Special case: certified translations

CNS Translations© also offers certified translations in the languages German and English.

What are certified translations?

A certified translation is a translation of a document from one language to another by a professional translator with assurances that he is knowledgeable in both languages in order to translate the document and that the translation is complete and accurate. The certified translation process creates a legally binding record recognized by officials, courts and academic institutions.

For this kind of translation you need a publicly appointed and sworn technical translator. These translators’ technical qualifications were audited by a public authority. Furthermore, they swore on the day of their swearing-in ceremony to faithfully comply with the respective regulations.

Usually, a certified translation consists of the source text, the target text and a statement signed by the translator confirming all the things mentioned above. These translations are only valid in original and cannot be sent as emails.

Why do I need a certified translation?

Certified translations are needed when it is necessary to officially proof the conformity of the translation with its original. In the field, certified translations are often requested for use at authorities, courts, departments, chambers, universities, schools, employers or official transactions. Also annual accounts or trade register excerpts at international company mergers often require certified translations.

Basically, every translation can be certified by a respective certified technical translator. However, in particular certificates, official documents, confirmations and verifications need a certified translation as the institutions mentioned above only accept this kind of translation.

Can a certified translation be sent by email?

No. These translations are only valid with the translator’s original stamp and cannot be sent by email. The translator certifies the correctness of the translation. However, the certification of a translator cannot be compared to the certification of a notary or an authority.

Certified translators need the original document to be legally allowed to assure the correctness of the translation. Of course, you can send a copy of the original document in advance. However, CNS Translations© should receive the original before completing your order, because otherwise the certified technical translator is legally bound to apply a notation in his certification. Also special characteristics of the document like, for instance, handwritten remarks or deletions must be mentioned.

It is understood that CNS Translations© treats your documents always as confidential. If required, a confidentiality agreement can be signed.

Which requirements do certified translations have?

Oftentimes, the requirements for certified translations differ already from state to state.

In Bavaria, for instance, the so called Dolmetschergesetz determines the exact process of the translator’s swearing-in ceremony. Only state certified translators and interpreters who are publicly appointed and sworn for their respective language by the court are allowed to do certified translations.

However, in Austria for example, the so called Gerichtsdolmetschergesetz determines who is legally allowed to do certified translations.

Does it make sense to order every document as certified translation?

Certainly it wouldn’t make sense to translate every document as certified translation as these kinds of translations are more expensive due to the translator’s certification and signature and furhtermore the whole process is more complicated.

Is it possible to certify a document which is already translated?

Basically yes, but the existing translation will be checked precisely and corrected if needed which makes it more expensive. This way, it might be cheaper to translate the document completely new when you know in the beginning that you will need a certified translation.

Apostille and legalisation – What is this?

It could happen that you need an authentication or legalisation of certified translations. This is to proof the validity of the translator’s signature and stamp. Thus, the authority who certified the translator approves once again that he really is certified.

This might be done by help of an apostille or a legalisation. If it is about certificates within states of the Hague Convention, the simple form of an apostille is enough. Whether you need such an authentication can only tell you the institution you need the translation for. Attention: often you not only need an authentication of the translation, but also of the original documents and sometimes even stamps and certifications from ministries of the country which issued the original document. It is highly recommended to inform oneself about the exact requirements for the translation before placing an order.