State-approved translator: what you need to know and when you need one

Only state-approved translators are allowed to certify documents and we explain why.
For many official bodies - whether public authorities, universities or foreign institutions - a simple translation is not enough. A certified translation by a qualified person is required. But what exactly does "officially recognized" mean? And what is the difference to terms such as sworn, authorized or publicly appointed? We provide clarity and ensure that the documents are translated correctly and officially recognized.

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What is a state-approved translator?

A state-recognized translator is a person who has taken a general oath at a regional court or a competent authority and has thereby proven their professional qualifications and personal suitability for language mediation before courts, authorities and notaries.

What makes them so special?

  • You have passed a state examination (not just completed a course of study)
  • You know the German legal language and specialist terminology
  • They are legally obliged to maintain confidentiality
  • They are personally liable for the accuracy of their translations
  • They work in a quasi-sovereign capacity - similar to notaries

The key difference: while anyone can translate, only these state-approved experts are allowed to officially certify their translations. This is their unique selling point.

State-recognized vs. specialist translator - the important difference

Many people confuse state-approved translators with specialist translators. However, these are two completely different qualifications:

State-recognized translator

  • Authorization: May certify translations
  • Qualification: State examination + swearing-in
  • Purpose: Legally binding documents
  • Use: certificates, testimonials, official documents
  • Recognition: Accepted by authorities worldwide

Specialist translator

  • Authorization: No notarization possible
  • Qualification: Degree or specialization
  • Purpose: Perfect translations in terms of content
  • Use: medicine, technology, science, marketing
  • Recognition: Professional, but not legally binding

Which translator for which purpose?

You need a state-recognized translator if: Authorities, universities or courts have to officially recognize the translation. Without certification, your document will be rejected. If your document has been rejected due to a lack of certification, our guide will help you.

You need a specialist translator if: The content needs to be translated perfectly, but no official recognition is required - for example for internal company documents or scientific publications.

The ideal case: a state-approved translator with a technical specialization. This gives you both legal recognition and professional precision.

Our solution: Both in one service

Thanks to our collaboration with state-approved translators, our translations are certified translations by default.

For particularly demanding specialist texts, we work with state-approved translators who also have a specialization in the respective subject area. This means you receive medical, legal or technical translations that are professionally correct and legally recognized.

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Confusion about the names? That's what's behind it

Germany wouldn't be Germany if it wasn't complicated: In Baden-Württemberg, they are called "publicly appointed and sworn translators of documents", in Bavaria "publicly appointed translators", in Saarland "generally sworn translators" and in Hesse "generally authorized translators".

🏛️ Baden-Württemberg

Publicly appointed and sworn document translators

🏰 Bavaria

Publicly appointed translators

⚖️ Saarland

Sworn translators

🦅 Hesse

Generally authorized translators

Why this confusion?

The different designations have evolved historically. In the past, each federal state was responsible for its own laws. Although the Federal Court Interpreters Act has been in place since 2023, the old designations continue to be used in parallel.

The most important thing for you: All these designations mean the same thing legally. A"sworn translator" from Hamburg is just as authorized as an "authorized translator" from Munich. Your certified translations are recognized by authorities, offices, courts and universities throughout Germany

When do you absolutely need a state-approved translator?

The simple rule: Whenever a "certified translation" is required. But when is this the case?

For international mobility

For German authorities

For courts and notaries

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How state-approved translators are checked

Wondering why you can trust these translators? The system has built-in safeguards:

Continuous monitoring

  • Regular training obligation
  • Quality controls by the judiciary
  • Complaints can be lodged with the competent regional courts

Legal consequences

  • They are personally and financially liable for errors
  • Serious violations can lead to the withdrawal of authorization
  • They are subject to the same duty of confidentiality as doctors or lawyers
  • Many have professional liability insurance in case something does go wrong.

Why this effort is necessary at all

You may be asking yourself: Why is Germany making everything so complicated?

🌍 International recognition

German certified translations are respected worldwide precisely because the standards are so high.

⚖️ Legally compliant

Courts and authorities can rely on the translations being correct.

🛡️ Protection against fraud

The system prevents important documents from being falsified or incorrectly translated.

🇪🇺 EU standards

Germany is thus implementing EU directives on the recognition of documents.

Why with us?

15+ years
Experience with certified translations
100%
State-recognized translators
Worldwide
Recognized translations
4,8/5 ★★★★★
With over 1,600 customer reviews
100% Digital
Completely digital service
GDPR-compliant
Maximum data security

What our customers say about our certified translations

4,8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
from over 1,600 reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"As a lawyer, I know how important correct translations are. The state-approved translator did a perfect job - all the legal terms were translated correctly."

- Dr. Thomas K., Attorney at Law

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I needed certified translations of my birth certificate for my naturalization. Everything went really quickly and the authorities accepted the translation without any problems. Very professional!"

- Maria S., customer

We work exclusively with state-approved translators

Each of our partners is registered in the official database and authorized for the respective language combinations. You will receive a legally compliant, nationally recognized certified translation.

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