Translation
Testimonials
certified translation of certificates
Certified translation of your certificate: Fast, Secure & Recognised!
Are you facing the challenge of having your certificate translated and certified for international purposes? A certified translation is often essential for applications abroad or the recognition of qualifications. In this article, you'll learn what to pay attention to in order to ensure that your documents meet the requirements. For personal advice, please feel free to contact us.
The topic briefly and concisely
A certified translation is essential for recognition of certificates abroad. It ensures that your documents are accepted by authorities and institutions.
The choice of a qualified, court-sworn translator is crucial. This ensures the accuracy and completeness of the translation and avoids rejections. The application success rate can be increased by up to 30%.
Pay attention to the certifications and quality standards of the translation service. Thorough examination and text proofreading ensure the quality of your translation and prevent costly mistakes.
Do you need a certified translation of your certificate for studies, work, or official purposes? Learn all about the process, the costs, and how to find the right translator. Find out more now!
Definition and Meaning of Certified Translations
A certified translation of certificates is more than just transferring text into another language. It is an official translation prepared by a court-sworn translator and comes with a certification note. This note confirms that the translation matches the original and is thus legally valid for official purposes. This type of translation is especially important when you wish to have your educational qualifications recognised abroad or when applying to international companies. The EXXACTO Translation Agency GbR, founded by graduate translator Eva Bartilucci, specialises in such translations.
The main purpose of a certified translation is to demonstrate the authenticity and accuracy of the translation for official purposes. This is crucial since many institutions and authorities abroad only accept documents whose translations are certified by a qualified translator. Without this certification, you may face issues in having your certificates recognised. Uni-assist, for example, requires both the original document and a certified translation from sworn translators for certain documents.
When You Need a Certified Translation
There are various situations in which a certified translation is indispensable. These include:
Studying Abroad: When applying to foreign universities and colleges, a certified translation of your school certificate or university degree is generally required.
Recognition of Qualifications: If you wish to have qualifications obtained abroad recognised in Germany, you will need a certified translation of the relevant documents.
Applications to Foreign Employers: Many international companies require a certified translation of your employment reference or other relevant qualification certificates.
Visa Applications: For certain visa applications, particularly for employment or study purposes, the submission of certified translations is necessary.
Official Procedures: Certified translations may also be necessary for various official procedures, such as applying for a residence permit.
Beglaubigung24 offers certified translations starting at €56.50 per page and employs only state-certified translators. It is advisable, therefore, to inform yourself early about the need for a certified translation to avoid delays.
How to Succeed with Certified Translation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the Right Translator
The first and most important step is selecting a suitable translator. Ensure that the translator has been sworn in by a German court, ideally the regional court. This swearing-in is an indication that the translator has the necessary qualifications and competencies to produce certified translations. The translator's qualification is crucial as only translators sworn in by a court can guarantee the legal validity of the translation. For example, Lingidoo works exclusively with sworn translators to ensure official acceptance of the translation.
Getting a Quote and Placing an Order
Once you've found a suitable translator, obtain a quote for the certified translation of your certificate. Costs can vary depending on the language combination, scope, and nature of the certificate. Many providers offer fixed prices for standard documents, while individual quotes are prepared for more complex cases. It's advisable to obtain multiple quotes to compare prices and find the best offer. Pay attention not only to the price but also to the experience and reputation of the translator. At EXXACTO, for example, you receive up-front transparent pricing and delivery time information.
Translation and Certification Process
Once you've placed the order, the translator begins producing the certified translation. The translator not only converts the certificate's text into the target language but also ensures that all relevant information, such as grades, stamps, and signatures, is accurately reproduced. After the translation, the translator adds a certification note, their stamp, and signature to the document. This note confirms that the translation corresponds with the original and is therefore legally valid. Mentorium points out that the certification note confirms the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
Delivery and Storage of the Translation
Upon completion of the certified translation, you will usually receive it both as a PDF file via email and as a hard copy by post. Delivery times can vary depending on the provider, with some also offering express options. It is advisable to store the certified translation carefully as you may need it multiple times. Keep both the digital and printed versions handy to access them when necessary. For instance, Alphatrad offers team-based project management with a dedicated contact person.
Cost and Duration: How to Plan Your Certified Translation
Factors Influencing the Price
The cost of a certified translation depends on various factors. Here are the key elements:
Language Combination: Rare language combinations are often more expensive than common languages like English or French.
Volume of the Certificate: The more pages the certificate includes, the higher the cost.
Type of Certificate: Translating a complex university certificate may be more demanding than a simple school certificate.
Express Surcharges: If you need the translation particularly quickly, express surcharges may apply.
It is important to consider these factors when planning your certified translation to avoid unexpected costs. Olingua states that the cost for the certified translation of a single certificate often ranges between 30 and 100 euros.
Price Range and Provider Comparison
The price range for a certified translation can vary depending on the provider. Some providers offer fixed prices starting at around 35 euros per page, while others create individual quotes. It is advisable to obtain several quotes to compare prices and find the best offer. Pay attention not only to the price but also to the quality and experience of the translator. Beglaubigung-Expert offers, for example, the certified translation of a school certificate starting at 35 euros per page.
How to Accelerate the Translation
The duration of a certified translation depends on various factors such as the complexity of the text and the translator's workload. The standard processing time is usually 2-3 working days for a digital copy and 5-6 working days for a hardcopy. If you need the translation faster, you can usually use an express service. This can reduce the processing time to less than 24 hours, but is generally associated with additional costs. Lingidoo offers, for example, an express delivery within 12 hours.
Certified vs. Simple: When Each Type of Translation Makes Sense
Acceptance by Authorities
The main difference between a simple and a certified translation is acceptance by official bodies. Simple translations are generally not accepted by authorities, universities, and other institutions. For official purposes, a certified translation is essential. This is because only a certified translation provides assurance that the translation is accurate and complete. For instance, uni-assist does not accept simple translations from translation agencies.
Translator’s Qualification
Another important difference is the qualification of the translator. Simple translations can be done by any translator, whereas certified translations can only be performed by court-sworn translators. These translators have demonstrated their language skills and legal knowledge and are authorised by a court to produce certified translations. Beglaubigung24 employs exclusively state-certified translators.
Legal Validity and Purpose
A certified translation has legal validity and serves as an official document. It can be submitted to authorities, courts, universities, and other institutions to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the translation. A simple translation, on the other hand, has no legal validity and cannot be used for official purposes. A simple translation may suffice if you merely wish to understand the content of a document without needing to use it officially. Mentorium recommends always using a certified translation for official submissions to ensure compliance.
School report, work reference & more: Specifics of types of certificates
School Reports: Correctly Translating Grades and School Systems
When it comes to the certified translation of school reports, it is particularly important to translate grades and school systems accurately. The structure and length of school reports can vary depending on the federal state, which makes translation even more challenging. It is crucial that the translator is familiar with different school systems and translates the grades in a way that is understandable in the target country. The beglaubigte-uebersetzung.eu highlights that the structure of school reports varies by federal state.
Employment References: Decoding Phrasing
Employment references present a particular challenge as they often contain encoded phrases that require a nuanced translation. The translator must be able to accurately convey the employer’s appreciation, even if it is not explicitly stated. It is important that the translator has experience with translating employment references and is familiar with the specific phrasing used. The beglaubigte-uebersetzung.eu emphasizes that employment references, due to their coded language, pose a special challenge.
University Diplomas: Accurately Conveying Academic Degrees
For the certified translation of university diplomas, it is important to accurately convey academic degrees and qualifications. The translator must have expertise in the respective field to ensure that the translation is correct and understandable. It is also essential that the translator is familiar with the different academic systems and translates the degrees in a way that they are recognized in the target country. Uni-assist states that translations must be prepared by sworn or court-authorized translators or institutions.
IHK Certificates: Observing the Standardized Format
IHK examination certificates have a standardized format that must be taken into account during translation. The translator needs to be familiar with this format and ensure that all relevant information is accurately represented. It is also important that the translator knows the specific terms and abbreviations used in IHK certificates. The beglaubigte-uebersetzung.eu points out that IHK examination certificates have a standardized format.
How to Find the Best Translation Service: Focusing on Quality Features
Certifications and Quality Standards
When selecting a translation service, you should consider certifications and quality standards. Certifications like ISO 17100, ISO 9001, and ISO/IEC 27001 ensure that the provider maintains high-quality standards. For example, ISO 17100 is an international standard for translation services that sets requirements for translator competence, quality assurance processes, and project management. Beglaubigung24 is certified according to ISO 17100, ISO 9001, and ISO/IEC 27001.
Experience and Expertise
Another important factor is the experience and expertise of the translation service. Choose a provider with experience in translating certificates and expertise in the relevant field. A translator with experience in translating job references will, for example, be better able to correctly interpret the coded phrases. Fachuebersetzungsdienst emphasizes the importance of translators with expertise.
Language Combinations and Data Protection
Ensure that the provider offers the required language combination. Not all translation services offer translations in all languages. It is also important that the provider adheres to data protection policies and security measures to ensure the confidentiality of your documents. Make sure the provider treats your documents confidentially and does not share them with third parties. EXXACTO offers, for example, fast processing and free shipping.
Certified Copy or Original: What You Really Need
Certified Copies: When They Are Sufficient
For submission to authorities and other institutions, a certified copy of the original is often required. A certified copy is a copy of a document that has been certified by an authorised body, such as a notary or a public office. The certifying body confirms that the copy matches the original. In many cases, a certified copy is sufficient to prove the authenticity of the document. Mentorium states that a certified copy of the original can be obtained from notary offices or public authorities.
Original Documents: When They Are Required
In some cases, institutions require the submission of the original certificate along with the certified translation. This is often the case when applying to foreign universities. The university wants to ensure that the original certificate truly exists and is not fraudulent. Therefore, it's important to check in advance which documents the respective institution requires. For example, Uni-assist requires the submission of original certificates.
Certification of Copies of Translations
A sworn translator can certify copies of their own translations, but not the original documents. This means that if you need a copy of the certified translation, you can have it certified by the translator. The certification of the copy confirms that it matches the original translation. Uni-assist notes that sworn translators can certify copies of their own translations.
Avoiding Errors: How to Ensure the Quality of Your Translation
Incomplete or Incorrect Information
A common error with certified translations is incomplete or incorrect information. Carefully review the translation for completeness and accuracy. Pay special attention to names, dates, and grades. Ensure that all information is accurately rendered and free of errors. It's advisable to have a second person proofread the translation to avoid mistakes. For example, the Fachuebersetzungsdienst offers text proofreading.
Incorrect Interpretation of Phrases
Another mistake can be the incorrect interpretation of phrases, especially in reference letters. Ensure the translator correctly interprets the specific phrasing in reference letters and accurately conveys the employer's appreciation. It is important that the translator has experience in translating reference letters and is familiar with the coded phrases. The beglaubigte-uebersetzung.eu emphasizes that reference letters present a particular challenge due to their coded language.
Missing Certification and Qualifications
Ensure the translation is certified by a court-sworn translator. A missing certification invalidates the translation. Also, ensure that the translator has the necessary qualifications and expertise to complete the translation. A translator without experience in translating certificates may not be able to produce a correct translation. For instance, uni-assist does not accept simple translations from translation agencies.
Certified Translation: Your Key to International Recognition
More useful links
Uni-assist provides information on the requirements for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications in Germany, including the necessity for certified translations.
FAQ
What is a certified translation of a certificate and when do I need it?
A certified translation is an official translation performed by a sworn translator and is accompanied by a certification note. You need it for official purposes such as studying abroad, recognition of qualifications, or applications to international companies.
How can I find a qualified translator for a certified translation of my certificate?
Ensure that the translator has been sworn in by a German court, ideally the regional court. This swearing-in signifies the necessary qualifications. Many providers like Beglaubigung24 or Lingidoo work exclusively with sworn translators.
What types of certificates can be certified translated?
Various types of certificates can be certified translated, including school reports, employment references, university diplomas, and chamber of commerce certificates. Each type of certificate may have specific requirements for translation.
How long does a certified translation take and what does it cost?
The duration depends on the complexity and workload of the translator. Typically, it takes 2-3 business days for a digital copy and 5-6 business days for a hard copy. Costs often range between 30 and 100 Euros per page, but they may vary depending on the language combination.
Are my grades converted in a certified translation?
No, grades are generally not converted into other systems. However, the existing scales are translated to ensure comparability. It's essential that grades are accurately and clearly represented.
What is the difference between a simple and a certified translation?
A simple translation has no legal validity and is not accepted by authorities. In contrast, a certified translation is produced by a sworn translator and holds legal validity for official purposes.
Can I have a certified copy of my translation made?
Yes, a sworn translator can certify copies of their own translations. This confirms that the copy matches the original translation. For example, Uni-assist accepts certified copies of translations.
What should I consider when translating employment references?
Employment references often contain coded phrases that require nuanced translation. The translator needs to accurately convey the employer's appreciation. It's important to choose a translator with experience in translating employment references.
