If you are looking to expand your business to the German-speaking market, it is important that your content is accurately translated for your growing audience. To make sure your branding and marketing messages are received, hiring an expert translator can give your business the boost it needs.
In this guide, we will discuss the most effective way to translate a document from English to German and what to consider when translating.
What Is the Best Way to Translate a Document From English to German?
English to German translations can be fairly challenging due to the vast cultural and grammatical differences between the two languages. This is why you need an expert on your team.
However, translation experts are expensive. Plus, onboarding full-time employees comes with a range of costs, from health insurance to paid leaves to training. This is why we recommend hiring freelance English to German translators for your projects.
Cost of Hiring a Freelance English to German Translator
The average English to German translation rate lies between $26 and $35 per hour, but this cost can vary greatly depending on the:
- Type of translation needed
- Complexity of the document–for example, legal, medical, and technical documents generally cost more
- Level of expertise required
- Geographical location of the translator
As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay a higher cost for high-quality translations done by an experienced professional, and less for basic translations.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Translator?
There are many online translation tools that can help you translate English to German. So, why go through the hassle of hiring a freelance translator?
Professional translators are trained to accurately convey the meaning of the source text in the context necessary. This is because an established translator is not just a linguist, but also a cultural expert.
Reputable translators keep in mind the cultural sensitivities with respect to idioms, jokes, and particular phrases. This ensures that the true essence of the text remains intact throughout the translation process.
When it comes to German specifically, the language is fairly complex and has variants within it. It is spoken differently in different parts of the world, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
So, when undertaking English to German translation, consider the target region and audience to ensure the translated content resonates with them. This is where a skilled translator steps in and makes sure that the content is specially tailored to your customers.
Challenges in English to German Translation
Maintaining the accuracy and essence of the source text is not the only reason for hiring an expert translator. English and German are significantly different from each other, which adds a layer of complexity to the translation process. Here are three important challenges of English to German translation that only an expert can overcome:
The Complexity of German Grammar
In German, there are agreements and tenses for three different genders: masculine, feminine, and neutral. This adds a layer of complexity for English speakers, as English does not add gender to nouns.
Differences in Sentence Structure
German and English have distinct sentence structures. German is notorious for expanding English text dramatically when translated.
Another main distinction is the German word order, where the verb is generally placed at the end of the sentence. Adapting to the unique sentence structure of German may require additional editing and proofreading to ensure accuracy.
German Honorifics
Another crucial factor to consider during translation is the use of honorifics. In German, there is an elaborate use of specific titles and terms to address different relationships with a certain degree of politeness and respect.
This attention to detail is an important factor because it ensures your documents are equipped with the formalities your audience expects.
To Wrap Up
The most efficient way of translating a piece of text from English to German is to hire an accurate English to German translator. They offer numerous advantages in terms of accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and quality, and are definitely a worthwhile investment for your business.
To find an expert translator, check out the hundreds of freelance German translators on Guru today!
