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 such documents. Bohemian Dragomans® is your trusted partner for linguistically and legally flawless translations that meet the highest quality standards. As a language service provider certified under DIN EN ISO 17100, we guarantee compliant processes, qualified specialist translators, and professional project execution – 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 and accompanied by a certification statement. This attests that the translation is complete, accurate, and faithful to the original document. The translator also signs and stamps the document, adding the date. This makes the translation a legally valid document that is recognized by courts, authorities, and universities both domestically and internationally.
When do you need a certified translation?
Certified translations are required whenever official bodies or institutions demand an officially recognized, legally valid version of a foreign-language document. Typical scenarios include:
• Immigration and visa matters
• Getting married abroad or having a marriage recognized
• Studying or obtaining professional recognition in another country
• Legal proceedings
• Probate cases and wills
• Official registrations and entries in commercial registers
Our approach: Quality with a system
At Bohemian Dragomans®, we work exclusively with translators who have proven qualifications and official authorization or swearing-in. Our processes strictly follow DIN EN ISO 17100, which lays down requirements for translator qualifications, quality assurance, and project documentation. Every certified translation is also reviewed under the four-eye principle – and for particularly sensitive content, we offer an optional six-eye review process.
We also place great emphasis on customer-friendly handling: simply send us your document as a scan or photo by email, we’ll prepare a transparent quote, and once you approve, you’ll receive your certified translation both digitally as a PDF (for preview) and as a hard copy by post.
Apostille, legalisation, and higher authentication – 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 additionally require an apostille or legalisation. An apostille is a simplified form of authentication issued by a competent authority in the country where the document originated (for example, a district court or regional government office) that certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on the original document (not on the translation).
There’s also the concept of higher authentication (known in German as Überbeglaubigung), which is a broader term covering all procedures where the authenticity of a previous certification is confirmed again by a higher authority – for example, when after a notarial certification, a regional court or the foreign ministry certifies the notary’s signature. Higher authentication is especially necessary if the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention and instead requires full legalisation via diplomatic channels.
We’ll be happy to advise you individually on whether you need an apostille, higher authentication, or legalisation for your specific case – and we can also translate any accompanying endorsements as needed.
Why choose Bohemian Dragomans®?
• Certified under DIN EN ISO 17100
• Exclusively sworn or officially authorized specialist translators
• Multilingual certifications – recognized worldwide
• On-time delivery and transparent processes
• Confidential handling in line with GDPR standards
• Expert advice on apostilles, higher authentication, and legalisation
Conclusion: Legal certainty backed by expertise
Certified translations demand more than just language skills – they require a deep understanding of formal requirements, legal precision, and international standards. At Bohemian Dragomans®, we combine all these aspects into a reliable service that convinces on both content and legal grounds. We ensure your documents are recognized and accepted worldwide – linguistically precise, legally secure, and delivered right on time.
Bohemian Dragomans® – your certified partner for certified translations.