Specialist translations - English - Spanish - German
Why you should entrust a specialist translator with your text
It is not very difficult to look up words in a dictionary. Google Translate, DeepL and similar sites now provide good results at first glance with some types of texts. With simple, general language texts this may be sufficient for informational purposes, however what if you need translations in special areas? You will hardly be satisfied with a literal translation. When looking more precisely an expert will also determine errors with the online translations, which are perhaps not noticed by a layman.
A specialist translator has the corresponding linguistic and specialist training, education and many years of experience in his specialist fields. As a rule, he works in 2-3 languages, which he has studied for many years. He knows the peculiarities and pitfalls of his language combinations. He is familiar with the right reference works and must not spend a long time searching.
Whether the field of law with its German legalese or the IT industry with many Anglicisms – each sector has its characteristic style. The specialist translator transfers this specific style and the tone into the target language. This not only requires knowledge and experience, but also sensitivity for the language.
He is familiar with the file formats, which are usually used for the common types of texts in his field. Thus, a translator in the specialist fields of law and business mostly works with MS-Office programmes such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint, a technical translator is competent in layout and setting programmes such as e.g. Indesign. A document translator who often receives PDF files or documents in a paper format, knows how to convert these into editable documents using text recognition programmes (OCR) and then format these quickly and in a good way. If the documents have to be certified, he knows the statutory regulations.
A trained translator often works with translator tools, the so-called CAT tools (Computer Aided Translation) such as for example Trados, Across or MemoQ. These tools support and optimise the translation process.
The advantages of a specialist translator? Efficient, careful processing, know-how and quality.
Translation of legal texts/judicial translations
As a legal translator sound knowledge of the underlying legal systems is required – i.e. of the country, from which the text that is to be translated stems, as well as of the country, for which the translation is determined. The specialist translator assesses the legal importance of the text content, identifies risks for linguistic or legal misunderstandings and finds the corresponding terminology in the target language.
Legalese consists of terms of general language, which in the legal context often deviate from general language. Owing to the specialist, legal contexts they are given a new meaning.
At this point, there may be transfer problems between laymen and experts, because both in fact use the same expression, however they do this with a different meaning.
A specialist translator is aware of these differences.
The aim of the legal translator is to render the source text precisely, objectively and in full. The translator has the task to provide help with understanding.
Legal translations based on practical experience
I completed an apprenticeship as a legal secretary and worked as a judicial employee at the labour court for six years. Through this practical activity in the legal field, my experience as a legal translator and regular further training I know what is important.
Examples for legal translations
- Contracts (among others purchase contracts, employment contracts, real estate contracts)
- General Business Terms and Conditions
- Correspondence for lawyers
- Court judgements and orders
- Notarial deeds
- Wills and testaments
- Request for foreign assistance in judicial matters
Translation of contracts
Examples for translation of contracts
- Purchase contracts
- Real estate contracts
- Loan agreement
- Rental agreement
- Employment contract
Commercial translations for business and trade
Owing to the globalisation trade relations exist worldwide. English and Spanish are among the most widespread trade languages. In the majority of companies employees are competent in these languages and conduct the fundamental communication themselves. However, if it concerns offers, invitations to tender, specific correspondence or contracts, a qualified translator is needed. I am qualified for this due to my qualification as a specialist translator for business for English and Spanish.
Examples for commercial translations
- Business reports
- Business plans
- Company presentations
- Business correspondence
- Company foundation documents
- Commercial register excerpts
- Presentations
- Press releases
- Training documents
- Websites
- Financial reports
- Privacy policies (GDPR)
Translations in Human Resources (HR)
I regularly translate in the field of Human Resources for international groups. The common texts include training documents, job descriptions, documents for occupational safety and minutes of meetings.
I worked a total of 9 years in a law firm specialising in labour law and at the labour court. Therefore, I have the necessary knowledge of labour law for translating employment contracts and references.
Examples for translations in Human Resources
- Employee training
- Corporate communication
- Job descriptions
- Application documents
- Curriculum vitaes (CVs)
- Certificates, diplomas
- Polizeiliche Führungszeugnisse
Document translations – certified translations of documents
Document translations are certified translations, which are required for presentation to authorities or courts.
Customers are mostly private persons, who, for example, stem from overseas and would like to get married in Germany. The registry office requires for this a certified translation of the birth certificate.
Translations, which are required for overseas, can also be certified in the foreign language. An Apostille or legalisation is required for some countries.
Lawyers request certified translations of written pleadings for submission to the court. Courts and public prosecutor’s offices commission the translation of documents, which are required in the proceedings.
Examples for document translations
- Personal status documents (e.g. birth or marriage certificates)
- Judgements
- Statements of claim
- Diplomas, certificates
- Driving licences
- Notarial deeds (e.g. last wills, contracts)