Services

Certified translation

Birth certificate, university certificate, reference letter or certificate of good conduct – certified translations English – German are my speciality. All jobs can be carried out conveniently online and via post.

Here you will find out all you need to know about certified translations:

Certified translation English – German at AKV Language Services in Berlin and Hildesheim
A certified translation – what is that actually?
Certified translation for abroad
International recognition of documents
Certification of copies
Accompanying service to public authorities and telephone interpreting

Certified translation English – German at AKV Language Services in Berlin and Hildesheim

What would Berlin be without its international flair? Each year thousands of people move to Berlin from other countries, which is what motivated me to specialise in certified translations over the past few years.

I am a ermächtigte Übersetzerin (authorised or sworn translator) for the English language at the Regional Courts in Berlin and Frankfurt am Main. According to section 142 (3) ZPO, my certified translations are recognised Germany-wide and can be used without restriction in Berlin, Hesse, other federal states and abroad to some extent.

Nevertheless, it is always wise to check in advance whether the competent authority has special requirements for the certified translation.

Documents for which I can provide you with a certified translation in English and German include the following:

birth certificate
marriage certificate
certificate of no impediment
divorce certificate
certificate of registration
certificate of naturalisation
passport
recommendation letter
employment reference
driver’s licence
university transcript
Bachelor’s certificate
Master’s certificate
degree certificate
diploma
certificate of good conduct
bank statement
invoice
rental contract
and much more

Benefit from my experience as a sworn translator for certified translations. Working with me is quick and easy. Just send me a complete copy (in high-quality) of the documents to be translated as a scan or photo via email to mail@akv-language-services.de, and you will receive a quote from me as quickly as possible. You are also welcome to use my contact form.

The order procedure is usually carried out completely online and you will receive your certified translation by post within a few days. If you are in a rush, I can send you a soft copy via email before posting the original. I usually don’t need to see the original document for the translation.

Below you will find more detailed information about certified translations.

A certified translation – what is that actually?

If you move to Germany, you will soon discover that you won’t get far with documents in English.

German authorities and bodies such as the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Registration Office), Standesamt (registry office), Finanzamt (tax office), Arbeitsamt (employment office), the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Registration Office), court or universities, expect to see all important documents in German – and namely in the form of a certified translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung).

That also applies to the respective national language when using German documents abroad.

«Hello, I require a notarised translation. Are you a state certified translator?»

The first conversation with my clients usually looks something like this. It is often the case that specific names used as part of the red tape, cause a great deal of confusion. They often refer to a beeidigte Übersetzung (sworn translation), staatlich anerkannte Übersetzung (state recognised translation), offizielle Übersetzung (official translation) or also notariell beglaubigte Übersetzung (notarised translation).

Yet in principle, all these names have the same meaning: A certified translation by a “court-sworn translator”, which is recognised as an official document by public authorities, administrative bodies and other authorities. A translator needs to prove special qualifications in order to be judicially accredited. Depending on the federal state, a translator authorised to carry out a certified translation is either called a allgemein ermächtigter Übersetzter (authorised translator), beeidigter Übersetzer (certified translator), vereidigter Übersetzer (sworn translator) or öffentlich bestellter Übersetzer (publicly appointed translator). The most commonly used name in English is “sworn translator” although not all translators in Germany are sworn as mentioned before.

All of these translators have the same task: They render certificates and other documents into another language in accordance with certain specifications. They subsequently confirm the accuracy and completeness of the translation with their official stamp and their signature. Therefore, a beglaubigte Übersetzung (certified translation) should actually be called “bestätigte Übersetzung” (confirmed translation).

For a certified translation it is important for the document to be translated in its entirety, in other words, all emblems, stamps, seals, marginal notes, abbreviations, headers and footers and instructions in the small print, need to be noted and translated by the translator. Finally a copy of the original document (with optimal legibility), is then attached to the translation.

Are you still with me? Wonderful! Welcome to the infamous German bureaucracy.

In the FAQ you will find a short summary of the most important information on this page.

Certified translation for abroad

If you require a certified translation for abroad, you should inquire in advance as to whether the competent authority will accept the translation from Germany. Upon request, I can also help you with this.

Some countries require the court to confirm the translator is authorised. In my case, the Berlin Regional Court or the Frankfurt am Main Regional Court are responsible for this court-certification. It costs about €20 and requests are usually handled quickly.

International recognition of documents

Use of foreign certificates in Germany

If you intend on using a foreign certificate in Germany, the authenticity of the certificate needs to be confirmed in most cases. Depending on the document’s country of origin, this confirmation is called Apostille or legalisation.

Inquire with the competent German authority or body in advance, as to whether they have specific requirements for the recognition of foreign certificates, to ensure there are no problems or delays. An Apostille or legalisation also needs to be translated.

You can get more information at the Foreign Office:

General information in English and German

Use of German certificates abroad

If you want to use a German certificate abroad, an official confirmation of its authenticity may also be necessary. Depending on the country for which the certificate is intended, an Apostille or legalisation needs to be issued.

It is best to inquire about the applicable provisions at an early stage as well as how you can apply for an Apostille or legislation.

You can find out more on the subject in the Service Portal for the City of Berlin or on similar portals for your place of residence, for example. The Foreign Office also provides detailed information:

General information in English and German.

Certification of copies

Certified copies of documents can, for example, be obtained at a Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Registration Office) as an official certification or at a notary as a public certification. You can find more information for Berlin in the Service Portal for the City of Berlin or at the Berlin Chamber of Notaries.
Other cities provide similar information sites.

Public authorities and telephone interpreting

Do you need an interpreter for a visit to the authorities or a telephone call? Or do you need support with your first steps in Germany?
I can gladly put you in contact with a colleague who specialises in this service. Please get in contact with me; I would be happy to help you.