FAQ

\"We have an intern from England. Why can\'t he/she do this?\" That\'s what you often hear. However, it is recommendable to contract an expert, even for short texts. Of course, a person can write texts in his/her mother tongue, but not everyone has perfect grammar and style, not even in his/her mother tongue. Or knows the particular terminology of any given specialization.

Both activities are related but can clearly be distinguished. Translators transfer text in written form from one language into another, while interpreters transfer speech orally from one language into another. Translators translate texts in different fields, such as technical, legal or medical translations, software localization, literary texts, subtitles and so on. An interpreter usually works as simultaneous or consecutive interpreter of speeches, discussions and negotiations at conferences or in court, for example.

I am a translator, i.e. I usually transfer written texts. However, please feel free to contact me if you need an interpreter for talks with customers or training sessions. I am happy to help you. If you need a person for simultaneous interpreting, I can recommend you a specialized colleague.

Translations are normally charged on a word or standard-line basis, proofreading and certified translations by the hour. Since every text is different, I cannot offer fixed rates. Prices depend on the language combination, special field/terminology, degree of difficulty, deadline, etc. I would be happy to send you a quote free of charge. Please send me your files without obligation.

Basically, all file formats can be used. However, I recommend editable files (such as .docx, .xml, .idml, .pptx, .rtf, .html, etc.). They allow working with translation memory systems (CAT tools), i.e. databases, in which all translated sentences are saved. If the same sentence or a similar one is used in the same translation or in a later one, the stored translation can be reused, speeding up translation and ensuring consistency, i.e. higher quality. Discounts might be available for these \"matches\" so that your future translation will be more economic.

If you have to submit documents to authorities, they often require a translation performed by an officially approved translator. In 2006, I was sworn in by the regional court of Rottweil, so that I am entitled to offer certified translations in the language pairs Spanish-German and Romanian-German.

In Germany, translators do not qualify as a “regulated profession” in terms of the European Professional Qualifications Directive: no one can stop an unqualified person from working as a translator. You will find numerous translators on the market with limited language skills or lack of expertise in a special field. As a result, you receive a low-quality translation.

When you entrust a professional with your translation, this translator should possess the required qualifications, just as a doctor, for example, because, when you are sick, you certainly want to be attended by an expert as well.

The German Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators (BDÜ) has established strict entrance criteria. Therefore, you can rest assured that you are working with a qualified translator. I have been a member of BDÜ Baden-Württemberg since 2006.

Due to my university studies and membership in our professional association, I have built up networks with colleagues offering Italian, French, Arabic, Hungarian, Portuguese, Russian translations and so on. I am happy to recommend you a suitable translator/interpreter.

Test translations are sometimes requested for larger projects. Please feel free to contact me.