The information on this website concerning certification of translations is based on data available to me at the time of writing (July 2007) and is for general information only. Certification requirements depend on the agencies involved in each individual case. It is up to individuals to check the certification requirements of the agencies, employers, government departments or other parties that have stipulated certified documents.

Certification in other Countries

Statements of Accuracy of Translation in the USA

The system is very similar to that of certification in the UK. A translator confirms the accuracy of his translation by stating his proficiency in both languages concerned, his membership to one or more professional bodies, identifying the text concerned and the number of translated pages (initialling them) and either declaring this "under penalty of perjury" or under oath.

Notarization in the USA

The translator's signature on the certification document can be witnessed by a notary to provide a notarized translation.

Sworn Translations in Germany

The German system of sworn translators is very different from the system in the UK where any professional translator who is member of a professional body can certify his translation irrespective of his place of residence within the UK. If a German court asks for a sworn translation, the safest option is to ask the court for their list of sworn translators and use a suitably qualified translator from this list. A translation certified by a translator who is sworn-in at a different court - even within the same Bundesland - will not necessarily be accepted.

In the past, a translator or interpreter was only able to become a sworn translator at a local court within the Federal Country where the applicant was permanently resident. In recent years, this residency rule has been somewhat relaxed, so that a translator from a neighboring federal country may be sworn-in, but the principle of "availability" still persists, as most translators also act as interpreters whose attendance at court may be required at short notice. Most courts require the translator to prove that he has relevant qualifications before he is sworn in. It is the legislation of each individual Federal Country which rules how certification can be obtained and who can become a sworn translator.

The certification document must bear the translator's seal containing the words "Öffentlich bestellter und vereidigter Übersetzer" ("Publicly appointed and sworn translator"), also indicating the language for which the translator is officially sworn. Furthermore, the translation must display the translator's address.

©2005 Ms Mechtild Testroet MCIL Dip Trans IoL BDÜ
 
English-German translator of most commercial texts; certification of birth, marriage and school leaver's certificates, divorce papers etc.
 
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