How to Order a Certified Translation from English into Another Language (Other Than German)

Certified translations are often required for official procedures, applications, visas, or academic purposes. Many people assume that certified translations in Germany must involve the German language—but this is not the case. Certified translations such as English → Spanish, English → French, English → Italian, or other foreign-language combinations are absolutely possible, provided that the translator is officially sworn or authorized for that language pair.

How to Order a Certified Translation from English into Another Language (Other Than German)

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to order a certified translation from English into another foreign language.

1. Choose the Right Translation Agency

Not every sworn translator is certified for every language. For combinations like English–Spanish or English–French, you need a translator who is officially sworn/authorized in the respective target language country or jurisdiction.

A professional agency like Berlin Translate works with internationally authorized sworn translators and can therefore provide certified translations directly between foreign languages, without going through German.

2. Submit Your Document

To receive a quote, a scan or high-quality photo of your document is usually sufficient.
Make sure:

  • The entire document is visible.
  • Stamps, seals, signatures, and edges are clearly readable.
  • A PDF is preferred to avoid distortions.

If you also have an editable file (e.g., Word), you may send it as an additional reference.

3. Receive a Quote and Confirm Your Order

Before the translation begins, the agency will send you:

  • the total price,
  • the estimated delivery time,
  • and the format of the certified translation (digital PDF, hard copy, or both).

Certified translations often have fixed prices per page, depending on the language combination and complexity.

4. Translation by a Sworn/Authorized Translator

Once the order is confirmed, your document will be translated by a sworn or officially authorized translator for the specific language pair.
The certified translation will include:

  • an official stamp and signature,
  • a certification statement confirming accuracy,
  • and sometimes an ID number or registration reference.

These features ensure acceptance by foreign authorities, universities, embassies, and institutions.

5. Delivery of the Certified Translation

Depending on your needs, you can receive:

  • a digitally certified PDF (accepted by many institutions),
  • a printed hard copy by post,
  • or both.

Make sure to check the requirements of the authority you are submitting it to.

6. When Are Certified Foreign-Language Combinations Required?

Certified English → Spanish or English → French translations are often needed for:

  • immigration and visa procedures abroad,
  • university applications,
  • court and notarial documents,
  • international business registrations,
  • marriage, divorce, or birth documents for use outside Germany.

In many cases, translating directly into the required language avoids unnecessary additional steps and extra costs.

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