Understanding the work of a German-to-English and English to German translator

Good translations are almost never literal. No single translation is the only correct translation. There is no such a thing as a perfect translation. The German and English translator's aim is to render text that shows no signs of being translated at all. This means producing a translation that is thoroughly correct in content, adheres to stylist norms, evokes the same images and ideas as the source text, and flows fluently in the target language. For example: the German adjective "Gemütlichkeit", meaning coziness, comfort, snugness, sociability, friendliness, and hospitality, etc., can be translated into English by a description of its meaning, but with no matching term for the entire meaning. With no real English equivalent in the translator will compensate either by choosing an expression that is most important in context or by using more than one word to translate it. The outcome is what is called translation loss.

How can I as a German or English Translation Service Buyer Achieve the Best Translation Possible?

The translation process begins with interpretation of the source text. As a German or English translation consumer, you may be in a position to simplify the process by checking the source text for ambiguities before submitting it for translation. Clear and concise writing is easier to translate. Eliminating ambiguities and inconsistencies in the source text from the beginning saves both you money and your translator a considerable amount of time.

Why is Choosing the Right German Translator so Important?

A competent, qualified translation can render your English content into a German text that readily will be understood by all German speakers and will also come across as authentic.

Legal Considerations

Whatever the purpose of your translation, familiarize yourself with the legal requirements that may affect your translation project. For example, submission of an official or legal document to a federal or public authority requires a certified translation. In terms of marketing, labeling, and packaging, you should also be aware of the standards and regulations of the particular country. German law contains many marketing restrictions; and labeling requirements also are heavily regulated. Generally, products are subject to European law in all EU countries, however, national law covers issues for which there is no EU directive. Products marketed in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are subject to different laws than are those in Germany and Austria, not EU members.