If you want to do business in Germany, it’s very important to have everything you need for your international success translated. Although most Germans speak and read English quite well, they have a strong preference for their own language. In fact, 35% of Germans only visit German websites. And more than half only buy products on websites presented in German. What, however, should you take into account when looking for a German translation agency?

At first glance, Germany and a country like the Netherlands are quite similar. And yet the countries differ enormously. It is good to learn more about this, because making a good impression on 82 million consumers as potential customers could serve you well. Jawohl, you can find the best tips for the best translation here.

Opt for a native translator; Germans adore quality

That “German thoroughness” you sometimes hear about – it doesn’t just appear out of the blue. Germans love quality. And the same applies to your translation. If it isn’t good, a German will soon lose interest. Language errors, unclear sentences, missing the point with a joke that seemed so much fun in Dutch? Immergeradeaus and you’ll never get home, because this is fundamentally wrong.

German translation tips

You can score well with a good-quality translation by opting for a native translator – someone who has the language you require for the text as their mother tongue. The reason being:

• Native translators have an extensive vocabulary that makes your text easy to read.
• The chance of grammatical or other errors is almost non-existent (and if you choose a reputable translation agency with extensive quality control, even zero).
• Your translation is written in such a way that it gives your reader the exact feel you’re aiming for. After all, the native knows which customs and sensitivities apply to the German language.
• A native closely follows the latest developments in language and culture, so that your translation is free of inapprioriate or outdated texts – being polite, for example, is essential in Germany.
• The native translator adds nuances to your translation, so that your message successfully matches your wishes and target audience.
• A native German translator knows that Germans prefer a subtle communication with sufficient information about the product or service and everything that goes with it, while in the Netherlands we thrive better on responding to feelings and experiences.

Tip: Always ask the translation agency what type of translators they collaborate with. Not every translation agency collaborates with translators who live and work in the country for which you need the translation.

Go for a specialist in your industry and text type, because Germans absolutely devour information

It’s not only important that your translator has mastered the language, it’s also important that she or he has a “feel” for your sector and text type. Just as we find it very logical to get bread from the bakery and not the butcher, it is also logical that someone with a medical background is working on your medical translation. Someone with a relevant education and work experience in the marketing world may be a great translator, but not necessarily the best for your medical job.

At Euro-Com we collaborate with translators who have at least five years experience, are highly educated and have knowledge of your industry and text type. Because the latter is also important. Translating a website well in terms of SEO is very different from translating a brochure and vice versa.

As we’ve just mentioned; Germans are fond of quality. And that quality is evident not only from the translator’s language knowledge, but also from the knowledge of your industry and text type. In addition, details are important to them. They devour information and cannot get enough of facts, figures and specialist knowledge. And if they also enjoy reading typically German terminology and metaphors you are really well on your way. So always ask about their education and experience in the industry for which your translation is intended before you finally confirm the assignment.

Ask if the German translation agency uses translation software

German translation agency

A renowned German translation agency uses good, professional translation software. The software is used to guarantee the quality and security of your translation. Good to know; your translation is and will always remain the work of humans – the software is only there for support.

What translation software contributes to the quality of your translation (and to your wallet):
• Using translation software, the translation agency creates – at your request and just for you – a translation memory that remembers previously translated words and sentences, so that your translations will always be efficient and consistent.
• You will find your translation on your digital doormat sooner than expected because thanks to the translation memory, a translator is able to process more words per hour.
• You receive a discount on the repeated words.

Always work with a translator who uses the most recent software. And immediately ask the German translation agency about the discount for repeated words.

5 fun facts regarding the German language

Well, now that you know how to find the best translator and the requirements she or he must meet, we couldn’t resist sharing some fun facts regarding the language of this big European country.

German is an official language in 6 countries; Germany (you probably didn’t see that coming), Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, South Tyrol in Italy and parts of Belgium.
• It’s no coincidence that German, English and Dutch have similarities – all three are West Germanic languages and about 60% of the vocabularies match.
• Germans love specific words and some of them really can’t be translated literally, such as “fingerspitzengefühl” and “Schnapsidee” (a risky idea that seems especially brilliant after an alcoholic drink).
• German is the most widely spoken mother tongue in Europe; about 16% of Europeans speak German as their first language.
• Once one of the longest words in the world was a German word, but it was soon discontinued because it was too long even for Germans (who rather like compound nouns); Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz, which, with 63 letters, means as much as ‘the Law on the Delegation of Duties for the Supervision of the Marking of Livestock and the Labeling of Beef”

Translating a German text? Receive a free quote within 2 hours!

Would you like to know what your translation from, for example, Dutch to German will cost? Or do you want to discuss your options? Request a quote free of charge and without obligation or contact us. You will receive a tailor-made quote within 2 hours and we are always happy to answer all your questions!