"Really HELPFUL – start here for all things German translation!”
Are you learning German, thinking about a career in translation, or looking for tips & resources to make your German translation business take off?
Perhaps you have a German text you need translating? Or you're simply fascintated about German as a language.
If so, you're in the right place! I’m Joanna, and I'm here to offer the advice and support you need.
Well I love German, I’m a qualified German translator and I earn my living translating from German to English.
I’ve spent many years and a lot of energy sifting through and evaluating all the information available out there.....what’s good, what works, what’s a waste of time...... to give you the sort of website I needed when I was starting out.
Want to get straight to it? Check out the some of the popular articles below:
Now for some good news if you're thinking about translation as a career....
....more websites are written in German than any other language......after English, that is!
But even so, I bet you’re surprised!
And it’s great news for anyone wanting to work with German or offer their own German translation service.
Did you know that German is spoken by around 200 million people worldwide?
It's the official language of Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, and a recognised language in Luxembourg, Switzerland, Northern Italy and Eastern France.
It's an official working language of the European Union, and spoken by large populations in the US, Canada, South America, South Africa and Australia.
As for English, it's the official company language for many German multinationals, while most medium to large German businesses will publish an English version of their websites.
English is the international language of scientific and academic publications and research, and the default language for communicating with non-German speakers.
All in all, that means there's plenty of work for German translators!
Have you always wanted to work from home – or got a taste for it after trying it out over the last couple of years?
Running your own freelance German translation business is a great way of doing so.
Communicate with clients around the globe from the comfort of your home
(or holiday destination!). Set you own hours, choose your own
co-workers, plan your day as you want to. Organize work to fit in with
your life, and not vice versa.
Work the hours you're most productive, and never worry about being fired by the boss!
I’ve pulled together some resources to help you starting out:
I would really have appreciated having someone to lead me by the hand when I was starting out as a German translator over a
decade ago! Back then it was definitely a case of learning by doing.
My biggest questions as a “newbie” to the business, and especially as a freelancer, were probably very much the same as yours. You'll find the answers to all these questions, and more:
I’ve also pulled together handy resources, such as:
And useful tips on.....
Producing a good translation involves thoroughly understanding context. So I take a look at the cultural aspects of German in translation and German language as it’s really used.
Avoid embarrassing mistakes and produce better
translations! Be aware of regional differences, false friends, local
peculiarities.... the list goes on.
OK, enough talking!
Viel Spaß!
And the very best of luck with all things German translation!
Joanna
German Translation Tips & Resources
Joanna Scudamore-Trezek
I'm a German to English translator living and working in Vienna, Austria. I turn German texts into clear and accessible English, allowing clients to present their stories, ideas and information to a completely new audience. My business and marketing clients rely on me to get their message across clearly and effectively. How can I help you today?