§ Virtual Assistant for Certified Translation

Note regarding the choice of language

As a state-certified and sworn-in translator, I only translate in my own responsibility from and into German, English, and Polish. Should you be looking for a linguist for any other language, I recommend the searching tool of the Federal Association of Translators and Interpreters BDÜ. Further information regarding this topic can be found on my website here.

Note regarding the place of intended use

My certified translations are recognised by all public authorities, administrative bodies, courts, universities and any other public institutions across Germany and the entire European Union. As there is no automatic guarantee that translations certified by a German-based court translator will be accepted everywhere abroad, it is wise to enquire directly with the relevant authority of the target country. De facto however, certified translations from Germany are honoured everywhere without trouble. Further information on this topic can be found on my website here.

Note regarding certification based on the original

It is possible to certify the conformance of the translation with an officially certified duplicate or an uncertified duplicate (simple copy or scan). The certification of conformance of the translated text with the actual original document is only necessary if this is explicitly asked of you.

A hardcopy of the original document is attached to the translation in each case. This means that the conformance of the original document and the translation can be easily recognised by any third party, even when the translation is certified based “only” on a copy thereof. If you are not providing me with the original document in its physical form, it is of great importance that your copies or scans are complete and legible. Otherwise, sections of the document included in the original (e.g. stamps) can be missing, which could result in the certified translation being rejected by the receiving party.

Although a copy of the original is always attached to the translation, I strongly recommend that you present the certified translation always together with the actual original document (or an officially certified copy thereof) to the authorities.

You may possibly be asked by a German authority to submit an "amtlich beglaubigte Kopie" or "öffentlich beglaubigte Kopie" of your document. An officially certified copy of this kind has nothing to do with certified translation. You will obtain a certified copy of the document from the Bürgeramt (Citizens Office) or a notary.

Note regarding the apostille

The apostille or legalisation confirms that the official document is authentic. Normally, the content of such certification needs to be translated as well. You will find more information on this topic here.

You may additionally order the certified translation:

1. In the form of a simple scan (JPG/ PDF file). The scan has no legal validity but can still be submitted with most authorities before providing the original document. This way you can expedite your process or meet a deadline.

2. In the form of a document certified by qualified electronic signature. The digital translation contains a professional attribute and is legally valid just like a “physical” certified translation with seal and signature. Digitally certified translations will only be accepted if the authority in question is able to process them.

Note regarding translation costs for private customers

Translation costs can be refunded for private customers in certain cases (e.g. by the employer, authority or insurance company) either in full or in part. Feel free to inform me if you need a formal cost estimate for submission with the institution that is going to assume the costs or definitely will have to pay the fees by yourself. In unclear cases I will be happy to advise you on the fees accordingly.