Need a certified translation for official use in Germany or abroad? We provide certified translation services for all languages and specialist fields, prepared for submission to public authorities, courts, government offices, universities, companies, law firms and international institutions worldwide.
From certificates, diplomas and academic records to contracts, patent documents, court files and specialist texts, your documents are translated by sworn, publicly appointed or state-authorised translators. Thanks to our worldwide network, we cover all language combinations as well as all common types of official documents, business documents and specialist texts – in line with the formal requirements of the receiving authority or institution. Where required, translations can also be carried out in accordance with ISO 17100 on the basis of our certified processes.
The result: a certified translation that is complete, formally correct and ready for official submission – with no unnecessary back-and-forth and no additional coordination effort on your part.
For many years, companies, law firms, institutions, private clients and translation agencies have relied on Bohemian Dragomans for certified translations. Our clients value our specialist expertise, certified workflows, legally reliable translations and on-time delivery.
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Proven expertise since 2008: For almost two decades, we have specialised in certified and sworn translations. Our extensive experience ensures expert handling of documents intended for public authorities, courts, universities and international contractual matters.
Trusted by leading global companies: Renowned corporations and international brands rely on our professionalism and dependability. Our references include AIDA, Allianz, Bosch, Audi, Daewoo, DEKRA, Dell, Deutsche Post, Deutsche Telekom, Hugo Boss, Huawei, Renault, Rolex, Siemens, thyssenkrupp, adidas, AEG and many more.
Certified quality processes: Our translation agency is certified in accordance with the international DIN EN ISO 17100 standard. This means clearly defined quality procedures, complete project documentation and an independent four-eyes review, with each translation checked by a second qualified professional translator.
Global network covering all languages: We work with sworn, court-authorised and officially appointed translators around the world. This enables us to provide certified translations for virtually every language combination and document type.
Maximum official acceptance: Our certified and sworn translations are accepted by public authorities, courts, government agencies, universities and other institutions in Germany and abroad.
Convenient and secure processing: Benefit from secure digital data exchange in accordance with strict GDPR requirements, transparent fixed prices, a digital PDF copy in advance and fast delivery of the certified original by post or courier.
Comprehensive support: We do more than translate your documents. Our team also advises you on more complex requirements, including apostilles, legalisation and additional official authentication.
Hier ist eine ausführlichere und für eine englischsprachige Website logisch angepasste Fassung:
Many clients use the term “certified translation” when what they actually require for official use in Germany is a sworn translation. In the German legal and administrative system, this usually means a translation prepared by a translator who has been duly sworn, authorised or officially appointed by a German court or competent authority.
The translator certifies that the translation is complete and accurate by adding an official certification statement, stamp and signature. Depending on the issuing authority and the purpose of the document, the translation may be required in its original signed form and may also need to be submitted together with a copy of the source document.
Internationally, the term “certified translation” is used much more broadly. It generally refers to a formally confirmed and professionally prepared translation intended for submission to public authorities, courts, universities, banks, employers, immigration offices or other official institutions. However, the exact requirements vary considerably from country to country. A translation considered certified in one jurisdiction may not automatically meet the formal requirements of another.
At Bohemian Dragomans, you benefit from both: a formally compliant certified or sworn translation for official use, prepared by an appropriately authorised translator, and a professionally managed translation process in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17100.
This means that we fulfil the formal requirements applicable to certified and sworn translations while also applying internationally recognised quality standards throughout the project. These include the careful selection of qualified translators, professional project management, terminology consistency, documented quality assurance and, where required, an independent review by a second qualified linguist.
The result is a translation that is linguistically accurate, technically reliable, professionally verified and suitable for submission to official institutions. We also check the specific requirements of the intended recipient wherever possible, helping you avoid unnecessary delays, rejected documents or additional certification procedures.
So wird klar erklärt, dass certified translation international ein Oberbegriff sein kann, während sworn translation die formale deutsche Behördenlogik genauer abbildet.
The turnaround time depends primarily on the length and complexity of the document, the language combination and the availability of a suitably sworn or authorised translator.
Small documents: Short and straightforward documents can often be translated and certified within one to two business days. For particularly urgent requests, we also offer an express service with delivery within as little as 12 hours, subject to the language combination, document type and translator availability.
Standard documents: Single-page official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, school certificates or simple civil-status documents, are generally completed within two to four business days. You will normally receive a digital preview copy by email first. The signed and stamped original is then dispatched by post or, where requested, by express courier.
Extensive contracts and court documents: Larger or more complex document packages, including commercial register extracts, multi-page notarised agreements, legal contracts or court files, require an individual schedule. The exact turnaround time will be clearly stated in your fixed-price quotation before you place the order.
Please note that postal or courier delivery times are additional to the translation turnaround time. Where only a digital copy is accepted by the receiving institution, delivery may be possible considerably sooner.
Yes. For particularly urgent certified or sworn translations, such as documents required for court deadlines, visa applications, university admissions or time-sensitive business transactions, we offer an express service with completion within 6 to 12 hours.
For standardised and clearly legible documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas and school certificates, same-day completion is often possible. Availability depends on the language combination, document type, length and the availability of a suitably sworn or authorised translator.
Once completed, you will first receive a scanned PDF copy of the signed and stamped translation by email. This allows you to review the document and, where digital submissions are accepted, forward it to the relevant authority or institution without delay. As acceptance of electronic copies varies, we recommend confirming in advance whether the receiving organisation requires the original paper version.
The signed and stamped original will be dispatched immediately by express post or courier. Please state clearly when submitting your enquiry that you require the 6–12-hour express service, and include your exact deadline and intended country or authority so that we can confirm feasibility without delay.
The cost of a certified or sworn translation starts at €15. However, there is no universal flat rate, as every document must be assessed individually. The final price depends on several factors:
Length and complexity: The number of words, lines or pages, as well as the complexity of the content, affect the price. A short standard certificate will generally cost less than a document containing complex legal, financial or technical terminology.
Language combination: Common language combinations, such as English–German, are usually more economical than less frequently requested combinations for which only a limited number of suitably sworn or authorised translators are available.
Document type and formatting: Certificates, diplomas, contracts, court documents and handwritten records may require different levels of formatting and processing. Poorly legible documents, tables, stamps, handwritten notes or complex layouts may also increase the amount of work involved.
Certification requirements: The price may vary depending on whether you require one or several signed and stamped originals, additional certified copies or a translation prepared for use in a specific country or before a particular authority.
Additional services: Optional costs may apply for tracked or express delivery of the original documents, urgent processing within 6–12 hours, apostilles, legalisation or additional authentication.
Transparent fixed-price quotation: Simply send us a clear scan or photograph of your document and tell us the target language, intended country or authority and required deadline. We will promptly provide you with a free, non-binding fixed-price quotation with no hidden costs.
Certified or sworn translations are generally required whenever public authorities, courts, universities or other official institutions request an accurate and formally certified version of a document issued in another language.
The translation is prepared by a duly sworn, authorised or officially appointed translator and includes a certification statement confirming that it is a complete and accurate rendering of the source document. It is usually accompanied by the translator’s stamp and signature, making it suitable for submission to the relevant authority or institution.
Typical personal and business situations in which certified or sworn translations may be required include the following:
Certified translations are often needed when applying to a university abroad, seeking employment in another country or applying for recognition of a foreign professional qualification in Germany or elsewhere.
Commonly requested documents include:
Certified translations may be required when registering an international marriage with a civil registry office or when having a marriage performed abroad recognised in another country.
Frequently requested documents include:
Companies may require certified translations when establishing a business abroad, registering a foreign branch or subsidiary, opening an international bank account or completing official corporate procedures.
Typical documents include:
Certified translations are frequently required when relocating permanently, applying for a work or residence visa, obtaining permanent residency or applying for citizenship.
Typical documents include:
When an estate involves more than one country, certified translations may be needed for probate proceedings, inheritance claims or the transfer of assets.
Relevant documents commonly include:
Courts, public prosecutors, lawyers and other legal professionals may request certified translations in international litigation or cross-border legal matters.
Typical documents include:
The formal requirements vary depending on the country, authority and intended purpose of the document. A certified or sworn translation may be sufficient in one case, while another institution may also require the source document or the translator’s signature to carry an apostille, legalisation or additional authentication.
We therefore recommend confirming the exact requirements directly with the authority or institution that will receive the document before placing your order.
Companies, tax advisors, auditors and finance departments entrust us with certified translations of annual financial statements, management reports and commercial law documents. Our work combines precise legal and financial terminology with a clear understanding of accounting and reporting requirements, ensuring that each translation is formally accurate, professionally prepared and suitable for its intended purpose.
Bohemian Dragomans is known for certified translations that are accurate, legally reliable and delivered on time. With clearly defined, certified workflows, qualified specialist translators and dependable project coordination, we ensure that every assignment is handled professionally, securely and transparently from start to finish.Our clients include public-sector organisations, translation agencies in Germany and abroad, courts and authorities, companies from industry and commerce, and thousands of private clients who require certified translations for official purposes.
Bohemian Dragomans is a trusted language partner for thousands of private clients, businesses, public authorities and translation agencies in Germany and abroad. Our services range from certified translations and specialist translations to complex multilingual projects.
As a DIN EN ISO 17100-certified language service provider, we work with defined processes for translation quality. Your documents are handled securely and in compliance with the GDPR, while our internal quality management follows structured, quality-assured workflows aligned with ISO 9001 principles.
Whatever the document, subject area or file format, we have the expertise to handle it. With a global network of more than 5,000 qualified linguists, we provide reliable certified translations in all major languages – precisely tailored to the document type, field and intended use.
From individual certificates to complete document packages, we make certified translation requests simple. Upload your files online, send them by email or contact us by phone, and we will review your documents and provide a transparent fixed-price quote within 30 minutes on business days. Our Germany-wide best price guarantee applies, with express processing and express delivery available for urgent requests.
Die Formulierung “legally binding translation” würde ich vermeiden: Die Beglaubigung bestätigt die Richtigkeit und Vollständigkeit der Übersetzung, verleiht dem Ausgangsdokument aber nicht automatisch zusätzliche Rechtswirkung. Zudem gibt es weltweit kein einheitliches System für „certified translations“.
A certified or sworn translation is a formally certified translation of an official document intended for submission to public authorities, courts, universities, immigration offices, banks, employers or other institutions.
It is important to distinguish between the legal systems of different countries. The terms certified translation, sworn translation and official translation are not defined or used in exactly the same way worldwide. The formal requirements therefore depend on the country in which the translation will be submitted, the receiving institution and the intended purpose of the document.
In Germany, a certified translation is generally prepared by a translator who has been duly authorised, publicly appointed or sworn by a German court or competent authority. The precise professional designation varies between the individual German federal states.
At the end of the translation, the translator adds an official certification statement confirming that the translation is a complete and accurate rendering of the document presented. The translation is normally dated, personally signed and provided with the translator’s official stamp.
The certification relates to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. It does not necessarily confirm that the original document itself is genuine or legally valid. The translator also usually states whether the translation was prepared from an original document, a certified copy, an uncertified copy, a scan or another form of reproduction.
Certified translations prepared in this manner are commonly used for submission to German:
Registry offices and immigration authorities
Courts and public prosecutors
Universities and recognition authorities
Notaries and commercial registers
Employers and professional bodies
Tax offices and other government agencies
German judicial authorities maintain an official database of translators and interpreters who have been sworn, authorised or publicly appointed by the competent authorities. (justiz.de)
There is no single European certification system that applies identically in every country. Some European countries have official registers of sworn translators, while others use different procedures involving authorised translators, notaries, courts, ministries or professional certification statements. The requirements can therefore differ even between neighbouring countries. (e-justice.europa.eu)
For certain public documents exchanged between EU Member States, EU Regulation 2016/1191 simplifies the formalities. Depending on the document and the countries involved, an apostille may no longer be required, and a multilingual standard form may sometimes replace a separate translation. These rules apply only to specified categories of public documents and do not automatically determine whether the legal content or effects of a document must be recognised by another Member State. (European Commission)
The United Kingdom follows a different approach. For many official and immigration procedures, a full translation must include confirmation that it accurately reflects the original, together with the date, the translator’s name and signature, and the translator’s contact details. A German-style court-sworn translator is not required for every British procedure, although the receiving authority may impose additional conditions. (GOV.UK)
The United States does not have a single nationwide system equivalent to the German system of court-sworn translators.
For submissions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, foreign-language documents generally have to be accompanied by a complete English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the source language into English. (USCIS)
Similar principles apply to many U.S. visa procedures. The U.S. Department of State requires certified translations in relevant cases, including a signed statement confirming the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s competence. However, individual embassies, consulates, courts, universities and state authorities may apply additional or different requirements. (Reise.state.gov)
Depending on the recipient, a translation may also have to be notarised, prepared by a registered translator or accompanied by further authentication. It is therefore advisable to confirm the exact requirements with the receiving U.S. authority before ordering the translation.
Requirements in countries outside Germany, the European Union and the United States vary considerably. Depending on the destination country, the authority may require:
A translation by a locally licensed or sworn translator
A translation prepared by a translator sworn in the country of origin
Notarisation of the translator’s signature
Certification by a court, ministry or embassy
An apostille under the Hague Apostille Convention
Consular legalisation or additional authentication
Submission of the original document together with the translation
A German certified translation may be accepted directly in some countries. In others, the translator’s signature may first require authentication, or the document may have to be translated or certified again by a locally authorised translator.
An apostille does not confirm that the content of a document or translation is correct. It authenticates the origin of the relevant public document, particularly the signature, the capacity in which the signatory acted and, where applicable, the seal or stamp. (HCCH)
The decisive factor is always the requirement of the authority or institution receiving the translation. Before placing your order, you should therefore clarify:
The country in which the translation will be used
The authority or institution receiving it
Whether a digital copy is sufficient
Whether a signed and stamped paper original is required
Whether the source document or translation needs an apostille, notarisation or legalisation
Whether the translation must be completed by a translator authorised in a particular country
At Bohemian Dragomans, we select the appropriate sworn, authorised or professionally qualified translator based on the language combination, destination country, document type and intended use. This ensures that your translation is not only linguistically accurate but also prepared in accordance with the applicable formal requirements.
A certified or sworn translation and an apostille serve two different purposes.
A certified or sworn translation confirms that the translated text is a complete and accurate rendering of the document submitted to the translator. It is normally prepared by a duly sworn, authorised or officially appointed translator and includes a certification statement, the translator’s signature, official stamp and date.
An apostille, by contrast, does not confirm that the content of a document is correct and does not verify the accuracy of its translation. It authenticates the signature on a public document, the official capacity in which the signatory acted and, where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp appearing on the document.
A document may therefore require both:
Authentication of the original public document by means of an apostille or legalisation
A certified or sworn translation of the document and, where necessary, of the apostille or legalisation endorsement
The Hague Apostille is used between countries for which the Hague Apostille Convention of 5 October 1961 is in force.
It replaces the more complex diplomatic or consular legalisation procedure with a single certificate issued by a competent authority in the country from which the public document originates. The apostille is attached directly to the original public document or to an official page connected to it.
For example, a German birth certificate intended for use in another contracting state may first need to receive an apostille from the competent German authority. The certificate and the apostille can then be translated into the required language.
Whether an apostille is actually required depends on the country of destination, the type of document and the requirements of the receiving authority. Certain international agreements and EU rules may exempt particular documents from apostille or legalisation requirements.
Where the destination country does not participate in the Hague Apostille Convention, or where the Convention is not applicable between the countries concerned, the document may need to undergo legalisation.
Legalisation is generally carried out by the embassy or consulate of the country in which the document will be used. Before the diplomatic mission completes the legalisation, one or more German authorities may first have to authenticate the document. These preliminary stages are often referred to as prior authentication, final authentication or superlegalisation.
The exact procedure varies considerably depending on:
The country in which the document was issued
The country in which it will be submitted
The type of public document
The issuing authority
The requirements of the relevant embassy, consulate or receiving institution
In some countries, standard legalisation procedures have been suspended or replaced by a separate verification process. The requirements should therefore always be checked for the specific country and document concerned.
Under German practice, a translation itself is generally not considered a public document. The translator’s certification statement, signature and stamp do not automatically turn the translation into a public document. The translation itself therefore cannot normally receive an apostille or be legalised directly.
Where a foreign authority requires additional authentication of a German sworn translation, the competent court may first issue an official certificate confirming that the translator is duly sworn or authorised. This official court certification constitutes a public document and can subsequently receive an apostille or, where required, undergo legalisation.
This procedure is frequently described as the authentication or superlegalisation of the translator’s signature. Whether it is necessary depends exclusively on the requirements of the country and institution receiving the translation.
The correct order of the individual steps is particularly important. Depending on the receiving authority, the required procedure may be:
Obtain the apostille for the original public document.
Have both the document and the apostille translated.
Obtain any additional authentication required for the translator’s signature.
In other cases, only the source document requires an apostille, while the certified translation does not need further authentication. Some authorities may also accept a multilingual public document without a separate translation or apostille.
For this reason, the document should not be translated before the exact requirements have been clarified. An apostille added after the translation has been completed may itself have to be translated, resulting in additional work and costs.
Bohemian Dragomans assists you in determining which type of certified or sworn translation is appropriate for the intended country and authority.
Our services include:
Certified and sworn translations of official documents
Certified translations of apostilles and legalisation endorsements
Assessment of the required language combination and document format
Advice on the appropriate order of translation, apostille and legalisation
Coordination of additional authentication procedures where available
Preparation of signed and stamped originals for international submission
Express delivery by post or courier
Please send us a clear scan or photograph of the complete document and let us know the country, authority and purpose for which it will be used. We will assess the requirements and provide you with a transparent, non-binding fixed-price quotation.
Additional authentication, sometimes referred to as higher-level authentication, final authentication or superlegalisation, is a procedure in which a higher authority confirms the authenticity of a signature, seal or previous official certification.
It creates a formal chain of authentication. Each authority verifies the signature, official capacity or seal of the authority or official at the preceding level. It does not confirm that the content of the document is correct, nor does it verify the accuracy of a translation.
For example, a document may first be signed or certified by a notary, court official or sworn translator. A competent court, ministry or administrative authority may then confirm that the signature is genuine and that the signatory was authorised to act in that official capacity.
Additional authentication is generally relevant when a public document is to be used in another country and the receiving authority requires formal proof of its origin.
The exact procedure depends on:
The country in which the document was issued
The country in which it will be used
The type of document
The authority or person who signed it
The requirements of the receiving institution
The applicable international agreements
The competent authority may therefore be a regional court, state authority, federal authority, ministry or another officially designated body.
Where the Hague Apostille Convention applies between the issuing country and the destination country, the apostille normally replaces the traditional diplomatic legalisation procedure.
The apostille authenticates the signature, the official capacity of the signatory and, where applicable, the seal or stamp on a public document. It does not authenticate the document’s substantive content.
Depending on the type of document, a prior authentication step may nevertheless be necessary before the competent authority can issue the apostille. This applies particularly where the authority issuing the apostille cannot directly verify the original signature.
Where the Hague Apostille Convention does not apply, the destination country may require legalisation by its embassy or consulate.
Before a diplomatic mission legalises a document, the signature may first have to be authenticated by one or more authorities in the country of origin. For foreign documents intended for use in Germany, the German Federal Foreign Office notes that legalisation commonly requires prior authentication by the foreign ministry or another competent authority in the issuing country.
A typical authentication chain may therefore consist of:
Signature or certification by the original issuing authority, notary or other authorised person
Authentication by a court, ministry or administrative authority
Final authentication by a national authority, where required
Legalisation by the embassy or consulate of the destination country
This multi-stage procedure is often described as superlegalisation.
A sworn translator’s stamp and signature certify the completeness and accuracy of the translation. However, a foreign authority may also require official confirmation that the translator is genuinely sworn or authorised.
In such cases, the competent court or authority may authenticate the translator’s signature or official status. This authentication can then, depending on the destination country, be followed by an apostille or consular legalisation.
The competent authority and the required sequence vary according to the translator’s place of authorisation and the country in which the translation will be submitted. German courts themselves describe apostille and legalisation procedures as forms of authentication used in international document transactions.
Additional authentication is not automatically required whenever a document is used abroad. It may be unnecessary where:
An apostille is sufficient
A bilateral agreement removes authentication requirements
EU rules simplify the circulation of certain public documents
The receiving authority accepts the document without further authentication
A locally authorised translation is sufficient
You should therefore confirm the exact requirements with the authority, embassy, consulate, court or institution receiving the document before beginning the procedure.
Bohemian Dragomans can advise you on the appropriate sequence of certified translation, prior authentication, apostille and legalisation. We can also translate the relevant apostilles, authentication certificates and legalisation endorsements where required.
A completed certified or sworn translation usually consists of several clearly identifiable elements. Its exact appearance may vary depending on the country, the competent court, the translator’s authorisation and the requirements of the receiving authority.
The translated text reproduces the complete content of the source document as accurately as possible. The formatting is normally based on the structure and layout of the original so that the individual sections can be easily compared.
Names, dates, identification numbers, headings, tables and official references are reproduced with particular care. Elements that cannot be translated as ordinary text are described in square brackets, for example:
[Stamp: Civil Registry Office of Sampletown]
[Handwritten signature]
[Official seal]
[Illegible handwritten note]
[Coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Germany]
[Embossed stamp]
Crossed-out passages, amendments, damaged sections or illegible text are also indicated where relevant. The translator does not remove, correct or silently interpret information appearing in the original document.
The translation ends with a formal certification statement in which the sworn or authorised translator confirms that the translation is complete and accurate.
The wording of this statement may vary according to the translator’s jurisdiction and professional designation. It normally states:
That the translation is a true, complete and accurate rendering of the submitted document
The source and target languages
The form in which the source document was presented
The place and date of certification
The translator may specify whether the translation was prepared from:
The original document
A certified copy
An uncertified copy
A scanned copy
A photograph or electronic file
This distinction can be important because some authorities require the translator to have seen the original or a certified copy, while others accept a translation prepared from a scan.
The certification statement is signed personally by the duly sworn, authorised or officially appointed translator. The translator also applies their official stamp.
Depending on the applicable German federal-state regulations, the stamp generally contains information such as:
The translator’s name
The languages for which the translator is authorised
The translator’s official professional designation
The competent court or authority
The shape and exact wording of the stamp are not identical throughout Germany. Although round stamps are common, the decisive factors are the translator’s valid authorisation, certification statement and original signature.
A copy of the source document is often attached to the certified translation. This enables the receiving authority to identify exactly which document was translated.
The translator may add identifying marks, page numbers, initials or stamps to both the translation and the attached copy. Multi-page documents are normally numbered or otherwise marked to show that all pages belong together.
Depending on the translator’s practice and the requirements of the receiving authority, the translation and the copy of the source document may be securely attached to each other.
Common methods include:
Stapling and stamping across the joined pages
Eyeleting the documents
Folding and sealing a corner
Using a ribbon, seal or tamper-evident attachment
Applying the translator’s stamp across adjoining pages
The purpose of this attachment is to make it more difficult to replace or remove individual pages without detection.
A permanent physical connection is not mandatory in every case. The required form depends on the relevant jurisdiction, the document type and the authority to which the translation will be submitted.
After completion, clients often receive a scanned PDF copy of the signed and stamped translation by email. This digital version is useful for reviewing the translation or submitting it in advance.
However, many authorities, courts and registry offices still require the paper original bearing the translator’s handwritten signature and original stamp. A PDF scan does not automatically have the same formal status as the original certified translation.
Before ordering, it is therefore advisable to clarify whether the receiving institution accepts:
A digital PDF copy
A qualified electronically signed translation
A signed and stamped paper original
The translation together with the original source document
An apostille or additional authentication
At Bohemian Dragomans, you normally receive a digital preview copy first, followed by the signed and stamped original by post, express delivery or courier.
Certified or sworn translations are required whenever an official document issued in one language must be submitted to an authority, court, university, employer, bank or other institution in another country or language.
Their purpose is to provide the receiving organisation with a complete and formally confirmed translation of the original document. The translator certifies that the translated text accurately and fully reflects the document presented for translation.
Typical documents for which a certified or sworn translation may be required include:
Birth, marriage and death certificates
Diplomas, school certificates and academic transcripts
Court judgments and legal submissions
Police clearance certificates
Commercial register extracts
Articles of association and company documents
Powers of attorney and notarised agreements
Employment records and professional qualifications
Immigration, visa and citizenship documents
An ordinary translation is often insufficient for official procedures because the receiving institution needs formal confirmation of its accuracy and completeness. Depending on the jurisdiction, the translation may therefore have to be prepared by a sworn, court-authorised, officially appointed or otherwise qualified translator.
Certified translations also help prevent misunderstandings and procedural delays. Names, dates, official titles, reference numbers, stamps, handwritten notes and other relevant elements are reproduced or clearly described so that the translated document can be compared with the source.
Bohemian Dragomans is your experienced partner for professionally prepared certified and sworn translations. As a language service provider certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17100, we apply clearly defined quality procedures, work with appropriately qualified translators and ensure professional project management from the initial enquiry to delivery.
We provide certified and sworn translations in virtually all languages and for a wide range of personal, legal, academic and commercial purposes. Where required, we can also advise you on additional formalities such as apostilles, legalisation, additional authentication and the delivery of signed and stamped originals.
Certified and sworn translations are subject to specific legal, formal and quality-related requirements. However, there is no single set of rules that applies identically in every country. The decisive factors are the country in which the translation will be used, the receiving authority, the type of document and its intended purpose.
In Germany, a certified translation must be issued by a translator who has been duly sworn, authorised or publicly appointed by a competent court or public authority.
The exact professional title varies between the German federal states. Depending on the jurisdiction, terms such as sworn translator, authorised translator, publicly appointed translator or generally sworn translator may be used.
The German justice authorities maintain an official nationwide database listing translators and interpreters who have been sworn, authorised or publicly appointed for work involving courts, public authorities and notaries. Their professional qualifications are generally assessed in accordance with the applicable federal-state legislation.
For documents intended for use outside Germany, different rules may apply. Some countries recognise translations prepared by German sworn translators, while others require a translator registered or licensed in the destination country. The requirements of the receiving authority should therefore always be confirmed in advance.
A certified translation must reproduce the complete content of the document presented to the translator. Relevant passages may not be omitted, summarised or altered.
This applies not only to the main body of the text but also to elements such as:
Headings and footnotes
Stamps, seals and coats of arms
Signatures and handwritten notes
File numbers and reference numbers
Tables, annotations and marginal notes
Crossed-out or subsequently amended passages
Illegible, damaged or missing sections
Visual elements are usually described in square brackets, for example:
[Official stamp: Civil Registry Office of Sampletown]
[Handwritten signature]
[Embossed seal]
[Text illegible]
[Coat of arms]
The translator must not silently correct errors or inconsistencies in the source document. Obvious errors, unusual spellings or discrepancies may instead be reproduced or identified in a translator’s note.
The translation should follow the structure of the source document closely enough to allow the receiving authority to compare both versions easily.
An exact graphic reproduction is not always necessary. However, headings, paragraphs, tables, page divisions and other relevant structural features should be presented clearly and logically.
Names, dates, identification numbers, registration numbers and official titles require particular care. Transliteration rules may need to be applied to names originally written in another alphabet. Where an official spelling already appears in a passport or identity document, that spelling should normally be provided to the translator.
A certified translation includes a formal statement in which the translator confirms that the translation is complete and accurate.
The certification statement generally identifies:
The source and target languages
The document that was translated
The completeness and accuracy of the translation
The form in which the source document was presented
The place and date of certification
The translator may specify whether the translation was prepared from:
The original document
A certified copy
An uncertified copy
A scanned document
A photograph or electronic file
This distinction can be important because some authorities require the translator to have examined the original or a certified copy.
The certification statement is normally completed with the translator’s handwritten signature, official stamp and the date of certification.
The wording and appearance of the stamp vary according to the translator’s authorisation and the applicable jurisdiction. It generally contains the translator’s name, authorised language combination and official professional designation.
A scanned signature or a digitally inserted image of a stamp does not necessarily replace the signed and stamped paper original. Whether a PDF copy is accepted depends entirely on the receiving authority.
A copy of the source document is frequently attached to the certified translation so that it is clear which document the certification refers to.
For multi-page documents, the pages may be:
Numbered consecutively
Stapled or eyeleted together
Stamped across adjoining pages
Initialled by the translator
Connected using a seal or another tamper-evident method
The exact method is not identical in every case. The objective is to ensure that the translation, certification statement and corresponding source document can be clearly identified as belonging together.
The translator certifies the accuracy and completeness of the translation. This does not automatically mean that the translator confirms the authenticity, legal validity or factual correctness of the source document itself.
Where the authenticity of a public document must be demonstrated internationally, an apostille, legalisation or another form of official authentication may be required in addition to the certified translation.
The receiving authority ultimately decides whether a translation meets its requirements.
Depending on the procedure, the institution may require:
A signed and stamped paper original
A translation prepared from the original document
A certified copy of the source document
A translator authorised in a particular country
An apostille or legalisation
Additional authentication of the translator’s signature
A specific wording of the certification statement
A digital translation bearing a qualified electronic signature
We therefore recommend confirming the formal requirements with the receiving authority before the translation is prepared.
The legal certification of a translation and quality certification under DIN EN ISO 17100 are two separate matters.
The translator’s judicial authorisation provides the formal basis for issuing the certified translation. DIN EN ISO 17100, by contrast, defines requirements for the resources, core processes and project management involved in delivering professional translation services.
As a translation service provider certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17100, Bohemian Dragomans applies a documented and quality-controlled workflow. This includes:
Selection of appropriately qualified translators
Clear project specifications and instructions
Professional terminology management
Consistency and completeness checks
Documented project management
Secure handling of confidential documents
Revision by a second qualified linguist for projects delivered under the full ISO 17100 workflow
Final verification before delivery
The independent revision provides an additional level of quality assurance. It does not replace the sworn translator’s certification, signature or stamp, but complements the formal certification with a professionally controlled translation process.
This combination ensures that your translation is formally suitable for official use, linguistically accurate, complete, professionally reviewed and processed in accordance with recognised international quality requirements.
In most cases, you do not need to send us your original documents by post in order to receive a quotation or begin the translation process.
A complete, clearly legible scan or high-resolution photograph is normally sufficient. You can submit your files securely by email or through our online enquiry form.
To prepare an accurate fixed-price quotation and ensure that the translation meets the requirements of the receiving institution, please provide:
A clear scan or photograph of every relevant page
The required target language
The country in which the translation will be used
The authority or institution receiving the document
Your requested completion date
Information on whether you require a digital copy, a signed paper original or both
Any specific instructions issued by the receiving authority
Please include both the front and reverse sides of the document if either side contains stamps, notes, signatures, authentication marks or other information. Apostilles, legalisation endorsements, attachments and supplementary pages should also be submitted, even if they contain only a small amount of text.
The translator states in the certification clause which form of the source document was presented. The translation may therefore indicate that it was prepared from:
The original document
A certified copy
An uncertified copy
A scan
A photograph or another electronic reproduction
For many procedures, a certified translation prepared from a clear scan or copy is accepted. However, some registry offices, courts, universities, immigration authorities and other institutions require the translator to have examined the original document or a certified copy.
You should therefore confirm in advance whether the receiving institution:
Accepts a translation prepared from a scan or simple copy
Requires the original document to be presented to the translator
Requires a certified copy of the source document
Expects the source document to be physically attached to the translation
Requires an apostille, legalisation or additional authentication
Where the original must be examined, it can be sent to the translator by insured or tracked post, delivered by courier or presented in person where available.
The document must be clearly legible and submitted in full. Blurred photographs, cropped pages, reflections, shadows or missing sections may prevent names, dates, numbers, stamps or handwritten entries from being translated accurately.
Please ensure that:
All four corners of every page are visible
The image is sharp and sufficiently high-resolution
Stamps and handwritten notes can be read
No text is covered by fingers, clips or other objects
Multi-page documents are submitted in the correct order
Both sides are included where relevant
If parts of the document are illegible, the translator must mark them accordingly and may not reconstruct or guess the missing content.
For documents containing names written in a non-Latin alphabet, please also provide a copy of the relevant passport or identity document where possible. This allows us to use the official spelling already recorded by the authorities and helps prevent discrepancies between the translation and your identification documents.
You should also inform us of any established spellings of company names, addresses, academic institutions or other proper names that must be retained.
Please do not send valuable original documents by post until we have confirmed that they are required and provided the correct delivery address.
In most cases, we can first assess the document, prepare your quotation and begin the project using the digital files. If examination of the original becomes necessary, we will inform you before completion and explain the appropriate procedure.
In everyday language, people often refer to a “certified translator” or “document translator.” Strictly speaking, however, these terms are not always legally precise. It is not the translator who is certified; rather, the translator certifies or formally confirms the completeness and accuracy of the translation.
In Germany, the translator’s official professional title depends on the law of the federal state in which they were sworn, authorised or publicly appointed. The terminology and formal appointment procedures vary between the individual federal states, although all of these forms of authorisation enable qualified translators to issue certified translations for official use.
Internationally, other designations such as sworn translator, authorised translator, official translator or certified translator may be used. Their exact legal meaning varies from country to country.
The following overview shows which statutory professional titles are used in the individual German federal states:
| Official German Professional Title | Applicable German Federal States |
|---|---|
|
öffentlich bestellter und beeidigter Urkundenübersetzer Publicly appointed and sworn document translator |
Baden-Württemberg |
|
öffentlich bestellter und allgemein beeidigter Übersetzer Publicly appointed and generally sworn translator |
Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt |
|
ermächtigter Übersetzer or allgemein ermächtigter Übersetzer Authorised or generally authorised translator |
Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hesse, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia |
|
öffentlich bestellter und allgemein vereidigter Übersetzer Publicly appointed and generally sworn translator |
Hamburg |
|
allgemein vereidigter Übersetzer Generally sworn translator |
Saarland |
|
öffentlich bestellter Übersetzer Publicly appointed translator |
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania |
|
allgemein beeidigter Übersetzer Generally sworn translator |
Saxony |
The principal German terms can be translated as follows:
For an international audience, the most useful collective terms are:
Sworn translator
This is normally the clearest English term for a translator who has been sworn, authorised or publicly appointed under German law.
Authorised translator
This is particularly suitable when translating the German statutory term ermächtigter Übersetzer.
Certified translator
This is widely understood internationally but can be ambiguous. It may refer to a translator holding a professional qualification or certification rather than a translator who is legally authorised to certify official translations.
Official translator
This is a broad descriptive term but is not a uniform or protected professional title in Germany.
Document translator
This may be used as an explanatory translation of Urkundenübersetzer, but it does not normally indicate any particular legal status outside the specific Baden-Württemberg context.
For general website content, we therefore use certified and sworn translators or sworn and authorised translators. Where the precise legal status is relevant, the original German statutory title should be retained and accompanied by an English explanation.
A translator’s judicial authorisation, public appointment or oath must not be confused with certification under DIN EN ISO 17100.
The judicial status allows the translator to certify the completeness and accuracy of an official translation. ISO 17100 certification, by contrast, concerns the professional translation process, translator qualifications, project management, revision and quality assurance.
At Bohemian Dragomans, both elements are combined where required: the formal certification is issued by an appropriately sworn, authorised or publicly appointed translator, while the project is managed within our quality-controlled processes in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17100.
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