Internship Certificate Translation: Get Your Praktikumszeugnis Accepted
Need your German Praktikumszeugnis translated for a master's application abroad, or a foreign internship certificate recognised at a German university? A certified translation ensures your practical experience counts, whether you're transferring ECTS credits, applying for entry-level jobs, or supporting a visa application.
Your personal quote by email within minutes
Why does it need to be certified?
In Germany, official translations must be prepared by a vereidigter Übersetzer, a translator officially sworn in by a German court. When you submit documents to a university's Prüfungsamt (examination office) or Praktikantenamt (internship office), they typically require this certification. The same applies to immigration authorities and many employers. A certified translation includes the translator's stamp, signature, and a confirmation that the translation is accurate and complete, giving it official status that self-translations or informal translations simply don't have.
Your path to a certified translation
Send your document
Upload a clear scan or photo of your internship certificate. A smartphone photo works perfectly, as long as all text is readable.
Receive your quote
Within a few hours, you'll receive a personal quote by email with a transparent fixed price based on your specific document.
Confirm with one click
Your quote includes a confirmation button. One click and our sworn translator begins working on your translation immediately.
Receive your translation
You'll get your certified translation as a PDF by email, followed by the original with stamp and signature by post. Standard delivery takes 3 to 6 business days.
Pay at your convenience
The invoice arrives with your translation. You have 14 days to pay by bank transfer, only after you've received everything.
When you need a certified internship certificate translation
Your Praktikumszeugnis documents valuable practical experience. Whether you completed an internship in Germany and need it recognised abroad, or did an internship overseas and need German authorities to understand it, the right translation makes all the difference. Here are the most common situations:
ECTS recognition at German universities
Completed an internship abroad? Your Prüfungsamt or Praktikantenamt needs to verify your experience before awarding ECTS credits or recognising a mandatory internship.
- Transcript of Records
- Learning Agreement
Master's or exchange applications abroad
Many international programmes require proof of practical experience. An English translation of your German internship certificate shows admissions committees exactly what you've accomplished.
Entry-level job applications in Germany
International graduates or Germans returning from abroad need their foreign internship certificates translated so HR departments can properly assess their experience and qualifications.
- Work Reference (Arbeitszeugnis)
- Degree Certificate
Visa and qualification recognition
When practical experience counts toward visa requirements or professional recognition, authorities may need certified translations of your internship documentation as part of your application.
- Work Reference (Arbeitszeugnis)
- Degree Certificate
What we need from you
Getting your internship certificate translated is straightforward. Here's what helps us deliver an accurate, accepted translation:
- A clear scan or photo of your complete internship certificate, including any stamps and signatures
- The target language for your translation (German to English, or another language into German)
- Brief information about your intended use (university recognition, job application, visa), so we can advise if additional documents might be needed
Good to know
You don't need to send your original document. A high-quality scan or even a clear smartphone photo is sufficient. Our translator will note in the certification that the translation was prepared from a copy, which is accepted by German universities and authorities. However, keep your original safe, as the receiving institution may ask to see it alongside the translation.
Praktikumszeugnis vs. Praktikumsbescheinigung: which do you have?
Before ordering a translation, check what type of document your employer provided. In Germany, there's an important distinction:
A Praktikumsbescheinigung is a simple confirmation stating that you completed an internship, including dates and possibly your department. It confirms attendance but says nothing about your performance.
A qualifiziertes Praktikumszeugnis goes further: it describes your tasks, evaluates your performance, and assesses skills like reliability, teamwork, and initiative. Think of it as a reference letter for your internship.
Many universities accept a simple confirmation for ECTS purposes, but strongly recommend obtaining a qualified certificate for job applications. German employers expect detailed references and know how to read the subtle "code" used in German Arbeitszeugnisse and Praktikumszeugnisse. If you only have a basic confirmation and need a more detailed certificate, consider asking your former employer before ordering a translation. For guidance on what German work references contain, the Make it in Germany portal provides helpful context.
Individual price based on your document
Your questions answered
Most internship certificate translations are completed within 3 to 6 business days. You'll receive the certified PDF by email first, followed by the original with stamp and signature by post. If you have a tight deadline, contact us when requesting your quote and we'll let you know what's possible.
A scan is enough. You can upload a clear scan or photo when requesting your quote, and we'll work from that. The translator will note in the certification clause that the translation was prepared from a copy. This is accepted by German universities and authorities. Keep your original safe, as some institutions may ask to see it alongside the translation.
Yes. Our translations are prepared by sworn translators (vereidigte Übersetzer) officially appointed by German courts. They include the translator's stamp, signature, and certification clause, meeting the requirements of German universities, the Prüfungsamt, employers, and immigration authorities. Many international institutions also accept these certified translations. If you're unsure about specific requirements, check with your receiving institution or contact us for advice.
You pay after you receive your translation, not before. The invoice arrives with your completed translation, and you have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. No prepayment, no credit card required.
Usually not. An apostille is rarely required for internship certificates, as they are typically needed for civil status documents like birth certificates or for degree certificates in certain cross-border situations. However, requirements vary by country and institution. If your receiving authority specifically requests an apostille, we can advise on the process. The German Federal Foreign Office provides guidance on document legalisation requirements.
Often needed together
Work Reference (Arbeitszeugnis)
If you've had paid employment alongside internships, employers often expect both certificates as part of a complete application.
Transcript of Records
For university applications or ECTS recognition, your academic record typically accompanies your internship documentation.
Degree Certificate
When applying for jobs or professional recognition, your degree certificate and internship certificates together demonstrate your qualifications.
