At the notary
A purchase contract, power of attorney or marriage contract is read out by the notary and then signed. If a party is not sufficiently proficient in German, the notary records this in the deed, and the deed must be translated instead of read aloud (§ 16 Beurkundungsgesetz).
If the notary does not translate personally, an interpreter is called in. If this interpreter is not generally sworn, the notary swears them in – unless all parties waive it. On request, a written translation is also prepared and attached to the deed. The same grounds for exclusion apply to interpreters as to the notary (§§ 6, 7 BeurkG); close relatives of the parties are therefore generally not eligible.
Tip: ask the notary to send you the draft deed in advance and forward it to the interpreter. It saves time at the appointment.
In court
If proceedings involve persons who do not speak German, an interpreter must be called in (§ 185 Gerichtsverfassungsgesetz). This interpreter is summoned by the court. For meetings with your lawyer outside the hearing you can book an interpreter yourself.
At authorities and the registry office
“Die Amtssprache ist deutsch” – the official language is German (§ 23 VwVfG). Whether the immigration office, the Jobcenter or the registry office accepts a companion or expects a sworn interpreter differs from office to office. Ask when you book the appointment – especially for weddings where one partner does not speak enough German.
Authorities may require written documents in a foreign language to be translated, in justified cases also certified. More in our guide to certified translation.
At the doctor and in hospital
Before treatment, the information given to the patient must be understandable (§ 630e BGB). Especially for planned procedures, discussions of findings or psychotherapy, a professional interpreter helps avoid misunderstandings. Clarify with the practice or hospital in advance who pays for it.
How to prepare the appointment
- Date, time, address and expected duration
- Type of appointment (notary, authority, doctor …) and language – dialect if relevant
- Drafts, forms or letters in advance as scans
- Names of the participants as they appear in their passports
- Whether a generally sworn interpreter is required
Send us these details by e-mail or WhatsApp – we will reply with a quote.
Frequently asked questions
May a family member interpret at the notary?
The same grounds for exclusion apply to interpreters at the notary as to the notary (§§ 6, 7 BeurkG). Close relatives of the parties are therefore generally not eligible. If in doubt, ask the notary’s office.
Who pays the interpreter in court?
The court calls in the interpreter for the hearing; payment is governed by the Judicial Remuneration Act (JVEG). Who ultimately bears the costs depends on the proceedings.
How soon can an interpreter come?
That depends on language, place and time. Call us or write via WhatsApp – we will quickly tell you whether the date is possible.
Sources
This guide gives a general overview and is not legal advice. Requirements can differ between authorities and from case to case – if in doubt, check with the office responsible.