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Sworn Translator

Accreditation from the Higher Regional Court of Cologne

A translator may only be designated sworn translator if accredited by the competent Higher Regional Court. We hold this designation. You might wonder about the significance this has for us and why a sworn translator needs to be more trustworthy and work with greater diligence. Read on to know more on this.

Sworn Translator: Definition

A sworn translator has the accreditation of the Higher Regional Court and is thereby authorised to translate and attest official certificates, decrees and texts. The characteristic features are delineated by the respective Federal States. In the case of the state of North Rhine Westphalia, the Interpretation and Translation Laws of North Rhine Westphalia define the prerequisites of a sworn translator. Interpreters render verbal translations directly on location at the courtroom and are accredited on that basis. Translators are entrusted the task of reproducing written texts and given the authorisation to use the corresponding designation.

Qualifications of a Sworn Translator

For a qualified translator to be appointed as a sworn translator he has to be a citizen of a member state of the European Union or a contracting state to the Treaty on the European Economic Area. He has to prove his professional competence. It is thus mandatory to have a degree from an university or polytechnic.

Furthermore, and it goes without saying, a qualified translator has to be an adult. Definitely the most important criteria is for him to be trustworthy and conscientious. This means that he has to demonstrate special diligence in his work for individuals, notaries and courts.

The Obligation of Special Diligence

Court proceedings have often to do with sensitive matters. Not all court proceedings are open to the public. Neither are details of open sessions in court to be divulged outside. That which is nothing more than a trial for the public, means much more for the sworn translator. Information derived from court records have always to be treated as confidential. Besides the obligation of confidentiality, extreme diligence and impartiality go with the territory.

As employees of the magistrates, sworn translators are expected likewise to be impartial. If a judge does not have adequate hold over the foreign language required for the proceedings and if the documents exist only in that language, he is bound to rely on the translator 's work. The verdict or acquittal can thus be directly related to the accuracy of a translated document. Such is the importance of an accurate translation.

Sworn Translators Are Under Oath

We have frequently translated legal texts in the past and are only too aware of the great responsibility incumbent on a translator towards the court. They are texts, after all, that could have a decisive impact on the outcome of the proceedings (i.e. the verdict). But of course we take our work in other fields just as seriously. We always go about our work with great diligence and a keen sense of responsibility and invest all our experience in it.

Sworn Translator with Academic Training

A sworn translator has academic training, which is indispensable for legal work. This training stands to good stead for all non-legal projects as well. The academic degrees of qualified translator and qualified interpreter are awarded only upon successfully completing studies at an university or polytechnic. The four years of study are not just spent to acquire and consolidate knowledge on languages but also to pick up legal terminology and legal knowledge.

Sworn Translator: Our Languages

As sworn translators we have been appointed by the Higher Regional Court of Cologne to translate and attest documents and certificates in English, French and German. Do not hesitate to contact us if our translation agency be of further assistance.

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