Language Certificate Translation: Goethe, telc, IELTS for German Authorities
You passed your language exam. Now a university, an employer or an authority wants it in German or English, and they want it certified. We translate your Goethe, telc, IELTS or TestDaF certificate so it is accepted, with stamp and signature from a sworn translator.
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner.
Why does it need to be certified?
In Germany, official translations must be done by a vereidigter Übersetzer, a translator officially sworn in by a German court. They confirm with a stamp and signature that the translation matches your original certificate. A translation by a teacher, a friend or a free online tool is almost never accepted. German authorities follow their written checklists (called a Merkblatt) closely, and they usually ask for a beglaubigte Übersetzung, a certified translation. That is exactly what we deliver.
From scan to certified translation in 5 steps
Send your document
Take a clear photo of your Goethe, telc or IELTS certificate with your phone and upload it, or email it to us. The original stays with you. A good scan is enough.
Receive your quote
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner. One fixed price, no hidden costs. You also tell us the target language and what you need the certificate for.
Confirm with one click
Your quote includes a confirmation button. One click and our sworn translator starts work. No account, no payment at this stage.
Receive your translation
You get the PDF by email, and the original with stamp and signature by post. Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote.
Pay at your convenience
The invoice comes with your translation. You have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. Your certified certificate is already in your hands.
When do you need a certified translation of your language certificate?
A language certificate (Goethe, telc, IELTS, TestDaF, ÖSD) proves your level on the Common European Framework, the Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen (GER), from A1 to C2. Goethe certificates are recognised internationally as proof of language skills for visa procedures, professional recognition and university admission. If your certificate is not in the language the authority requires, you will usually need a certified translation. Here are the four most common situations.
Visa and residence permit
German embassies and the Ausländerbehörde often ask for proof of language skills for a national visa or Aufenthaltstitel. If your certificate is in another language, you submit it with a certified translation.
University admission
German universities require proof of German or English for international applicants. If your certificate is not in the required language, the Immatrikulationsamt wants a certified translation, often together with translated degree documents.
- School leaving certificate
- Transcript of Records
Professional recognition
For recognising foreign qualifications, especially in regulated professions like healthcare, authorities ask for proof such as telc B2 or a Goethe certificate. Documents not in German need a certified translation.
Naturalisation
For naturalisation and some settlement permits, a German certificate (usually B1) is required. If yours is in another language or from an unusual provider, the Einbürgerungsbehörde often asks for a certified translation.
Requirements differ between authorities. The Auswärtiges Amt explains visa documents for German embassies, while Anerkennung in Deutschland covers professional recognition, and Make it in Germany guides immigration and jobs. Always check the specific Merkblatt for your case.
What we need from you
You do not need to send the original. A clear scan or photo is enough to start your certified translation. To make sure it is accepted, please give us a few details.
- A clear scan or photo of the full certificate, front and back. The back often holds the GER level explanation, stamps and notes that must be translated too.
- The target language you need, usually German or English.
- The purpose: visa, university, professional recognition or naturalisation. This helps us use the correct terminology and formatting.
- Whether the authority wants the translation to refer to the original or to a certified copy, if you already know.
Good to know
For the translation a good scan is enough. But many authorities and universities still want to see your original certificate or an officially certified copy alongside the certified translation. Goethe now issues digital certificates whose authenticity can be checked online, which makes recognition easier. Never use a bought or edited certificate, this can lead to rejection and serious legal trouble.
Deadline for your application coming up?
Individual price based on your document
Your questions, our answers
Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote. You receive the PDF by email first, and the stamped original follows by post. If you need an apostille or extra authentication for use in a non-EU country, plan a few extra weeks for that separate step.
For the translation itself, a clear scan or phone photo is enough. You upload it or email it, and the original stays safely with you. For submission, the authority or university often wants your original certificate or an officially certified copy together with the certified translation. Just tell us whether the translation should refer to the original or to a copy.
Yes, as long as the translation comes from a translator sworn in by a German court and carries the stamp, signature and certification note. You hand in your papers, the official checks them, nods, and no second appointment is needed. Some authorities also ask that the translator saw the original or a certified copy, so clarify this when you order.
You receive your translation first, then you pay. The invoice arrives with your translation, and you have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. No prepayment, no credit card needed. Your certified certificate is already in your hands before you transfer a single euro.
German certificates (Goethe or telc Deutsch) usually do not need translating for German authorities. English certificates like IELTS or TOEFL are accepted directly by some universities, but other offices may still ask for a German translation. If you apply abroad, for example in the UK, the USA or Canada, your German Goethe or telc certificate often needs a certified English translation. Always check the Merkblatt of the relevant office, as the accepted providers and levels vary.
Often needed together
School leaving certificate
Schools and universities usually ask for your Abitur alongside your language proof for study and training applications.
Diploma
For academic recognition and master applications, your language certificate is almost always submitted together with diplomas and transcripts.
Transcript of Records
University admissions often want a full grade overview translated next to your language certificate.
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