Certified Translations
Certified Translations – legally sound, precise, and DIN EN ISO 17100 certified
Certified translations are an essential tool in international communication whenever official documents need to be recognized abroad. Whether it’s birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, court rulings, commercial register excerpts, or notarized contracts – authorities and institutions frequently require a certified translation of these documents. Bohemian Dragomans® is your reliable partner for linguistically flawless and legally compliant translations that meet the highest quality standards. As a language service provider certified to DIN EN ISO 17100, we guarantee you standardized processes, qualified expert translators, and professional handling – in any language and for any purpose.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation prepared by a sworn or officially authorized translator, complete with an official certification statement. This statement confirms that the translation is complete and accurate and fully corresponds to the original document. The translator also signs, stamps, and dates the document. This turns the translation into a legally binding document that is recognized by courts, authorities, and universities both at home and abroad.
When do you need a certified translation?
Certified translations are required whenever official bodies or institutions need an official, legally recognized version of a foreign-language document. Typical examples include:
• Immigration and visa applications
• Marrying abroad or having a marriage recognized
• Studying or having professional qualifications recognized abroad
• Court proceedings
• Probate matters and wills
• Official registrations and commercial register entries
Our approach: quality with a system
At Bohemian Dragomans®, we work exclusively with expert translators who hold proven qualifications and official authorization or who are sworn translators. Our processes strictly follow the DIN EN ISO 17100 standard, which defines requirements for translators’ professional qualifications, quality assurance, and project documentation. Each certified translation also undergoes a thorough review according to the four-eyes principle – or, on request, the six-eyes principle for particularly sensitive content.
We also place great value on a customer-friendly process: simply email us a scan or photo of your document, we’ll prepare a transparent quote, and once you’ve given the go-ahead, you’ll receive your certified translation both digitally as a PDF preview and as the original by post.
Apostille, legalization, and superlegalization – what does it mean?
In many cases, a certified translation alone is not enough. When an official document is to be used abroad, many countries also require an apostille or legalization. An apostille is a simplified form of authentication issued by a competent authority in the country of origin (such as a district court or regional government) that confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal on the original document (not on the translation!).
People also often talk about “superlegalization” (Überbeglaubigung in German), which is a broader term for any process in which the authenticity of an existing certification is confirmed again by a higher authority – for example, when a court or the foreign ministry certifies the notary’s signature after an initial notarization. Superlegalizations are particularly necessary if the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention and instead requires legalization through diplomatic channels.
We are happy to advise you individually on whether an apostille, superlegalization, or legalization is required in your case, and can also translate these endorsements if needed.
Why choose Bohemian Dragomans®?
• Certified to DIN EN ISO 17100
• Exclusively officially authorized or sworn expert translators
• Multilingual certifications – recognized worldwide
• Punctual delivery and transparent processes
• Confidential handling in accordance with GDPR standards
• Advice on apostilles, superlegalization, and legalization
Conclusion: legally secure translations with expertise
Certified translations require more than just linguistic skill – they demand a deep understanding of formal requirements, legal precision, and international standards. At Bohemian Dragomans®, we combine all these aspects into a reliable service that delivers both linguistically and legally. We make sure your documents are recognized and accepted worldwide – precisely translated, legally secure, and always on time.