Certified translations

As a rule, authorities and courts require presentation of translations in a certified form. Qualified, examined and sworn translators are used for this purpose, who have proven their specialist and personal eligibility.

A document translator is publicly appointed and sworn by a court (other designations are certified, generally sworn or authorised). Even if the regulations and designations vary in the various federal states, the certified translation of a document by a translator sworn or appointed in Bavaria is valid nationwide.

Completeness and accuracy of the translation

As a rule, a document is to be translated completely. In some cases a “translation of excerpts” is possible, with which the omitted parts are to be marked. The translator may not leave anything out. The document is to be translated factually correct. Thus, the completeness and accuracy of the translation are confirmed, not the authenticity of the document that is to be translated.

With regard to its external appearance the translation should correspond with the original document as far as possible. The format will be reproduced as far as possible. If, for example, seals, coats of arms or photos or also deletions are located on the document, these will be pointed out by the document translator.

The wording of the attestation clause is stipulated.

As a rule, a copy of the translated document is attached to the translation.

With translations for overseas additional proof is required for some countries. I will be pleased to be of assistance to you with the procurement of an Apostille or legalisation.

If you require a further copy you can subsequently also order certifications at a later time.

 

Authorisation as a sworn translator

My authorisation as a sworn translator at Würzburg Regional Court entitles me to certify translations and to use the designation „publicly appointed and sworn translator for the English and Spanish language“.

With my stamp and with my signature I confirm the accuracy and completeness of my translation for official and court purposes.

You can find more information pertaining to this topic in the document translations area

State-approved translation

Certified translations

Apostille/legalisation

If a public document is issued in a country and has to be submitted in another country, certain prerequisites are to be fulfilled.

The Apostille is a form of certification for simplification of the international authentication procedure. The countries create Apostilles, which signed the “Hague Convention on the Exemption from Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents” in 1961. The Apostille is an official certificate, which certifies the authenticity of court, notarial and official documents and deeds. Legalisation is, if applicable, necessary for countries, which did not accede to the Hague Convention.

Translations are expert services and do not apply as public documents. The responsible court President can, however, confirm the capacity of the translator and certify his signature. This official note constitutes a public document, for which, on the other hand, a Hague Apostille or legalisation can be issued.

If a translation certified in Germany is submitted overseas then it is the responsibility of the law of the state whether this translation is recognised.

Translations for overseas with Apostille/legalisation

An Apostille must be obtained for translations for several countries. If you require a translation for overseas, please ask the body to which you have to submit the translation whether an Apostille or a legalisation is necessary. I will be pleased to assist you with the procurement of an Apostille or legalisation or will carry this out on your behalf.

Translations from overseas with Apostille

If you have a foreign document translated into German that bears an Apostille then the Apostille must also be translated. Otherwise the translation is not complete.

Court documents

Within the scope of court proceedings procedural-preparatory written pleadings as well as court transcripts, court orders and judgements must be translated. Transcripts of questioning, penalty orders, certificates of inheritance or divorce judgements are also among the frequently translated types of texts.

I have experience in translating legal texts, among others in the fields of criminal law, civil law, family law, inheritance law, company law, contract law and labour law.

Due to my former work in a law firm and at a court I have the practical association with these documents.

 

Contracts

My most important field of translation is the translation of contracts.

Notarial deeds

If, for example, real estate transactions are conducted in Spain, the real estate purchase contracts have to be translated into German and certified. Powers of attorney, wills and testaments, declarations of consent are also frequently translated and required as a certified translation.

Personal documents

Documents, which are most frequently translated, include personal status documents. Translations of birth certificates or excerpts from the register of births and single status certificates are often required if a person, who stems from overseas, would like to get married in Germany and have to submit their documents in the registry office for this purpose.

A certified translation of the birth certificate is required for the registration of a child born overseas at the citizens’ registration office or for the recognition of a paternity.

The translation of the death certificate and the will and testament are required in order to regulate the estate of deceased persons.

As a rule, these translations must be certified for presentation to authorities.

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Certificates, references and Diplomas

In order to apply for studies at a university or another education institution, an apprenticeship or to seek work translations of foreign certificates such as High School leaving examination certificates, Diplomas or work references are required.

Police conduct certificates also have to be frequently submitted as a translation.

An application must be filed for a state recognition of the foreign qualification certificate for many professions so that they may be performed in Germany. A certified translation of the qualification title is requested for this purpose.

Higher education institutions and some employers often only accept the translation in a certified form.

The translation of various qualifications such as Bachelor certificates, PhD and doctoral certificates, vocational college certificates account for a large part of my work.

Please send me your certificate as a scan by email. I will be pleased to submit you a non-binding offer.

It goes without saying that your documents will be treated confidentially.

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