Certified German translations
As a court-appointed sworn translator for Spanish and English, I offer certified German translations for official purposes.
I am also a sworn translator for German, appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for German into Spanish translations.
Certified translations are usually required to submit documents to official institutions, translate legal proceedings, or for business operations, such as contracts and non-legal documents as university degrees or medical reports. I focus on translating administrative certificates, HR documents, and academic certificates like university degrees. I am always happy to help you find the right colleague in case I can´t help you with your document type.
The legal requirements for certified translations in the European Union are different from those in other countries. Translators and interpreters are authorized for this service by the Higher Regional Courts in Germany, and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain. Please also consult my FAQ for further information.
- How does it work?
- How do I pay?
- What does a certified translation service include?
- Can you use a qualified electronic signature?
Please take into account that translators do not notarize the translation; we confirm its accuracy and completeness. This is done by a signed statement that the translation is an accurate and true representation of the original document.
My translations have legal validity within all EU countries and in most English-speaking countries. Please ask the institution where you wish to submit the translation about the specific requirements.
I can certify translations from the original document or a copy (provided by email, for example). Some institutions and authorities, however, only accept certified translations made from the original document. In most cases, this unnecessary, but please contact the person in charge to ensure.
You can send me the original document by courier service or registered letter, but never without making an appointment with me first.
If you email me a copy of the document, please provide a scanned copy as a PDF file with high resolution (preferably over 300 dpi) and not a cell phone photo or jpg. Otherwise, the project price could increase due to additional file conversion and formatting work. Just as a tip, not all mobile scanner apps are suitable. If you still wish to use your phone, I suggest “Scanner Pro” or “Adobe Scan.” There are lots of suitable (usually paid) apps out there nowadays.
A copy of the original text is usually stapled and stamped together with the translations so that the institution will recognize them.
Important: The finished translation will be sent to you by registered mail or (DHL) courier service.
The postage rates will be charged on top of the project price in the invoice.
You receive a registered item posting receipt with a shipment number for tracking your item. Please don´t visit my office without an appointment.
Certified translations are always paid in advance by bank transfer. You receive the invoice immediately after the order confirmation by email. Once I receive your bank transfer receipt, I will start the project.
You will, of course, receive a confirmation of the purchase by email.
The scope of a certified translation includes specialised terminology research, formatting (according to legal requirements), and quality control. I can scan the translation for you in advance and send it to you by email (free of charge up to five translated pages). The price does not include expenses for postage or courier service.
Please send me all the information about your project you consider essential, such as the country where you wish to submit the document and, if possible, the authority or institution’s name.
Due to security reasons, please send me all the project instructions and files by email, instead of Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or other messenger services! That´s very important to avoid security risks.
You will receive your non-binding offer within 24 hours (Monday to Friday).
I can offer certified translations into German in digital format signed with a qualified electronic signature (QES)/e-signature compliant with the elDAS regulation for electronic transactions within the European Union. This signature has the same legal value and effect as a handwritten signature across the EU. I will also be able to sign certified translations with the FMNT Digital Certificate for Spain again as soon as possible. (Please ask for confirmation.)
Let’s make a start
Types of documents I usually certify for individuals and companies:
✓ Certificates for birth, marriage, and death, registration certificates, divorce decrees
✓ Driver’s licenses, passports
✓ Criminal records
✓ Documents for education like university degrees, testimonials, school reports
✓ Employment: Résumés, certificates of employment, labor contracts
