Updated: June 16, 2026 · Documents
Sworn translators in Germany: how to get a translation that authorities will accept
In Germany, the most reliable translation is one made by a sworn translator. These are the translations accepted by authorities, courts, universities and immigration offices.
What to look for
If you need a translation for the Blue Card, a national visa or a residence or settlement permit, look for a translator marked:
- öffentlich bestellt und beeidigt: publicly appointed and sworn;
- allgemein beeidigt or vereidigt: sworn;
- ermächtigt: authorised translator of written documents.
Such a translator certifies the translation with their signature and stamp, and notarisation is usually not required.
Where to search
- Official database of court translators (Dolmetscher- und Übersetzerdatenbank) — a joint portal of the federal states' justice ministries. Search by language, city and name.
- BDÜ search: the professional association Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer (“Übersetzersuche”). Filter by language pair, qualification, specialisation and region.
Important for your visa
Translation requirements are set by the authority your documents go to. A consulate abroad may accept a translation made in the country of application, while the Ausländerbehörde or Arbeitsagentur in Germany often only accept translations by translators recognised in Germany. Check the requirements in advance so you don't have to translate documents twice.
Need help with your documents?
In a consultation we'll go through which documents need translating for your visa or residence permit, where you need an apostille and in what order to prepare everything.
FAQ
What does öffentlich bestellt und beeidigt mean?
It means a publicly appointed and sworn translator. The marks allgemein beeidigt and vereidigt have a similar meaning, while ermächtigt means an authorised translator of written documents.
Where can I find a sworn translator?
In the official database of court translators (Dolmetscher- und Übersetzerdatenbank), a joint portal of the federal states' justice ministries, where you can search by language, city and name. The other option is the BDÜ search, which lets you filter by language pair, qualification, specialisation and region.
Do I also need a notary to certify the translation?
Usually not. A sworn translator certifies the translation with their signature and stamp, so separate notarisation is normally not required.
Can I have documents translated in my own country?
A consulate abroad may accept a translation made in the country of application. However, the Ausländerbehörde or Arbeitsagentur in Germany often only accept translations by translators recognised in Germany, so check the requirements in advance.