German Translation Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a quality translation/a good interpretation?

2. What should I do before contacting a translator or interpreter?

3. How much time should I budget for a translation?

4. How do I find the right translator or interpreter for my project?

5. What are computer-aided translation and machine translation?

6. What about data security and confidentiality?

7. How can I support the translator's or interpreter's work?

Many of the points outlined below apply for both translators and interpreters. Please do not hesitate to contact us on contact@germantranslations.biz if you have any queries.

What is a quality translation/a good interpretation?

Translation means converting written material from one language into another. A good quality translation will be grammatically and technically correct, stylistically and culturally appropriate and terminologically consistent - apart from being complete and accurate.

To achieve this, translators must have an understanding of the subject matter and be informed about the target audience. They will usually research terminology and the subject matter (in both languages) and create and maintain mono- or bilingual glossaries. Finally, they will format the material as required before returning it to the client in a timely manner.

Our translators work in accordance with standard DIN2345 on Translation Contracts.

Interpreters work with the spoken word. Again, their output will be correct and appropriate as outlined above. As the ability of interpreters to consult reference materials while on an assignment is, however, limited, their preparation of any given subject matter is even more important. Ideally, clients provide them with details on the assignment and reference materials well in advance (see also below).

What should I do before contacting a translator or interpreter?

Ascertain the type of material (correspondence, promotional material, manual, patent, legal etc.), the subject matter, the length (word and page count) and format (paper, word processing, spreadsheet or presentation file, HTML file) of the documents to be translated. Consider any time constraints, keeping in mind that a translator may not be able to start on a project immediately.

For interpreters, have details ready on the time and place of the assignment, the number of participants, the subject matter and the expected length. Consider which form of interpreting will be appropriate for your requirements - consecutive or simultaneous (for further information on this please click here - and which technical requirements you have. Your interpreter can assist you with these questions.

An important issue to consider is whether there is any reference material such as background information, previously translated documents, glossaries etc. that you could make available to the translator or interpreter. Interpreters should always be given copies of materials that will be read or presentations that will be given to allow them to prepare adequately.

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How much time should I budget for a translation?

Experienced translators can produce an average daily output of 3,000 to 4,000 words without compromising quality. This figure varies depending on the technicality of the material and on other factors such as formatting requirements. It includes translation, research, proofreading and editing.

If you are expecting a large project for translation, it is best to advise the translator ahead of time. It is possible to divide translation projects between several translators, but this approach requires additional time to ensure consistency of terminology and style and avoid compromising quality.

How do I find the right translator or interpreter for my project?

Professional translators have specific areas of expertise. Since a lot may be at stake - your online presence, your software manuals or legal communications - it is well worth looking for a translator experienced in the subject matter of your documents and dedicated to producing high-quality output.

Ask for a résumé, references, a sample translation or examples of previous work. Also ensure that the translator can produce the translation in the format you require.

It lies in the nature of interpreters' work that they are less specialised. The essence of good interpreting is, apart from outstanding language skills in both working languages, an excellent general knowledge and the ability to prepare highly complex materials to a very high standard within a relatively short time. Obviously, interpreters' preparation will be more comprehensive if they have been informed in detail about the subject matter and provided with sufficient background material.

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What are computer-aided translation and machine translation?

"Computer-aided translation" refers to the use of highly specialised computer tools designed to support the work of translators. These include electronic dictionaries and glossaries as well as translation memory and machine translation software.

Machine translation refers to a fully automated process, where a document is fed into a translation program which then delivers a translation. At this stage, machine translation only works for unambiguous texts of low complexity. Ideally such texts would be written with machine translation in mind, ie. the author would observe certain rules and constraints in order to facilitate the automatic translation process.

Translation memory packages, on the other hand, assist the translator in his work through terminology management. They automatically create databases of source and target text segments, which can be accessed during the same or during a later translation project, and allow the creation and maintenance of project- or subject-specific glossaries. Translation memory software also offers quality control functions to ensure that terminology is translated consistently. While these packages do save time in case of repetitive texts, their main advantage lies in improving translation quality.

What about data security and confidentiality?

For their own peace of mind as well as yours, professional translators will ensure that their virus protection software is regularly updated and that files are backed up. You can rest assured that no information will be lost and that you will not receive infected files.

Professional translators and interpreters adhere to codes of ethics such as the one issued by AUSIT, the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators. The central ethical principles for translators and interpreters are:-

• accuracy - in relation to terminology, meaning and style;
• confidentiality - non-disclosure of any information supplied by clients;
• competence - linguistic and technical ability to produce a quality translation or deliver a quality interpretation respectively.

A professional translator/interpreter will always keep any information obtained as part of an assignment strictly confidential. If there is any potential for a conflict of interest, s/he will not accept the assignment, yet maintain confidentiality over any information gathered up until that stage.

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How can I support the translator's or interpreter's work?

Choosing to work directly with a freelance translator/interpreter rather than an agency makes communication much easier. You can expect to build up a long-term working relationship, during which the translator/interpreter will develop added sensitivity to your preferences and needs.

You can assist the translator or interpreter by providing as much background material as possible. Helpful items are glossaries, previous translations, references to websites or technical literature in either language. It is also useful to provide details for a person that can be contacted if technical issues need to be clarified. Your translator will also welcome any feedback as early as possible during the project.

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