Interpreters and Translators — Costs and Cost Coverage

When Do I Need an Interpreter or Translator?

In Germany, you need beglaubigte Übersetzungen (certified translations) of your documents for many official procedures. The distinction is important:

• Übersetzer (Translator): Converts written documents from one language to another
• Dolmetscher (Interpreter): Provides oral translation in real-time (at government offices, courts, doctors)

Beglaubigte Übersetzung — What Is It?

A beglaubigte Übersetzung (certified translation) is prepared by a publicly appointed and sworn translator. The translator confirms with a seal and signature that the translation is accurate and complete.

When Is a Certified Translation Required?

• Applying for a residence permit (birth certificate, marriage certificate, diplomas)
• Recognition of foreign qualifications (anabin, IHK, KMK)
• Marriage registration in Germany (certificate of no impediment, birth certificate)
• Court proceedings (all foreign-language documents)
• Driver's license exchange (license from non-EU country)
• Naturalization (all civil status documents)

Translation Costs

Beglaubigte Übersetzung

Additional charges for:
- Rare languages (Dari, Tigrinya, Urdu): +20–50%
- Urgent orders (24–48 hours): +50–100%
- Apostille certification: 20–50 € additional

Interpreter Costs (Oral)

• Hourly rate: approx. 60–120 € (depending on language and qualifications)
• Half-day rate: approx. 300–500 € (court, notary)
• Phone interpreting: from approx. 1.50–3 € per minute

Finding a Sworn Translator

• Justice Portal: justiz-dolmetscher.de — official database for all federal states
• BDÜ (Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer): bdue.de
• Google search: "beeidigter Übersetzer [language] [city]"
• Tip: Compare at least 2–3 quotes — prices vary significantly

When Are Costs Covered?

Cost Coverage by Authorities/State

• Court proceedings: The state covers interpreter costs if you don't speak German (§ 187 GVG)
• Asylum procedures: BAMF provides and pays for interpreters
• Police: Interpreters are provided during questioning
• Youth welfare office: Cost coverage often applies in child protection cases

Cost Coverage by Jobcenter/Employment Agency

• Translation of certificates for job applications — may request cost coverage
• Interpreter for consultation meetings — organized by Jobcenter
• Recognition of foreign qualifications: Translation costs may be covered

No Cost Coverage

• Immigration office: You pay for translations yourself
• Civil registry office: Translation costs for marriage registration are your responsibility
• Landlord: Rental agreement translation at your own expense

Money-Saving Tips

1. Collect documents: Ordering multiple translations at once is cheaper
2. Ask your community: Facebook groups of fellow expats often have recommendations
3. Don't translate everything: Ask the office which documents really need translation
4. Online services: Some sworn translators work via email — often cheaper than in-person

As of: March 2026. All information without warranty.