain sensitive information. It is therefore essential to choose a translator or agency that scrupulously respects confidentiality.

Why put your trust in our translation agency?

Our agency stands out for its professionalism, experience and ability to adapt to the specific needs of each client. We work with highly qualified German sworn translators who can handle all types of documents, whether administrative, legal or commercial.

Our advantages:

  1. Transparent rates : We offer a basic rate of 30€ par pagewith emergency options and clear surcharges for each additional service.

  2. Simplified ordering process You can place your order directly on our site by uploading your documents and selecting the delivery options that suit you.

  3. Fast and efficient delivery We understand the importance of deadlines, which is why we are committed to meeting agreed deadlines while guaranteeing impeccable quality.

Our sssermented translation process

The sworn translation process at our agency follows rigorous steps to guarantee the authenticity and conformity of documents:

  1. Document reception and analysis : As soon as we receive your document, we carry out a preliminary analysis to assess the content and determine the specific translation requirements.

  2. Translation by a Sworn Translator Your document will be translated by a sworn German translator specialising in the field in question.

  3. Proofreading and validation Once the translation has been completed, it is proofread and validated by another translator to ensure accuracy and conformity.

  4. Certification and Delivery The translator then stamps and signs the document before sending it to you electronically or by post, whichever you prefer.

 

Other languages available on Translatorus

Our translation agency has a network of sworn translators in 46 languages: 

  • Georgian
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Kurdish
  • Laos
  • Lithuanian
  • Macedonian
  • Malay
  • Mongolian
  • Montenegrin
  • Dutch
  • Urdu
  • Pashto

Frequently asked questions about sworn German translations

What types of documents can you translate?

We can translate a wide range of documents, including :

  • Birth, marriage and death certificates.
  • Diplomas, transcripts, academic certificates.
  • Divorce decrees, prenuptial agreements.
  • Employment contracts, tender documents.
  • Company articles of association, certificates of incorporation.

How long does it take to obtain a sworn German translation?

The standard processing time is 1 to 3 working days for a document of 1 to 2 pages. If you need urgent delivery, we offer options in 48h or 24h.

How can I be sure that the translation is valid?

Each document translated by a German sworn translator is stamped, signed and officially certified. This guarantees that the translation is accurate and that the document will be accepted by the authorities.

The crucial role of the sworn German translator

A requirement for legal recognition of documents

Les relations entre l’Allemagne et les autres pays, qu’elles soient d’ordre administratif, juridique, ou commercial, nécessitent souvent la reconnaissance légale de documents d’un pays dans l’autre. Cette reconnaissance ne peut être accordée que si les documents sont traduits de manière officielle. C’est ici qu’intervient le German sworn translator. He guarantees the authenticity of the translations, enabling the documents to be accepted without dispute by the authorities in both countries.

Take the example of a French employment contract that needs to be validated by a German institution. If this contract is translated by a non-sworn translator, the German authorities could consider the document to be invalid, which could lead to delays in processing your application or even to its cancellation. Conversely, a contract translated by a sworn translator will be recognised immediately, speeding up the process and guaranteeing the document's conformity.

The challenges of legal translation into German

Legal translation is one of the most complex areas of translation. Each country has its own legal terms and concepts, which means that a literal translation is not enough. Visit German sworn translator must not only have a perfect command of both languages, but must also understand the legal systems of both countries to ensure that each term is used correctly.

For example, the term "société à responsabilité limitée" in France corresponds to a "limited liability company". « GmbH » in Germany. However, although the terms are similar, the legal responsibilities and incorporation requirements may vary. An inexperienced translator could make a mistake and choose an inappropriate translation, which could distort the content of the document. On the other hand, a sworn translator with legal expertise will be able to interpret the context to provide an accurate and legally correct translation.

Administrative procedures: a headache without a sworn translator

Administrative procedures, whether for obtaining visas, residence permits or diploma recognition, often require sworn translations. For example, if you want to work in Germany, you will probably have to submit translated and certified copies of your diplomas to your future employer or to a German chamber of commerce. Without these documents translated by a German sworn translatoryour application may be rejected or delayed.

What's more, when applying for a residence permit, the German authorities are very strict about the validity of the documents submitted. If you provide an uncertified translation, even one that is correct, the authorities could demand a new translation, which would lead to additional costs and longer delays. This highlights the importance of choosing a certified translator from the outset to avoid any hiccups.

Sworn translations for international tenders

For companies, particularly those operating internationally, invitations to tender represent a major opportunity for expansion. However, to respond to these invitations to tender, it is often necessary to translate a multitude of documents such as the company's articles of association, financial statements, or documents relating to the technical qualifications of the teams. An approximate or unofficial translation could not only make the application difficult to understand, but could also lead to your application being disqualified.

Translations carried out by a German sworn translator guarantee that every document complies with the requirements of German public and private institutions. This allows you to present a solid, clear and legally valid dossier, increasing your chances of winning the tender.

Translation of civil status documents for marriage and divorce

Translations of birth, marriage or divorce certificates are also common requests for a sworn translator. Whether you are planning to get married in Germany or need documents for a cross-border divorce, a certified translation is essential. A simple marriage certificate must be translated accurately, as even the slightest error in names, dates or places can lead to administrative complications.

If you want to get married in Germany, the local authorities will generally require a sworn translation of your birth certificate and, in some cases, your certificate of celibacy. Similarly, if you wish to get divorced, you will need to provide a certified translation of the divorce decree in order for it to be recognised in Germany. Visit German sworn translator guarantees that all the details are correct, making it easier to deal with the authorities.

The role of the sworn translator in naturalisation procedures

Les procédures de naturalisation, que ce soit en à l’étranger ou en Allemagne, impliquent souvent un grand nombre de documents à traduire : certificats de naissance, casier judiciaire, preuves de résidence, etc. Ces documents doivent être traduits par un German sworn translator to be accepted by the naturalisation authorities.

A certified translation certifies that the information contained in the original document has been accurately translated. What's more, in the context of naturalisation, where the authorities scrutinise every document, an incorrect translation could compromise the validity of the entire application. It is therefore essential to use a sworn translator for these procedures.

Specific cases: translation for the recognition of professional qualifications

Many professionals want to work in Germany, particularly in the healthcare, engineering and teaching sectors. To do so, they need to have their professional qualifications recognised. This involves sworn translations of all diplomas, skills certificates and academic transcripts.

For example, a French civil engineer wishing to work in Germany will need to provide certified translations of his or her university diplomas as well as documents proving his or her professional experience. Only a German sworn translator is authorised to translate these documents so that they can be recognised by the relevant chambers of commerce, employment agencies or ministries in Germany.

The key stages in obtaining a quality sworn German translation

Identify the type of document to be translated

The first step in obtaining a sworn translation is to identify the type of document you want translated. Is it a civil status document, a contract, a diploma or a technical document? Each type of document has its own requirements, and the translator must have specific expertise to ensure that the document is translated correctly.

Selecting a specialist sworn translator

Depending on the nature of your document, you need to choose a German sworn translator specialised in the field concerned. For example, a sworn translator with experience in the legal field will be better suited to translating contracts or legal documents, while a translator specialising in the academic field will be better suited to translating transcripts and diplomas.

Check that the translator is officially recognised

Make sure that the translator is on the list of sworn translators published by the Court of Appeal. This list certifies that the translator has taken an oath and is authorised to certify translations. If you work with a translation agency, they should be able to provide you with this information on request.

Proofreading and certification process

Once the translation has been completed, it must be proofread and checked to ensure that there are no errors. The translator then affixes his or her stamp, signature and a declaration of conformity, stating that the translation is faithful to the original.

Get in touch

contact approved translator

Sworn translator for German and other languages :

Our translation agency also offers services in other languages. Here are some of the other languages in which we offer sworn translation services:

There are two factors that can help you determine the price of a sworn translation the nature of the document (number of words, etc.) and the target language. The price of a sworn translation varies according to the nature of the document and the languages involved. Some languages are rarer and therefore cost more than others. In general, sworn translations of common documents such as driving licences or deeds such as marriage certificates, etc. cost between €30 and €60 per page. Finally, this price also depends on the sworn translator; each translator sets his or her own price, so there is no fixed price. However, at Translatorus we offer a fixed price of €30 per page. 

A sworn translator is a translator approved by a Court of Appeal. He or she is considered to be a judicial expert and a ministerial officer, and assists the judiciary and government departments in their work. The sworn translator is responsible for translating official documents from a source language into the language of which he or she is an expert. Once the translation has been completed, the translator's stamp and signature, together with the words "conforms to the original", certify that the document has indeed been translated by his or her expertise. The translation will then be considered accurate and admissible by the courts or the public authorities because it has been translated and certified by a legal expert.

There is no real difference except in the way the two terms are used. It is the translator who is sworn and the translation that is certified. In other words, it is wrong to say "sworn translation", but rather "certified translation" by a "sworn translator".

The original document is not compulsory, but it is recommended. Most sworn translators only receive digital copies of the documents they translate; the original is rarely used. It is therefore perfectly possible to send a scan of your document to the sworn translator, who will translate the document, print out the translation and the digital copy, stamp both and mention "conforms to the digital copy". All that remains is for you to present the two documents to the authorities, along with the original document, so that the authorities can check that the stamped digital document is identical to the original.

No, it is not compulsory to use a translator sworn by a Court of Appeal in your region. All sworn translators are recognised as legal experts. You can therefore call on a sworn translator from another region. The translation will be perfectly acceptable. In this case, you will need to send a digital copy to the translator, who will be able to send you the translation by e-mail and a copy with his or her signature and original stamp by post.

It is compulsory to use a sworn translator for a certain number of documents such as legal proceedings, notarial deeds, bailiff's deeds, administrative deeds and any other document where the original is not the official language of the institution to which the document is presented. If the document is to be presented to the prefecture, the town hall or a legal institution such as the courts, it must be translated and certified by an approved translator, known as a "sworn translator". However, it is best to ask the relevant authority whether it requires a sworn translation of the document.

A sworn translator is a translator approved by a Court of Appeal. If you want to check that a translator is sworn, you can ask him or her which Court of Appeal has approved the translator. Then all you have to do is check the list of legal experts for the Court of Appeal in question and check that the translator's name is listed under translation.

Legalisation of a document is the act by which a document retains its legal value abroad. It is therefore an essential procedure, without which a document cannot be considered legal in a foreign country. That said, some countries have made agreements and do not require legalisation. For this reason, you should check with the relevant authorities before placing your order with a sworn translator.