I know it can be frustrating: you just want to know how much translation services will cost, and it seems like that information is impossible to find. That’s because as a general rule, the translator needs to see your documents before they can provide you with a cost estimate. There are so many factors to consider – are we talking about a simple newsletter, or a complicated technical document? Does the document need to be certified? If so, is it neatly formatted and typed, or does it contain hard-to-read formatting and handwriting? In short, even though I would love to be able to simply tell my customers how much a translation will cost per word or page, the truth is that I can’t provide a quote until I see the document.
In general, however, you should expect to pay more for hard-to-read and complicated documents, and less for easy-to-read, simple documents. Certification generally costs extra.
The good news is, by working with me directly, you are saving costs! That’s because I am a freelancer who does all the translation myself, without outsourcing or expensive project managers.

A certified translation (known colloquially as a beglaubigte Übersetzung in German) is a stamped, signed translation. You might need a translation of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, a legal document translation, or simply need to ensure that the translation you receive is complete and correct. As a certified translator for the Berlin courts and notaries (also known as a sworn translator) I am legally qualified to stamp and sign my translations to confirm their accuracy. That means the translation can be used in official, bureaucratic circumstances, such as applying for a visa, registering a business, or getting married.

EU law states that any certified translation from within an EU country must be accepted by all other EU countries. That means my translation of your documents will be accepted throughout the entire EU. Most Commonwealth countries (Britain, Australia, India, etc.) and the United States will accept translations provided that the translator confirms the accuracy of the translation and adds their contact details to the document. If you are unsure that the authority in question will accept my translation, it’s best to ask for their requirements or get an Apostille.

An Apostille is confirmation from the government that the translation or document can be accepted in another country. Each State in Germany is different, but in Berlin you can have an Apostille added to the translation at the Landgericht in Littenstraße: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/327408/