Navigating German bureaucracy can feel overwhelming, especially when you encounter terms like "Vereidigte Übersetzer" and "beglaubigte Übersetzung." If you've found yourself a little bit lost or wondering, "Wouldn't they need the original document in their hand to do it?", you're not alone.
Many official bodies (Behörden) in Germany—from immigration offices to universities—require certified translations for foreign documents like birth certificates. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring your documents are translated correctly and accepted by German authorities.
Summary
For official use in Germany, documents like birth certificates require a "beglaubigte Übersetzung" (certified translation) from a state-appointed "Vereidigte Übersetzer" (sworn translator).
Find a qualified professional using the official German database (
justiz-dolmetscher.de); most can work from a high-quality digital scan, so you don't need to mail the original.Before starting, always confirm with the requesting German authority (Behörde) whether they require an Apostille on the original document and if a translation based on a scan is acceptable.
Costs often start around $25 per page with 24-hour turnarounds. For a streamlined process, Bluente's certified translation service offers officially recognized documents from qualified professionals.
Understanding the Key Terms: Vereidigte Übersetzer and Beglaubigte Übersetzung
What is a Vereidigte Übersetzer?
A "Vereidigte Übersetzer" (sworn translator) or "allgemein vereidigter Übersetzer" (generally sworn translator) is a professional who has been officially appointed and sworn in by a German court. These translators are authorized to certify that their translations are true and accurate renderings of original documents.
This isn't just a translation service—it's a legal verification process. The profession is governed by laws like the Gerichtsdolmetschergesetz (Court Interpreters Act), which came into effect on January 1, 2023, ensuring high standards of quality and accountability.
The Critical Difference: Beglaubigte Übersetzung vs. Regular Translation
One of the most common points of confusion is understanding what makes a "beglaubigte Übersetzung" (certified translation) different from a regular translation:
Beglaubigte Übersetzung (Certified Translation):
Purpose: Required for official, legally binding documents submitted to German authorities
Who can do it: Only a vereidigter Übersetzer (sworn translator)
What it includes: The translator's official stamp and signature, confirming the translation's accuracy. The document must include everything on the original, including seals and stamps.
Cost & Time: More expensive and time-consuming due to the rigorous requirements
Regular Translation:
Purpose: Informal use cases like personal emails or understanding a website
Who can do it: Any translator, or even free online tools
What it includes: Just the translated text—it has no legal weight
Cost & Time: Cheaper and faster
You'll need a beglaubigte Übersetzung when applying for citizenship, enrolling in a university, getting married in Germany, or applying for parental allowance (Elterngeld).
How to Get Your Birth Certificate Translated: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find Your Certified Translator Using the Official Database
The most reliable way to find a legitimate Vereidigte Übersetzer is through the official nationwide database: www.justiz-dolmetscher.de.
Here's how to use it:
Go to the website
Enter your source language (the language of your birth certificate) and the target language (usually German)
You can narrow your search by state (Bundesland) or city/postcode
For those looking for a more streamlined, all-in-one online solution, services like Bluente’s Certified Document Translation offer a fast and straightforward alternative. You can simply upload your document to get a quote and have it translated by a qualified professional, often with a 24-hour turnaround, bypassing the need to contact multiple individual translators.
Pro-Tip for Rare Languages or Small Towns: If you use the database and see "no results for the language I am looking for," broaden your search. Most translators work nationwide and can handle the process remotely. Try searching for the nearest big city, or even search all of Germany—the location of the translator often doesn't matter for document translation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents (The Scan vs. Original Dilemma)
Many people wonder: "Some agencies would only request a scan for a beglaubigte Übersetzung. Wouldn't they need the original document in their hand to do it?"
Here's what you'll need to prepare:
A high-quality scan or clear photo of your entire birth certificate (front and back, including all stamps, seals, and signatures)
A copy of your valid identification (passport or ID card), as some translators may require it
The Process Explained: Modern practice allows most sworn translators to work from a high-quality digital copy (Scan or Kopie). The translator will include a note in their certification clause stating that the translation was based on a digital copy provided to them.
So yes, they will end up stamping a print of the scan and not the original. The translator attaches their translation and certification stamp to a printed copy of the scan you provided.
Crucial Caveat: While this is standard practice, always confirm with the specific Behörde (authority) that is requesting your document whether a translation based on a scan is acceptable for your purpose. Some specific procedures might require the translator to see the Originaldokument.
Step 3: Requesting Quotes and Understanding the Process
It's wise to contact 2-3 translators from the database to compare prices and turnaround times.
What to Ask:
What is the total cost for the certified translation of my birth certificate?
What is the estimated turnaround time for digital (PDF) and postal delivery?
Do you need any other documents from me?
How do you want me to send the document (email, upload portal)?
The average cost for a certified translation of a complete birth certificate can vary based on language complexity and urgency. For a clear and upfront price, platforms like Bluente offer certified translations from a flat rate of $25 per page, with standard 24-hour delivery. This provides a reliable benchmark when comparing quotes from other Übersetzungsdienst (translation services) or Sprachdienstleister (language service providers).
Step 4: Receiving and Verifying Your Certified Translation
Delivery Methods:
Digital: A signed and stamped PDF, often delivered within 3-4 business days
Hard Copy: The official paper document sent by post, which can take 5-6 business days or more. Usually, the hard copy is what authorities require.
What to Check For: The final document should include:
The complete translation of your birth certificate
A copy of the original document it was translated from
The translator's confirmation clause (Beglaubigungsvermerk)
The phrase "In Deutschland übersetzt von einem allgemein vereidigten Übersetzer" (Translated in Germany by a generally sworn translator)
The translator's official stamp (Stempel) and signature
Beyond Translation: Do You Need an Apostille?
A common question is: "Did they ask for an Apostille?" This is important to clarify.
What is an Apostille? An Apostille is a form of international authentication that certifies the authenticity of a signature and seal on a public document, making it valid in other countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
When Do You Need It? An Apostille is typically required on the original document before it is translated. For example, a US birth certificate might need an Apostille from the US State Department before it can be officially used in Germany.
The Golden Rule: You do not need to guess. The Behörde in Germany that requested your translated birth certificate will tell you if they also require an Apostille on the original. Always ask them directly.
Costs and Timelines: What to Expect
Cost: While prices can vary, online services provide transparent pricing. For instance, Bluente offers certified translations from $25 per page. Always get a fixed quote upfront from your chosen Agentur (agency) or independent translator to avoid surprises.
Timeline:
Standard delivery from online platforms can be as fast as 24 hours for digital copies.
Postal delivery: Typically adds 2-3 business days.
Traditional services may take longer: 3-6 business days is common.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a Non-Certified Translator: "There may be cheaper ones who are accepted, but please make sure about that." Using anyone not listed on the official justiz-dolmetscher.de database is risky. Your Dokumentenübersetzung (document translation) might be rejected, wasting both time and money.
Providing a Low-Quality Scan: Ensure the entire document, including edges, stamps, and signatures, is clearly visible. A blurry or incomplete scan can lead to rejection.
Not Clarifying Scan vs. Original Requirements: Failing to confirm with the receiving authority if a translation based on a scan is sufficient for your specific case.
Forgetting to Ask About an Apostille: This can cause significant delays if it turns out one was required all along for your Zertifikat (certificate).
Ignoring the Fine Print: Not getting a clear, all-inclusive quote before starting the work can lead to unexpected costs.
Assuming All Translators Handle All Languages: For rare language combinations, you may need to search more broadly or contact specialized agencies.
Practical Tips for Expats
Start Early: German bureaucracy often takes longer than expected. Begin the translation process at least 2-3 weeks before you need the document.
Keep Digital Copies: Save PDFs of both your original documents and their certified translations in a secure cloud storage for future reference.
Order Multiple Copies: If you're applying to multiple German institutions, each might require an original copy of the certified translation.
Clarify Specific Requirements: Different Behörden may have slightly different requirements. Always check with the specific authority requesting your document.
Use Professional Communication: When contacting translators, use clear, professional language. Provide all necessary details upfront to get accurate quotes.
Conclusion
While the terminology around certified translations in Germany can be confusing, the process itself is straightforward once you understand the steps. By using the official resources and communicating clearly with both the translator and the requesting authority, you can confidently navigate this aspect of German bureaucracy.
Remember the key points:
Find a sworn translator via the official database
Clarify document requirements (scan/original/Apostille)
Get a clear quote and timeline
Verify the final translation has all required elements
With this guide, you're now well-equipped to get your birth certificate properly translated and accepted by German authorities, whether you're applying for residency, enrolling in education, or handling other official matters in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a certified translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) in Germany?
A certified translation in Germany is an official translation of a document, like a birth certificate, that has been completed and verified by a state-appointed sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer). This type of translation is legally binding and required by German authorities (Behörden) for official purposes. It includes the translator's official stamp and signature, confirming its accuracy and completeness, distinguishing it from a regular, non-official translation.
Who is authorized to provide a certified translation in Germany?
Only a "vereidigter Übersetzer" (sworn translator) who has been officially appointed and sworn in by a German court is authorized to provide a certified translation in Germany. These professionals are listed in the official nationwide database (www.justiz-dolmetscher.de). Using a translator not on this list risks your document being rejected by German authorities.
Do I need to mail my original birth certificate to the translator?
No, in most cases, you do not need to mail your original document. Sworn translators can typically work from a high-quality digital scan or photo of your birth certificate. The translator will note on the certification that the translation was based on a digital copy. However, it is crucial to always confirm with the specific authority (Behörde) requesting the document if this is acceptable for your particular case, as some rare procedures may require the translator to view the original.
How much does a certified translation of a birth certificate cost?
The cost for a certified translation of a birth certificate can vary, but online services often provide a clear benchmark, with prices starting from around $25 per page. The final price depends on factors like the language combination, complexity of the document, and urgency. It is best practice to request quotes from 2-3 different translators or use a platform with transparent, upfront pricing to avoid unexpected fees.
What is an Apostille and do I need one for my translated document?
An Apostille is an international certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document; it is placed on your original document, not the translation. You need an Apostille before you get the document translated if the German authority specifically requests it. The Apostille validates the signature and seal on your original birth certificate, making it officially recognized in Germany. Always ask the authority (Behörde) that needs your document whether an Apostille is required.
Will a certified translation from another country be accepted in Germany?
Generally, no. German authorities typically require certified translations to be performed by a translator who is sworn in a German court. A translation certified abroad may not be recognized, as the legal standards and swearing-in processes differ between countries. To ensure acceptance, it is safest to use a "vereidigter Übersetzer" found in the official German database.
How long does it take to get a certified translation?
The turnaround time can be as fast as 24 hours for a digital copy from online platforms, with postal delivery of the hard copy taking an additional 2-3 business days. Traditional freelance translators might take 3-6 business days for the entire process. Timelines can vary based on the translator's workload and the language pair, so it's always best to confirm the estimated delivery date when you request a quote.