These terms are often used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily mean the same thing.
There is an important difference between a professional translation provided by a translation agency and a certified translation issued by a sworn, appointed or authorized translator.
The type of translation you need mainly depends on where you intend to submit the document and what requirements the receiving authority or institution has.
In this guide, we explain the difference between professional and certified translations, when each option may be appropriate, and how to avoid paying for a service you may not actually need.
At Berlin Translate, we offer professional translation services as well as certified translations, with a strong focus on quality, fast service and excellent value for money.
What Is an Official Translation?
The term “official translation” is commonly used to describe a professionally translated document issued by a translation agency or professional translator.
Depending on the provider and the purpose, the translation may be delivered as a PDF and may include the translation agency’s stamp or confirmation.
However, an important distinction should be made:
A translation provided by a translation agency is not automatically a certified translation.
At Berlin Translate, for example, we can provide professional translations as PDF documents by email and, where appropriate, with the stamp of our translation agency.
This can be an excellent solution when the recipient does not explicitly require a certified translation by a sworn or authorized translator.
Typical uses include:
- business documents
- company documents
- applications
- CVs and resumes
- employment certificates
- product information
- websites
- marketing materials
- insurance documents
- internal company documents
- general correspondence
- documents for private purposes
You can also learn more about the terminology and differences between the various types of translations in our guide on certified and official translations.
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation issued by a translator who has the appropriate legal status to certify translations.
Depending on the German federal state and the relevant legal framework, this may be a sworn, appointed, authorized or publicly certified translator.
The translator certifies that the translation is complete and accurate according to the applicable requirements.
Certified translations may include:
- a certification statement
- the translator’s signature
- the translator’s stamp
- information concerning the original document
- notes concerning seals, stamps or handwritten entries
Certified translations are often requested for official procedures.
Examples may include:
- birth certificates
- marriage certificates
- divorce judgments
- death certificates
- criminal records
- police clearance certificates
- diplomas
- university degrees
- school certificates
- court documents
- notarial documents
- immigration documents
- naturalization documents
- visa applications
However, it is important to understand that not every document automatically requires a certified translation.
The exact requirements depend on the authority or institution receiving your documents.
Official Translation vs. Certified Translation
The main difference concerns the formal certification of the translation.
| Professional Translation | Certified Translation | |
|---|---|---|
| Professional translation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Translation agency | ✅ | Possible depending on the arrangement |
| Agency stamp | Possible | Not sufficient by itself |
| Certification statement | ❌ | ✅ |
| Sworn/authorized translator | Not necessarily | ✅ |
| Suitable for companies | ✅ | ✅ |
| Suitable for applications | Often | ✅ |
| Suitable for private purposes | Often | ✅ |
| Suitable for authorities | Depends on requirements | Often |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
The most important point is this:
A translation agency stamp does not automatically make a translation a certified translation.
If an authority specifically requires a translation by a sworn, appointed or authorized translator, that requirement should be followed.
When Is a Professional Translation Enough?
A professional translation by a translation agency can be an excellent option when the recipient simply needs a high-quality and accurate translation and does not require formal certification.
This can be particularly useful for companies, employers and private individuals.
Job Applications
If an employer needs to understand a foreign diploma, employment certificate or reference letter, a certified translation may not always be required.
In such cases, a professional translation can be a significantly more affordable option.
Businesses
Companies regularly require translations of:
- contracts
- presentations
- websites
- product descriptions
- business correspondence
- company documents
- technical documents
In these cases, linguistic quality and professional terminology are often more important than certification.
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may also request translations of foreign documents.
Whether certification is required depends on the individual insurance company and the specific procedure.
Private Purposes
If you simply need a translation for your own records or personal use, there is usually no reason to pay for certification unless the recipient specifically requires it.
When Do You Need a Certified Translation?
If an authority or institution explicitly requests a certified translation, you should provide one that meets the relevant requirements.
You may encounter phrases such as:
- “certified translation”
- “translation by a sworn translator”
- “translation by a sworn translator in Germany”
- “translation by an authorized translator”
- “officially certified translation”
Germany’s judiciary provides an official Database of Interpreters and Translators where users can search for qualified interpreters and translators.
If you are unsure whether your document needs to be certified, the safest approach is to ask the authority or institution that will receive the document.
Why Are Certified Translations More Expensive?
A certified translation involves more than simply translating the text.
The translator must also comply with the formal requirements applicable to certified translations.
Depending on the document, the translator may need to deal with:
- official stamps
- seals
- signatures
- handwritten notes
- tables
- annotations
- document numbers
- official terminology
- certification statements
- information concerning the original document
This creates additional work and responsibility.
You can learn more about the purpose and process of certified translations in our detailed guide on certified translations.
How Much Does an Official Translation Cost?
The price of a translation depends on several factors, including:
- language combination
- number of pages
- number of words
- type of document
- formatting
- subject matter
- urgency
- certification requirements
At Berlin Translate, a professional translation is available from:
€45 per page
The translation can be delivered digitally as a PDF by email and, where appropriate, provided with the stamp of our translation agency.
This makes it an attractive option for customers who require a professional translation but do not need formal certification.
You can find more information about our pricing and affordable translation services in our article about affordable official translations.
Certified Translation from €85 per Page
If you require a certified translation, Berlin Translate can also arrange this service.
Our price is:
€85 per page
The translation is prepared according to the applicable requirements for certified translations and can, depending on the assignment, also be sent by post.
You can find more information about certified translations and sworn translators on our website.
Excellent Value for Money
At Berlin Translate, our goal is simple:
Professional quality at a fair and transparent price.
We believe customers should not automatically pay for certification if it is not required for their particular situation.
That is why we offer different solutions depending on the purpose of the translation.
Professional translation
€45 per page
A cost-effective solution when certification is not required.
Certified translation
€85 per page
The appropriate solution when a certified translation by a qualified translator is specifically requested.
This approach allows our customers to choose the service that actually matches their needs.
Example: Translating a Foreign Birth Certificate
Imagine that you have a French, Spanish, Italian, Polish or other foreign birth certificate and need to submit it in Germany.
The first question should be:
What exactly does the receiving authority require?
If the authority only requests a German translation, a professional translation may be sufficient.
If it specifically requests a certified translation, you should provide a certified translation.
This simple distinction can potentially save you money.
Example: Criminal Record or Police Clearance Certificate
Foreign criminal records and police clearance certificates are another common example.
An employer may simply need to understand the contents of the document.
An immigration authority or another government institution may, however, require a certified translation.
Therefore, the document itself does not always determine which type of translation you need.
The requirements of the recipient are what matter.
Does Every Translation Have to Be Done by a Sworn Translator?
No.
A professional translation does not automatically have to be prepared by a sworn translator.
If the receiving organization does not require certification, a professional translation agency may provide a perfectly suitable and more affordable solution.
However, if an authority specifically requires a certified translation by a sworn, appointed or authorized translator, you should comply with that requirement.
The official German judiciary database of interpreters and translators can be used to find appropriately qualified professionals.
Translation Agency vs. Sworn Translator: What Is the Difference?
A translation agency organizes and provides professional translation services for individuals and companies across many different languages and subject areas.
A sworn, appointed or authorized translator has the relevant legal status that allows them to issue certified translations under the applicable German rules.
These two concepts are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
A translation agency can also organize a certified translation through a qualified sworn or authorized translator.
This can make the process much easier for customers who are unsure which type of service they need.
How Does the Translation Process Work at Berlin Translate?
The process is simple.
1. Send Us Your Document
Send your document to us by email.
2. We Check the Document
We review the language, document type, length and requested translation format.
3. Receive a Quote
You receive a clear and transparent quotation before the work begins.
4. Confirm the Order
Once you approve the quotation, we can start the translation.
5. Receive Your Translation
Professional translations can generally be delivered digitally as a PDF.
For certified translations, postal delivery can also be arranged depending on the assignment.
Do You Need an Apostille as Well?
In some international procedures, a document may require an apostille in addition to a translation.
An apostille and a certified translation are two different things.
The apostille concerns the authenticity of certain public documents, while the certified translation concerns the translation itself.
If you need both, it is important to understand the correct order of the various steps.
We explain this in more detail in our guide to certified translations with an apostille.
The exact requirements depend on the country, document and procedure involved.
What Should You Check Before Ordering a Translation?
Before ordering a translation, we recommend checking the following points.
1. Who Will Receive the Translation?
Is it for:
- a government authority?
- a court?
- a university?
- an employer?
- an insurance company?
- a private individual?
2. Is Certification Explicitly Required?
If yes, you will probably need a certified translation.
3. Which Language Is Required?
For example:
- German → English
- English → German
- French → German
- Spanish → German
- Italian → German
- Polish → German
- Arabic → German
- Turkish → German
- Chinese → German
4. How Quickly Do You Need It?
If you have a deadline, mention it when requesting your quotation.
5. Do You Need a Digital Copy or a Physical Document?
For many professional translations, a PDF by email is sufficient.
For certified translations, a physical version may be required or preferable depending on the receiving institution.
Why Choose Berlin Translate?
Choosing a translation service should not be based on price alone.
A poor translation can result in additional questions, delays or unnecessary costs.
At the same time, paying for certification when it is not required may also be unnecessary.
At Berlin Translate, we therefore focus on:
Professional quality + fair pricing + transparent communication + fast processing.
Our goal is to provide an excellent price-to-quality ratio for both private customers and businesses.
Whether you need a simple professional translation or a certified translation for an official procedure, we can help you determine which option is appropriate for your situation.
Visit Berlin Translate to learn more about our translation services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Official and Certified Translations
What is an official translation?
The term “official translation” is commonly used to describe a professionally prepared translation of a document, for example by a translation agency. It is not necessarily the same as a certified translation.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is issued by a translator who has the appropriate legal status to certify translations under the applicable rules.
Is a translation with a company stamp certified?
No. A translation agency’s stamp does not, by itself, constitute certification by a sworn or authorized translator.
Will a professional translation be accepted by German authorities?
This depends on the individual authority and procedure. If the authority specifically requires a certified translation, you should provide one that meets those requirements.
How much does a professional translation cost?
At Berlin Translate, professional translations start at €45 per page.
How much does a certified translation cost?
At Berlin Translate, certified translations start at €85 per page.
Can I send my document by email?
Yes. In many cases, you can simply send your document digitally. We will then review it and provide a quotation.
How quickly can my translation be completed?
Processing times depend on the language combination, document length, document type and urgency. If you have a deadline, let us know when you contact us.
Conclusion: Which Translation Do You Need?
A professional translation by a translation agency can be the ideal solution when you need a high-quality translation but the recipient does not require formal certification.
A certified translation is the appropriate choice when a government authority, court, university or other institution specifically requires a translation issued by a sworn, appointed or authorized translator.
The most important thing to do before ordering is therefore simple:
Check the requirements of the institution receiving your document.
This can help you avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
At Berlin Translate, we offer both options:
Professional translation: €45 per page
Certified translation: €85 per page
Our goal is to provide professional quality, transparent pricing and excellent value for money, while making the translation process as simple as possible.
Need a translation?
Contact Berlin Translate and send us your document. We will review it, clarify which type of translation may be appropriate and provide you with a transparent quotation.
Berlin Translate – Professional translations at fair prices.
