When it comes to getting married in Germany, there are plenty of legal and organisational matters to deal with, particularly when one of the parties does not have sufficient command of German. It might be helpful (and is often legally required) to have a qualified interpreter present during the appointment.
I will be happy to assist you at any civil register office in the Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region (e.g. in Frankfurt, Wiesbaden or Mainz) in my capacity as a sworn interpreter. I have had the pleasure to interpret many times at various register offices and possess profound knowledge of relevant terminology in English, German and Polish as well as of bureaucratic procedures I can explain to you.
Here are some of the key benefits available to you via my services:
Smooth communication throughout your appointment
Not only do I translate everything that is being said, but I also make sure there is no miscommunication due to cultural differences, achieving full understanding by all involved parties.
Consultation included
In over 10 years of my professional experience I have attended many marriage ceremonies. Based on my expertise I can support you with organisational and practical matters as well as explain to you the official procedures in Germany and the usual dealings with foreign parties.
Additional services
Apart from the interpreting service, I can also provide you with certified translations of your foreign documents for a fair price.
Legal certainty
The legal document confirming that the parties have married is signed by me as an impartial interpreter. This eliminates any doubts regarding the validity of the marriage based on the language barrier.
Professional appearance
In most cases, suit and tie are a must during a marriage ceremony. If you have any specific wishes regarding the attire, please let me know.
Guaranteed data protection
Because of my legal obligation to treat all contents confidentially, I am prohibited from disclosing any details to third parties.
Official Procedure
Foreigners willing to enter into marriage in Germany need to consider the following steps:
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First the relevant documents (birth certificates, certificates of no impediment to marriage, confirmation of single status, divorce decree, if any) must be submitted to the civil register office. Normally, they also need to be translated into German and certified accordingly. In the case of official documents written in English or Polish, I will be happy to provide you with written translations in my capacity as a state-certified and sworn translator.
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As soon as all documents are submitted, an appointment for registration for marriage takes place that needs to be attended by both parties. During this initial appointment formal matters are explained, e.g. regarding the choice of applicable law, the use of family names, legal requirements resulting from a foreign nationality etc. In some cases a statutory declaration (affidavit) on the single status has to be made as well.
I will gladly interpret for your during this first appointment at the register office.
- After registration a new appointment for the actual marriage ceremony is required. During the ceremony I will interpret for you and your guests who do not speak German. The ceremony includes a speech provided by the registrar on pros and cons of marriage. This is followed by a legal part where the registrar reads aloud the certificate of marriage plus supplementing documents (such as a declaration on the change of family name, if applicable). Special wishes such as speeches held by family members can also be agreed in advance and interpreted during the ceremony.
Interpreting Service
Please contact me by phone or e-mail in time before your first appointment at the register office. Should you have questions regarding the official procedure, I will try to give you answers. If necessary, I can also contact the registrar in-charge and ask them questions in your name, e.g. regarding the documents and translations actually required in your case.
One of my blog entries explains the cultural particulars of a marriage between foreign partners that should be taken into consideration by the attending interpreter.
Fees
The fees for translation and interpreting services are based on the German Judicial Remuneration Act (JVEG). The following items are invoiced for interpreting in register offices:
- Interpreting during the appointment
- Time of travel
- Cost of travel (reimbursement of costs/mileage)
- Content-wise preparation (if applicable)
I will be pleased to prepare an individual offer for you for interpreting during your appointment and, if necessary, for issuing written translations of your documents in a certified form. Should you have further questions, feel free to call me at (+49) 06131/6064914.
