The German language is undeniably a linchpin in the field of business, making German translation services more in demand than ever. Choosing a high-quality, reliable translation company can generate excellent profits and provide a gateway to significant business opportunities.
German translation services grant access to a wealth of exciting collaborative prospects, particularly when it comes to both B2B and B2C communication. Just a glance at the statistics explains why: German has 90 million native speakers, making it the most spoken native language in the European Union.
It’s also in the top ten languages spoken worldwide, and it holds particular significance in the world of business. In fact, given that Germany has the largest economy in the whole of Europe – and the fourth largest globally – it’s no surprise that German translation services are seeing a soar in demand. Learning a language to the level of proficiency required in order to carry out business takes time, effort and commitment. That’s why opting for a skilled translator makes a lot of sense – and opens numerous doors in the process.
German: A gateway to many opportunities
As English speakers, many of us are guilty of falling into the trap of feeling a certain linguistic privilege, often ignoring the prominence of other languages. The German language, too, shares prominence in Europe – and not just in Germany. In fact, German is also an official language in Switzerland and Austria, as well as regions of Belgium, Luxemburg, Liechtenstein
and Italy. What’s more, leaving the European continent, you’ll also find clusters of German speakers in Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and even Namibia!
You might know that many Germans also speak English. While this is correct to an extent (around half of Germans speak some level of English), the vast majority of native German speakers are far more comfortable communicating in their language – and this is particularly true when it comes to business. German speakers are proud of their language and their culture; they feel more comfortable operating in their own tongue, and when it comes to e-commerce and trade, they show a strong preference for German-language content.
Some of the most commonly translated documents and types of content include:
- Website content and localization, enabling your business to tap into the world of German e-commerce
- Documents such as information manuals, procedures and protocols, information leaflets
- Reports in medical, legal, financial and other contexts
- Marketing materials which open up many business opportunities
- Tourism brochures, translating information for visitors, both English-to-German and vice versa
- Arts industries, providing translation and subtitling services allowing cultural opportunities to be enjoyed by German speakers.
All these translation types and services have one shared objective: to be able to communicate with German speakers and eliminate the language barrier.
What do German translation services provide?
It’s important to recognize that German translation services do more than simply finding the equivalent word in English or German. Skilled German translators and interpreters also understand the nuances of German culture, as well as regional differences and meanings.
For instance, did you know that some German words can have different meanings, depending on which German-speaking region you’re in?
- Aprikose – means “apricot” in standard German, but in parts of Switzerland refers to a tomato
- Brot – commonly means “bread”, but in southern Germany and Austria is often used to describe a type of cake
Choosing the right German translation service will guarantee that you liaise with your new potential clients using the correct terms. You’ll also avoid some of the common pitfalls that occur when relying on machine translations, ensuring you and your company always maintain that all-important professionalism. This includes providing a translation that is culturally as well as linguistically appropriate.
Quality German translation services also enable:
- Connections with native German speakers
- Effective communication between German-speaking audiences and clients
- Enhanced interactions between visitors and local communities
- Stronger global connections
- Less reliance on the English skills of others.
- In business terms, a strong grasp of German gives out a positive, open and inclusive message to potential clients, positive attributes which directly impact on your company’s reputation.
How to choose a reliable provider of German translation services?
When choosing a German translation agency, it’s essential to consider many factors.
- First and foremost, evaluate the provider’s expertise and experience in the field. Consider their testimonials and feedback rating, as well as the number of years they have been in operation.
- Check the agency’s translation procedure. A high-quality agency should have a range of experienced German translators, as well as potentially a project manager to assist with the logistics and organization of your venture.
- Look for translator accreditations and qualifications, as well as affiliations with translation and interpreting institutions and organizations.
- Turnaround time is critical when you have a tight deadline. Make sure you agree on a timescale from the outset.
- Consider their technological expertise. Many translation agencies have access to various CAT tools and other software that can assist the translation process. This is particularly important when it comes to simultaneous interpretation. While technology can’t replace human translators, it can facilitate the translation process.
To sum up…
As is undeniable, companies equipped with a strong command of the German language are better positioned to navigate the complexities of global commerce and harness the expansive market potential offered by the German-speaking world. When it comes to selecting your German translation services provider, bear in mind our top tips to ensure you are happy with your results.
At Capital Linguists, we have a wealth of experience and expertise at our disposal and are always willing and ready to assist you in accessing the very highest standards in German translation and interpretation. We have finetuned the translation process over our many years in operation to make sure the process runs as smoothly and quickly as possible. Our project managers will keep you up to speed with your assignment. What’s more, our team of highly qualified German translators understand the subtleties of German, in addition to the regional differences and variations you’ll encounter. Reach out today, and we’ll be happy to help!
