FAQS
I HAVE A GERMAN TEXT THAT I NEED TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH - BUT I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHERE TO START. CAN YOU HELP?
Of course! If you haven't worked with a translator before, you might even wonder what the process involves beyond dictionaries. It often requires more research and drafting than you might think to make sure every technical term is perfect and every joke lands perfectly – or, at least, that humour is carried over. German jokes are funny but rarely work quite the same in English.
I'll tell you about how much research I'll need to do, whether I have any specific questions in advance, and give you a timescale and price based on that. If it's a long-term project, I'll make sure to keep in touch and give you regular updates, so you know everything is ticking along.
I'VE BEEN TOLD I NEED A CERTIFIED TRANSLATION. IS THIS SOMETHING YOU OFFER?
The short answer is: yes.
The long answer is that some countries have sworn translators, who are appointed by courts or official authorities – but no such system exists in the UK.
Instead, the only official requirements for a certified translation in the UK are for the translator to confirm in writing that the translation is a "true and accurate translation of the original document" and provide their name and contact details. I'm more than happy and capable of meeting these requirements. Please note that certified translations are subject to a small surcharge.
HOW MUCH WILL A TRANSLATION COST?
Ah, the all-important question. The only accurate answer is: it depends.
The pitch part of this answer is that my rates are competitive, lower than those of big language agencies, but relative to the expertise and language proficiency required as a professional translator. I'll offer you a set fee before I start and explain the justification for this.
Factors that influence cost include subject matter, intended use and timescale.
HOW CAN I BE SURE MY DATA WILL BE HANDLED CONFIDENTIALLY? WHAT ABOUT THE GDPR?
I work on one laptop and back up data onto an external hard-drive, and keep both of these stored safely and securely when I'm not working.
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I use the latest cybersecurity software to protect against viruses and other malware and keep this updated at all times.
In short, I take all reasonable precautions to protect my data and my clients' data. If you have any particular queries or requests in this regard, please just ask.
WE NEED A TRANSLATOR TO COME TO US. ARE YOU HAPPY TO TRAVEL?
In principle, I'm happy to discuss on-site translation. This might be to provide sight-translation – effectively "live" translating a document, usually a transcript or perhaps a form to somebody who needs to understand a text right away.
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However, if you're talking about translating speech, for a meeting or hearing, you need an interpreter. Translators deal with the written word; interpreters tackle spoken language.
Although I trained as an interpreter, it's not one of the services I offer. However, I can recommend and vouch for a number of excellent interpreters in both the UK and Germany – I'd be happy to point you in their direction.
If there's anything else you would like to know, please don't hesitate to get in touch.