Certified Translation of Foreign Documents into German

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When submitting foreign language documents to German authorities and public institutions, you will typically need to have them translated into German. As a general rule, any public document issued by a foreign authority in a foreign language other than English will have to be translated into German. In most cases, a certified translation made by a sworn translator will be required. Some institutions will also accept translations in English while others may insist on translating English language documents into German.

What is a Certified or Sworn Translation?

The terms ‘official’, ‘certified’ or ‘sworn’ translation are in Germany fully interchangeable and indicate that such translation was made by an ‘official’ (i.e., ‘sworn’ and publicly appointed) translator who is authorized by the court to translate texts between a certain pair of languages. The corresponding German terms for a sworn translator are ‘vereidigter’, ‘beeidigter’ and ‘ermächtigter Übersetzer’ whereas a ‘certified translation’ translates into German as ‘beglaubigte’, ‘bescheinigte’ or ‘bestätigte Übersetzung’. Sworn translators in Germany take an oath in court to translate texts wholly and faithfully to preserve their true meaning. Therefore, a certified translation actually means a literal, word by word translation of the entire text in a document. A certified translation by a sworn-in and publicly appointed translator contains a translator’s statement certifying the accuracy and completeness of the translation as well as their stamp and signature thus making such translation legally ‘official’.

When Is a Sworn Translation Needed in Germany?

As already indicated in the introduction, foreign-language documents (personal, legal, commercial, etc.) issued outside of Germany can only be accepted by German authorities, public institutions, courts, notaries and in many cases also by universities and employers when translated into German. To preserve their legal status of an official document these papers must be translated by an officially recognized translator also known as a sworn translator. German authorities that commonly require a certified translation of foreign language documents into German and examples of foreign documents that usually need to be translated by a sworn translator to become legally valid in Germany are listed below.

Authorities that Usually Request a Sworn German Translation of Foreign Documents

  • Embassies/consulates
  • Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
  • Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde)
  • Citizens’ Registration Office (Bürgeramt/Standesamt)
  • Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
  • Uni-assist, universities and vocational schools
  • Youth office (Jugendamt)
  • Courts

Foreign Documents that Typically Require a Certified Translation in Germany

  • Birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates
  • Certificate of no impediment
  • Certificate of renunciation of citizenship
  • Secondary school leaving certificates, higher education degrees and diplomas, academic transcripts (i.e., an overview of subjects and grades), etc.
  • Police criminal records check
  • Medical certificates and records (e.g., certificate of medical fitness)
  • Driving license/ID cards
  • Employment verification letter, reference letters
  • Bank statements
  • Commercial documents (certificate of incorporation, company registration, board resolutions, financial statements, power of attorney, legal contracts, court rulings, patents, testaments, etc.)

Therefore, situations in which a sworn translation into German or, alternatively, into English can be needed are, for example, when applying for a visa/residence title or for a university/dual vocational programme, applying for assessment of foreign qualifications, registering at the citizens’ registration office, opening a bank account, getting married in Germany, or registering a business presence in Germany (some examples with useful instructions are uni-assist or recognition of foreign qualifications).

Who Can Do a Sworn Translation in Germany?

In Germany, a certified translation can only be delivered by a sworn and publically appointed translator for the language pair in question. Therefore, we often speak of a ‘sworn translation’ instead, which actually is a term synonymous with ‘certified translation’. For a translator to be officially recognized as a sworn translator in Germany, they must be sworn in and appointed by the local German court and listed in the translators’ database of the justice portal.

How to Tell a Translation Was Done by a Sworn German Translator?

A certified translation in Germany must be made on paper and carry a translator’s declaration of completeness and accuracy and a round stamp and signature. A certification is made by an individual translator rather than a translation company signed by the company representative which is a common practice in the US and the UK. The original document and translation must be bound together to ensure that the system is tamper-proof. Such document is then accepted across Germany by all relevant government authorities, public institutions, courts and companies.

How Much Does a Certified Translation into German Cost?

Translation rates are generally quoted in dollars or euros per word or per standard size page. Since public documents tend to be structurally standardized and fairly uniform, the price is usually quoted per page (normally 250 words) or per certain type of a document (e.g., for a birth certificate or a university diploma/degree).

The typical price range for a certified translation into German is 0.12 – 0.30 dollars (or 0.11 – 0.27 euros) per word (worldwide averages as of May 2025) which is about 30-75 dollars (or 28-68 euros) per standard size page (250 words). The rates in Germany are generally higher, resulting in the price range of 40-80 euros (45-90 dollars) per page. It goes without saying that a certified translation costs more than a non-certified translation. The aforementioned price ranges are quite wide as the cost of a certified translation into German depends on several factors such as the original language of the document, the type of document and its text difficulty, the location where the translation is made and any editing requirements.

Translating a foreign language document into German is likely to be a tad more expensive than translating the same document into English. This is especially true when the source language doesn’t have too many speakers as there are fewer sworn translators for that language to choose from. The more standardized documents such as a birth certificate are usually less expensive to translate than, for example, a certificate of incorporation when compared on a per word count basis. Location also matters as Germany is a wealthy country with the cost of living that is higher than in most other countries of the world and the translator’s profession is strictly regulated by law. Moreover, if any special editing is required, it will be charged extra and will make your translation more expensive.

Nevertheless, when comparing the rates of various translation agencies, make sure you are comparing likes with likes, that is, all conditions are equal, e.g., the prices include VAT or sales tax and shipping costs. Also, keep in mind that the translation which was not certified by a sworn translator authorized in Germany may be rejected by German authorities. So, the cost savings you achieve by choosing a translator who is not authorized in Germany but elsewhere may sometimes ruin the result.

Preparing Your Documents for Translation

Before sending your documents for translation, make sure you understand the expectations of the receiving German authority. Their requirements generally depend on the type of document and the country of issue while different German institutions may have different requirements. For example, some institutions may request a certified translation of each document into German while others will not only accept English-language originals but also translations into English. Some, e.g., universities, may even accept documents in French or other romance languages.

Most authorities will require original ‘hard copy’ documents. However, that does not mean you should send them your only originals. They expect you to provide officially certified copies (also known as ‘true’ copies) of original documents. An equivalent term is ‘notarized copies’. For better understanding check this illustration. German embassy or consulate in your country as well as notaries, relevant document issuing authorities, some ministries or courts are usually authorized to make such copies of original documents.

Geography and, to a lesser extent, the type of document will determine how much effort (and money) you will have to put in before you can have your public documents translated. For example, for civil status documents issued in another EU country, you will just need to make certified/notarized copies and won’t even have to bother with a translation. But, for diplomas, degrees and court documents or official papers that were issued in a non-EU country, you will most likely need to go an extra mile and have them legalised before making certified/notarized copies for translation.

Legalisation of Foreign-Language Documents

When putting together papers for your visa application, recognition of your diploma, planned marriage in Germany or application to a university, you may encounter confusing terminology, for example, the use of the terms ‘certify’ and ‘certification’. Similarly, make sure you do not confuse legalisation of a public document (also known as certification, verification, attestation or authentication) with a certified translation or certifying a copy of a document. Legalisation/certification/attestation/authentication in this context simply means verifying the authenticity of your original documents by a designated authority in the country where they were issued. Or to put it differently, the receiving German authority is asking for official reassurance that your documents are not fake.

In general, depending on the country where your documents were issued, you will either need to get an apostille from the relevant authority of that country or to have your documents legalised by the respective German consulate. For some types of public documents issued in certain countries, legalisation is not required (see more info below).

Legalisation with an Apostille

Legalisation with an aspostille is a simplified form of legalisation of public documents to make them ready for legal use abroad. It is available in countries that are, like Germany, parties to the ‘Hague apostille’. The Hague apostille is the 1961 convention abolishing the requirement for legalisation of public documents for legal use in countries that are members of the convention. It applies to all public documents including the civil status documents, diplomas and degrees. The apostille certificate which confirms the authenticity of a document, its signature and stamp/seal is at least a 9×9 cm large square that is usually glued to the backside of a document and embossed with an apostille seal/stamp. If there is not enough space on the backside, it can also be placed in the most appropriate position on the front. The apostille is always issued by the country that issued the document. The issuing authority is in most countries the foreign ministry but sometimes the document must be pre-authenticated by another government authority (e.g., the ministry of health or education).

Legalisation by Consular Officers

This is usually a two-step process used when the country where the documents were issued is not a member of the Hague Convention. Simply put, the first step is a pre-authentication by the relevant government authority in the country of issue (usually the foreign ministry) and the second step is the issuance of attestation by the German consular office in that country. For details, get in touch with the corresponding German consular office.

Please keep in mind that for legalisation, original ‘hard copy’ documents must be submitted. As a sign of verification, your original documents will be marked, usually on their backside. It goes without saying that an officially certified (notarized) copy of a legalised public document must be translated into German by a sworn translator including its apostille or attestation.

Alternative Ways of Legalising Foreign Documents

It should be noted that Germany is at the moment not accepting apostilles from certain countries though they are parties to the Hague Convention. But, the German foreign representations in those countries offer alternative solutions. For example, in India the verification of public documents is done via a private law firm contracted by the German embassy. Unfortunately, this service is quite expensive. This sort of legalisation can only be done at the request of the receiving German authority (e.g., the federal employment agency or the immigration office). It cannot be requested by you alone. In many other countries the procedure is similar. For exact guidelines, contact the German embassy or consulate in your country or region.

Exemptions from Legalisation

As suggested above, some exemptions from legalisation exist. For instance, under the EU Regulation on Public Documents, official papers issued in another EU country must be accepted by German authorities as they are without any need for legalisation or translation (translation of public documents from another EU country can be required only in exceptional circumstances). Please note that this regulation covers the civil status documents (birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates, etc.), domicile, residence and nationality certificates and police criminal records checks. School diplomas or university degrees are not included in this directive. Likewise, certain types of documents, particularly the civil status documents and certificates of no impediment are exempt from legalisation, if issued in countries that are parties to the Civil Status Conventions of 1976 and 1980 or with whom Germany has bilateral agreements on mutual recognition of official documents (see also here).

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Sworn Translator for German

When submitting official documents issued in a foreign language to German authorities, you will be expected to provide certified or ‘sworn’ translations in German or, in certain cases, alternatively in English. Therefore, you will need to find a sworn translator for your language pair who is authorized by the court to make such translations. Furthermore, your translator will have to be recognized by German authority receiving your papers. Since it often matters where, in which country, your translator was sworn, you should ask the receiving authority for clarification. Generally speaking, your safest bet is to have a sworn translator from Germany to do your certified translations. But, sometimes this is not possible and, therefore, certified translations made in the country where the documents were issued are usually also accepted (seek prior approval to be on the save side). Nonetheless, make sure they were made by a qualified translator (translations must bear an official statement, stamp/seal and a signature of the translator who is approved by the court or equivalent authority in your country for your language pair).

Things can get a little more complicated if you live in a country other than where your documents were obtained. Then you have to ask the German authority requesting these documents whether they would accept a translator from the country of your current residence. Moreover, sometimes a German authority may request a notarized translation. That is, the translator in a foreign country will have to sign their certified translation statement in the presence of a notary public (or, alternatively, a consular officer) who then adds their stamp/seal and signature to the translated document. This procedure of authenticating the translator’s signature adds an extra layer of security and is called notarization of a signature. To be on the safe side, ask the receiving German authority whether they will require a notarized translation.

Why Choose a Germany-Sworn Translator for Certified Translations into German?

As a general rule, for foreign documents to be legally acceptable by German authorities they must be translated into German by certified translators authorized by local German courts. That is, translations certified by sworn translators appointed by German courts are generally required for most official purposes, including immigration procedures, recognition of foreign qualifications, court submissions, legal proceedings and often also academic applications. In certain cases, local authorities in Germany may not accept translations certified by foreign sworn translators even if the German mission abroad has already approved them.

Therefore, if you intend to use your foreign documents in Germany, your best bet is to have them translated by a sworn German translator appointed by a German court. Your sworn translator does not necessarily need to be currently physically present in Germany, but should be sworn in Germany and listed by one of the local courts as an authorized translator for the language pair in question. By doing so, you make sure that your translated documents will not be rejected by authorities in Germany and will for the most part be recognized worldwide.

At a first glance, it may seem economically tempting to have your papers translated into German by a translator sworn in your home country, especially if you are confident that they will be accepted by a certain German authority. But, you never know where else you may need to submit your papers in future. Hence, having your documents translated by a Germany-sworn translator instead can minimize the risk of a potential future rejection and eventually save you some money.

In any case, to remain on the safe side, you should better avoid ordering certified German translations for legal use in Germany from jurisdictions that are neither the country of you current or former residence, nor the country where your papers were issued or will be submitted.

Are Certified Translations from Foreign Countries Accepted for Legal Use in Germany?

For people living far from Germany it may seem practical to order a certified German translation in the country of their current residence or in the country where their papers were originally issued. However, it is questionable whether such translation will be accepted for legal use in Germany. Some German authorities and institutions recognize translations certified by foreign translators from certain countries (or even documents issued in English) but not all. It very much depends on the receiving authority in Germany. This is because in most countries of the world there is no such thing as a sworn or even a certified translator. The concept of sworn translators is known mainly in continental Europe. Hence, always ask the receiving German entity who they recognize as a sworn translator authorized to perform certified translations for legal use in Germany before ordering a certified translation into German from a foreign, that is, non-German jurisdiction.

What Else to Keep in Mind When Ordering a Sworn Translation?

  • Make sure you understand the requirements of the receiving German authority: Ask the receiving German institution exactly what documents are requested and in which form, how they should be translated and delivered, whether apostillation or notarization is required and who they consider qualified to make a translation. If your documents are originally in English, find out whether you need to have them translated at all.
  • Clearly communicate your expectations to the translation agency: Most translation agencies work with hundreds yet thousands of translators worldwide. Before placing an order for a certified translation make sure the agency understands your needs so as to assign the most appropriate person for the job. Tell them where you intend to submit your papers and ask whether they can guarantee that their translation will be accepted. You can request a sworn translator officially recognized in Germany. A sworn translation into German is quite costly, so assure yourself in advance that your money will not be wasted.
  • Allow enough time for shipping of documents: When choosing a translator sworn by a German court, you will have to deliver your original documents for a certified translation in hard copy by post (in addition to scans sent electronically) and will also receive your translated documents by post (as well as by email). You will need the hard copies as in most cases you must submit original paper documents to German authorities. Factor in 3-4 days for translation but a few weeks for shipping the documents there and back.

Summary of Tips on Translating Foreign Documents into German

Needless to say, when dealing with public officers in Germany, e.g., regarding immigration matters, you will have to present your foreign papers in a language they can understand. As a rule of thumb, any foreign language document issued outside of Germany that bears a stamp/seal and a signature must be translated into German (alternatively into English) by a sworn translator to qualify for legal use in Germany. Though requirements of different authorities may vary, all of them will accept a certified translation of foreign public documents in German made by a sworn translator from Germany. This is your safest choice, if you wish to prevent possible administrative delays or rejections. Remember that you may need to submit the same document to several German authorities, each of them having slightly different requirements (e.g., some may, while others may not, accept English or accept translations by foreign translators), so consider your translations options accordingly. Also, it is very important to get in touch with each receiving German authority prior to having your documents translated to make sure you fully understand what they really need from you.

Certified Translation FAQs

Do I need to translate my documents for a German visa?

When applying for a German visa, you are supposed to have all your foreign-language documents translated into German. However, German embassies and consulates usually also accept documents issued in English, even though it is not explicitly stated. You should better clarify this question with the relevant embassy/consulate prior to submitting your application.

What is a sworn translation and a certified translation in Germany?

In Germany the terms ‘sworn translation’ and ‘certified translation’ mean exactly the same thing. In fact, a certified translation in Germany can only be done by a sworn-in and publicly appointed translator for a particular language pair who has taken an oath in court. The term ‘sworn translator’ is a translation of the German terms ‘vereidigter Übersetzer’ and ‘beeidigter Übersetzer’. For your foreign documents to be accepted for legal use in Germany, you will need a sworn (or certified) translation into German.

How much per word is a certified translation into German?

A certified translation into German will cost you on average between 0.11 – 0.27 euros per word (or 0.12 – 0.30 US$ pw.) based on a recent worldwide survey. Probably the biggest pricing factor is the cost level in the country where the translation will be done and its regulatory environment. The source language and text difficulty are the other major price-determining components. These are average values, so the individual rates can lie both above and below this range.

How much does it cost to translate a document in Germany?

When having your documents translated into German by an official German translator in Germany, be ready to pay at least 40 euros (45 US$) per page and up to 80 euros (90 US$) per page (250 words), depending on the language and type of document, editing needs and the translator’s rates.

What is a notarized translation in Germany?

When a sworn translator signs their translation in front of a notary public or a consular officer who then adds their stamp and signature on the translated document thus authenticating the translator’s signature, we speak of a notarized translation. In short, a notarized translation is a certified translation with an authenticated signature of the translator.

Do I need to certify/legalise my foreign document before having it translated into German?

Whether you will need to have your foreign document legalised before it can be translated into German depends on the country where it was issued as well as on the type of document. In general, the civil status documents issued in any EU country do not need to be legalised for official use in Germany. Whether other types of documents, e.g., diplomas and degrees from the EU, are exempt from legalisation depends on the receiving German authority. On the other hand, public documents issued in countries outside of the EU must be usually legalised with a few exceptions when a bilateral treaty or an international convention abolished the need for legalisation.

Do German authorities accept a certified translation of documents from abroad?

In many cases the German authorities will accept a certified translation of foreign documents from an official translator in the country where those documents were issued but be sure to ask beforehand. A responsible official at the relevant authority should tell you what requirements they have on a foreign translator and whether they would require a notarized translation (i.e., a certified translation signed by the translator in front of a consular officer or a notary after their identity was verified).

Can US- or UK-based translators certify a translation into German?

Yes, sure they can and they often do. However, such translations may not be recognized by every German authority, e.g., by the courts of law.

Can I obtain a sworn German translation for use in Germany in my home country?

It rather depends on the receiving German entity. Some (e.g., universities, employers, etc.) accept translations certified by foreign-sworn translators, especially if sworn in the country where the papers were issued, but others don’t. Better ask the receiving authority in advance.

How do I know if a sworn translator is recognized in Germany?

In Germany only the translators sworn-in and appointed by the local German courts are recognized as official translators. You can find them in the translators’ database of the justice portal.

Do I need to send original paper documents for a sworn translation into German?

For a sworn translation performed by a translator authorized in Germany it is necessary to deliver original hard copy documents. However, different rules may apply in other countries.