Blog - Galamaga Translations

Please translate it into English! – but which one?

As the world's foremost language English has some special characteristics. It is spoken as a first, second and foreign language in entirely different countries and contains therefore an enormous vocabulary. English spoken in Wales is distinct to the English spoken in California or Kenya. The differences are not only found in pronunciation but also in the way words are written. Phrases from all walks of life, be it everyday items ("restroom" vs. "cloakroom") or official titles ("minister" vs. "secretary") can vary greatly causing the danger of inaccurate translations.

Standard lines, prices per word, matches - calculation of translation prices

In Germany it is customary to calculate prices for translation work with the help of standardised lines of text, so-called ‘Normzeilen’ consisting of 55 characters each including blanks. The number of characters in a source text (original text) or in a target text (translation) can be used as the basis for price calculation. In case of non-electronic texts usually the target text is used for convenience.

Certified translations of education certificates from abroad: more than just a “stamp”

Professional qualifications acquired abroad are assessed by means of particular procedure, before they can be deemed equivalent to professions protected by German law. As well as an an officially certified copy of the original education certificate, a transcript detailing courses attended and grades received, a table-format CV and additional documents, candidates must submit translations of their educational certificates into German. In each case, translations must be certified by a sworn-in translator chartered to work for German courts and notaries.

«We work only with native speakers»

Translation companies with highest standards of professionalism, the industry's 'big players', often on their websites refer to ISO certifications or their own quality management procedures which in most cases include the 'two-man rule'. The phrase «we only work with native speakers» is rarely found on these renowned agencies' websites.

Recently at a registry office: Have you ever been in a civil partnership with another woman?

“Not words but contents are translated” – so I was told a few years ago. This remark is correct at its core, however incomplete. During the translation or interpreting process, the content of what is said is not just explained in another language. Instead, certain cultural practices which we take for granted (and themselves pose linguistic problems) are also conveyed.

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