Certified translation vs. official translation – what is the difference and how to save money with Berlin Translate?

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Why this distinction matters

If you need to submit documents to authorities, universities or employers abroad, you quickly come across terms such as “certified translation”, “sworn translation” or “official translation”. Many clients are unsure: when do I actually need an expensive sworn translation – and when is a cheaper but still official translation sufficient?

In this article, Berlin Translate explains the difference between certified and sworn/official translations in Germany and shows how you can save money with our translation agency without compromising on quality.

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What is a sworn (certified) translation in Germany?

In German law the correct term is “bestätigte Übersetzung”, often referred to as a sworn or certified translation.​

Key characteristics:

• The translation is produced by a court‑sworn or state‑authorised translator.
• The translator confirms with signature and stamp that the translation is complete and accurate compared to the original document.
• This type of translation is explicitly required by many public authorities, courts, registry offices, notaries and public universities.

Typical use cases:

• Birth, marriage and divorce certificates
• School reports, diplomas and academic transcripts
• Certificates of residence, police clearance certificates, court decisions

Because sworn translations have evidential value in legal proceedings, they are usually more time‑consuming and therefore more expensive than standard translations.

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What is a “certified” or official translation by a translation agency?

In the translation market, the term “certified translation” is used in different ways. In the context of Berlin Translate we mean:

• The translation is carried out by a qualified professional translator who issues a translator’s declaration confirming that the translation is complete and accurate; the agency may also add its stamp or letterhead.
• It is not a court‑sworn translation under German law, but a professionally checked translation with an official statement from the translation agency.
• For many purposes – for example for employers abroad, private universities, insurance companies or internal company processes – such an official translation is fully sufficient and widely accepted.

The big advantage: costs are significantly lower than for sworn translations, because no court authorisation and less administration is required.

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Cost differences: why an official translation is often enough

Sworn translations are often charged per document or per standard line and include not only the translation work but also the certification, stamp and sometimes postage. As a result, prices per page are considerably higher than for normal or agency‑certified translations.

An official translation certified by a translation agency is usually cheaper because:

• no additional court procedure is necessary,
• the translator must be professionally qualified but not necessarily sworn,
• the process is faster and administratively simpler.

For clients this means:

• If an authority explicitly requests a “sworn translation”, “certified translation by a sworn translator” or “beglaubigte Übersetzung”, you will need a sworn translation.
• If the requirement simply mentions “official translation”, “translation into German/English” or “certified translation by a translation agency”, an agency‑certified translation is usually sufficient – and much cheaper.

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How Berlin Translate offers both options

Berlin Translate is an established translation agency in Berlin with a large network of professional translators and court‑sworn translators. This allows us to offer both sworn translations and more affordable certified/official translations.

1. Sworn translations by court‑authorised translators

• Translation by publicly appointed and sworn translators for many language pairs, such as German–English, German–French and others.
• Full compliance with the requirements of German courts, registry offices, immigration authorities and public universities.
• Includes stamp, signature and certification clause; originals or certified copies can be attached if required.

This option is ideal whenever official guidelines clearly mention “sworn translation” or “translation by a sworn translator”.

2. Certified / official translations by Berlin Translate – the cost‑effective alternative

• Professional specialist translations by experienced translators with expertise in areas such as law, medicine, technology or academic documents.
• Written statement from Berlin Translate confirming that the translation is complete and accurate – perfect as an official translation for companies, employers, private universities and international partners.
• Considerably lower prices compared to sworn document translations, especially for longer documents such as CVs, job references, reports or contracts.

This means you only pay for a sworn translation when it is truly necessary – and choose the more economical official translation in all other cases.

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When should you choose which type of translation?

Sworn translation is recommended when:

• the form explicitly states “sworn/certified translation” or “translation by a sworn translator”,
• you submit civil status documents (birth and marriage certificates), court judgments, notarial deeds or immigration documents.

Certified/official translation is sufficient when:

• an employer, private university or company only asks for a “translation into German/English”,
• you translate CVs, reference letters, business documents, websites or marketing materials,
• you need a high‑quality translation with an official statement from a professional translation agency, but no court certification.

If you are unsure, you can simply send Berlin Translate the requirements of the relevant institution – we will advise you free of charge which type of translation is required in your specific case.

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Conclusion: Berlin Translate – the right type of translation at a fair price

The distinction between sworn translations and agency‑certified official translations has a major impact on cost, recognition and processing time. With Berlin Translate you have a partner who offers both options and knows exactly which form your documents need for German and international institutions.

Whether you require a cost‑effective official translation for job applications abroad or a legally valid sworn translation for authorities and courts – Berlin Translate provides the right solution for your documents.