About the German language.
German is an official language of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and one of the official languages of Belgium and Luxembourg. It is a major language of trade, engineering and higher education. Other Germanic languages we translate include Afrikaans, Danish, Dutch and English.
Swiss written German differs slightly from German and Austrian usage, for example by not using the letter ß, so tell us where the text will be read.
German to English work is usually technical, legal and academic documents. English to German is usually business correspondence, tenders, websites and marketing content for German-speaking markets.
Manuals, specifications and safety documentation go to translators who work in those fields. German compound nouns often have no single-word English equivalent, so consistent terminology matters, and we use translation memory and termbases to keep it consistent. Longer German text can also affect layouts, which our desktop publishing team handles.
Visa and study applications often need degree certificates, academic transcripts, birth certificates and police clearance certificates. A certified translation is available for these. If an authority asks for a sworn translation, ask us to confirm availability.
Our German translation services.
Tell us the source and target languages, intended audience and service required. We confirm the available linguist, format and review level for your German project before quoting.
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German document translation
Accurate translation of written materials including contracts, reports, correspondence, and marketing content.
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German website and software localisation
Adapting websites, applications, and digital platforms for German-speaking audiences, including text, interface elements, and supporting content.
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German interpreting
Ask about German interpreting for your meeting, hearing or event. Include the date, location or online platform and preferred interpreting mode so we can check availability.
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German voice-over
Multilingual voice recording for video and audio productions requiring German language delivery.
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German subtitling
Accurate, timed German subtitles for films, corporate videos, e-learning content, and broadcast media.
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German desktop publishing
Formatting and layout services for print and digital materials translated into German, ensuring a professional finished product.
Certified, legal and business German translation.
Certified German translation
For official documents, tell us which institution will receive your German translation and send its written requirements. We assess the language pair and confirm whether the project needs a signed statement of accuracy, a sworn translator or another process. Acceptance is decided by the receiving institution.
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates and police clearance certificates. Requirements differ between courts, embassies, universities and immigration authorities, so tell us where the German translation will be submitted and send any written instructions you have. If an authority asks for a sworn translation, ask us to confirm availability for the language pair.
German legal translation
Legal translation into and from German requires specialist knowledge of legal terminology, document conventions, and the specific requirements of the relevant legal system. Each project is assigned to a linguist with the right language pair and subject expertise, and managed by a named project manager.
- Contracts, agreements, and commercial negotiations
- Court pleadings, motions, and legal filings
- Patent applications and intellectual property documents
- Legal correspondence including letters and emails
- Expert witness reports and legal opinions
- Regulatory filings and licence applications
German government translation
Premium Lingua provides German translation services for government agencies, public sector bodies, and organisations working in regulated or government-related environments. Send the required terminology, document format and confidentiality instructions with your brief so these can be assessed and included in the agreed scope.
Client materials are handled under confidentiality requirements, with access restricted to the people who need them to deliver the service, and our privacy framework is designed around the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
German business document translation
For businesses operating in or engaging with German-speaking markets, clear and accurate communication is essential. Share previous translations, glossaries or approved terminology before we start, so your German content stays consistent across projects. Our business translation services cover:
- Marketing materials including brochures, adverts, and promotional content
- Financial reports, balance sheets, and income statements
- Company policies, procedures, and internal guidelines
- Business contracts and commercial agreements
- Business correspondence including emails and letters
- Product catalogues, technical specifications, and datasheets
- Human resources documents including job descriptions and employee handbooks
Request your German project quote.
We aim to reply within two business hours, Monday to Friday, South African time. Include your language pair, intended use and deadline so we can assess the scope.
Request received.
A project manager will reply by email or phone, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 SAST.