- Which language combinations do you offer?
We work in the combinations of English-German and Italian-German. We fundamentally only translate into our mother tongue. Translators generally achieve the best results when they translate into their mother tongue, which is why you should always hire native speakers for translation.
If you need help for other language combinations, we are pleased to help you find a suitable translator.
- Can you process projects for all specialist areas?
In our view, translators who claim to be able to personally perform translations in all specialist areas are not to be trusted. Such services can be better provided by large agencies with a big network of translators. Instead of that, we concentrate upon the special areas – multimedia and IT – within which we can claim comprehensive experience and guarantee you the best quality possible.
If you need help for other specialists areas, we are pleased to arrange trusted professional colleagues for you.
- What advantages do you offer by comparison with large agencies?
Agencies often only act as a go-between as far as final customer and translator are concerned. In the worst case scenario, they will confine themselves to using as cheap a translator as possible, and then passing the finished document on to the customer without further quality control. It may well be that you receive particularly well-priced offers from such agencies, but that you finally have to “pay the price” when it comes to quality. Such “bargains” in fact turn out to be substantially more expensive, since bad and incorrect translations have to be corrected afterwards or indeed fully redone from scratch.
We can assure of a high-quality translation, that is subsequently reviewed by a second translator. Apart from that, in our case your direct contact is always with the translator in person. As communication runs directly and not via one or even more project managers, possible questions or misunderstandings can be clarified both in good time and efficiently.
- What does “localization” in fact mean? – Is is simply just another word for translation?
Software localization covers much more than just the simple translation of the respective user interface. “Localization” rather covers the entire adaptation and translation of software, taking into account the respective target audience and overcoming possible cultural barriers. This includes the adaptation of country-specific information such as times, dates or character conventions, currencies, methods of address, color schemes and symbols etc. Apart from that, the localization of software involves diverse technical aspects. The user interface must be checked for functionality (e.g. functioning key commands, the full visibility of text in dialog boxes and linguistic consistency, whilst the consistency between the individual components of a product (user interface, documentation, online help) has to be ensured.
- What are the criteria for a good translator?
Unlike in other professions such as legal, medicine and accountancy anyone may style themselves as a “translator”. It is therefore important when looking for a translator to look for corresponding professional qualification (specialist training, appropriate experience, references) and not to let yourself be intimidated by bold promises (in particular low rates, particularly rapid turnaround times or specialist knowledge in all conceivable areas). This will help you to achieve the highest degree of professionalism and quality in your translation projects.
- Can I not just have my translation simply performed by utilizing a software program?
There is indeed a wide range of programs that can translate text fully automatically. Whilst such programs can be of possible assistance to help you to understand the meaning of a foreign text, translations performed by such programs are not suitable for publication or for further use. In fact translations produced using such methodology call for intensive post-editing, that usually requires as much time as a completely new translation. It is for this reason that we do not use such programs in our work. We do, however, utilize special database-supported translation memory and terminology management programs that support us in the production of professional and high-value qualitative translations.
- How long do you need for the preparation of a quotation?
Generally, you can anticipate receiving a non-binding quotation from us within 1-2 hours. In the case of larger projects, the preparation of quotations can require a longer period. Please note, however, that we can fundamentally only produce a concrete quotation once we have the entire text to be translated.
- Are quotations free of charge?
Of course. Our quotations are both free of charge and non-binding.
- How long do you need to produce my translation?
The processing time for a translation is dependent upon various factors, such as the volume of text, the special field involved and the format of the text. Fundamentally, an experienced translator can handle approx. 2,000 words per day. In individual case, higher levels of output can be achieved, but you should remember that this can lead to sacrifices in quality. For this reason, we recommend planning translation projects in good time.
- What information do you require in addition to the text to be translated?
In the case of every translation project, it is key to be aware of whom the text is addressing and for what purpose or in which medium it will be used. We need this information prior to commencing every project. If you prefer that we take into account specific terminology in translation, you should please let us have this in the form of a glossary, or if not available as such, in the form of reference texts from which we can extract the appropriate terminology.
- In which format can or must the texts for translation be provided?
You can supply your texts in all conventional formats (Microsoft Office formats, HTML, XML etc). In the case of formats that cannot be processed directly (e.g. PDF documents or faxes), we unfortunately have to apply a surcharge.
- In which format do I receive my translation?
You will, of course, receive your translation in the original format, unless the original document was not available in a processable format, in which case it will be supplied in an agreed format e.g .doc, .rtf or .pdf).
- My original text contains errors or is not perfectly formulated. Will the target text contain the same errors?
No. Obvious errors are naturally not translated. In this respect, the translation will in fact be an improvement of your source text. Ambiguous formulations are also replaced, wherever possible, by clear and straightforward information. In the case of ambiguities, we could possibly be dependent upon your assistance, since it is likely that only you can decide which of several interpretations is the correct version.
- Can I rely upon my confidential information being in safe hands with you?
Naturally, we guarantee full confidentiality in respect of your documents and information. If required, we are pleased to sign a non-disclosure agreement with you.
- How much does a translation cost?
The cost of a translation is dependent upon various factors. For further information upon our calculation methods, please refer to the Rates section on this site.
- How is payment made?
You will be billed upon conclusion of a project and this will be subject to settlement by bank transfer within 30 days. In individual cases, other methods of payment can also be agreed upon. In the case of highly comprehensive projects, we may need to request the payment of a deposit and/or monthly installments. The appropriate payment arrangements will naturally be agreed with you prior to the commencement of a project.
