In the field of translations, it can often happen that special certifications are required, because the translated document must be used for official purposes and it is important that its content be qualified in a legally indisputable way as being faithful to the original.
In this context, one may encounter terms such as “legalized translation” and “sworn translation” - definitions which are rather obscure for the layman, and which generate the risk of misunderstandings and defaults that can have significant consequences.
Let us thus try to explain, briefly and with the utmost clarity, the difference between sworn and legalized translations.
The concept of certified translation
Sworn translations can only be prepared by translators who have been specifically sworn in by the competent court.
Such procedure, which differs slightly depending on where the translators lives, nevertheless requires proof of a certain qualification.
This is mainly a “Diplom” or a master’s degree demonstrating the translator’s language qualifications.
In addition, the translator has to prove by way of an exam that he is familiar with the German legal language and the legal concept.
If the client requests such a “sworn translation”, the translator confirms by adding a specific text to the translation that this translation is a “true and accurate” translation of the presented document.
When it is necessary to have a certified translation
A sworn translation is fundamentally necessary in the event that you have a document issued in another country, and therefore written in a language other than that of the state in which you are located, and you need to make that document legally valid also in the state where you currently live.
The swearing-in procedure of the translation is the one that confers this validity.
It is essential to remember that only official translators who are authorized and registered can carry out the sworn translation.
What is legalized translation
The legalization of a translation is a practice that goes further than its certification; in fact, it consists of an authentication of the signature by an official, mostly a notary public.
For a translation to be legalized, it must have already been certified; subsequently, it must be presented either to a notary public or to the court where the translator was previously sworn-in. These officials certify the signature of the translator which transforms the translation again into an “original deed”.
Sometimes, however, depending on the country where the document will be presented, it might be necessary to go some steps further and have an Apostille or legalization from a district court attached to the document that was legalized by the notary public.
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