Certified English to German Translation: Accepted by Every German Authority
Whether you're converting your driving licence, applying for a residence permit, or navigating naturalisation, German authorities require a beglaubigte Übersetzung of your English documents. Our court-sworn translators deliver certified translations that are accepted across Germany, so you can meet your deadline without the stress.
Your personal quote by email within minutes
Why does it need to be certified?
In Germany, official translations must be completed by a vereidigter Übersetzer, a translator officially sworn in by a German regional court. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, German authorities generally require translations from publicly appointed sworn translators in Germany, and embassies or consulates cannot certify translations. Only a sworn translator's stamp and signature give your document the legal weight German offices expect.
Your certified translation in 5 simple steps
Send your document
Upload a clear scan or photo of your English document via our form or email. A smartphone photo is fine, as long as all text and stamps are readable.
Receive your quote
Within a few hours, you'll receive a personal quote by email with a transparent fixed price. No hidden costs, no surprises.
Confirm with one click
Simply click the confirmation button in your quote email. No account required. Your sworn translator begins work immediately.
Receive your translation
Your certified translation arrives as a PDF by email and the stamped original by post. Delivery takes 3 to 6 business days.
Pay at your convenience
You receive the invoice with your translation. Pay within 14 days by bank transfer. You hold the translation in your hands before you pay a cent.
When do you need a certified English-German translation?
If you're from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or any other English-speaking country, chances are you'll need certified translations for German bureaucracy at some point. Here are the most common situations:
Driving licence conversion
Converting your US, UK, Australian, or other non-EU licence to a German one? The Führerscheinstelle typically requires a certified German translation of your foreign licence.
- Driving licence translation
- Residence registration
- Police clearance (if required)
Residence permit or Blue Card
Applying at the Ausländerbehörde for a work visa, Blue Card, or family reunification? Your birth certificate, degree, and employment contract likely need certified translations. Make it in Germany confirms that documents not in German must be translated.
- Birth certificate
- Degree certificate
- Employment contract
Naturalisation (Einbürgerung)
Becoming a German citizen requires submitting foreign civil status documents to the Einbürgerungsbehörde. If your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or police clearance is in English, you'll need a sworn German translation.
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Police clearance / FBI check
Job applications in regulated sectors
Working in childcare, healthcare, education, or security? Employers often require a translated criminal record check (FBI, ACRO, Australian National Police) and professional references. Anerkennung in Deutschland explains when certified translations are needed for qualification recognition.
- Criminal record check
- Degree transcripts
- Professional references
What we need from you
Getting your certified translation started is straightforward. Here's your checklist:
- A clear scan or photo of your English document (all corners visible, no glare)
- Both sides of the document if there's text on the back
- Any annexes, endorsements, or supplementary pages
- Let us know which authority it's for (helps us match their expectations)
Good to know
You don't need to send the original document. A scan is enough for the translation. However, bring the original to your appointment at the Ausländerbehörde or Standesamt, as they may want to verify it against the translation.
Do you need an Apostille?
An Apostille is an international authentication stamp that confirms your document is genuine. It does not replace a translation. Whether you need one depends on which country issued your document and what the German authority requires.
Countries that signed the Hague Apostille Convention (including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand) can issue Apostilles. If the German authority requests one, obtain it on your original English document first, then have both the document and Apostille translated together.
Avoid extra costs
If you're unsure whether an Apostille is required, check with your German authority before ordering your translation. Adding an Apostille later means the translator must redo the work to include the Apostille text.
Need your documents translated soon?
Individual price based on your document
Your questions answered
Most translations are completed within 3 to 6 business days. The exact time depends on document length and complexity. You'll receive the PDF by email first, with the stamped original following by post. If you have an urgent deadline, mention your appointment date when requesting your quote so we can plan accordingly.
A clear scan or photo is enough to produce the certified translation. The sworn translator notes in the certification that the translation was made from a copy. When you attend your appointment at the German authority, bring your original document so they can compare it against the translation if needed.
Translations by sworn translators (öffentlich bestellte und allgemein beeidigte Übersetzer) in Germany are accepted by the Ausländerbehörde, Standesamt, Führerscheinstelle, courts, and universities throughout Germany. We have experience with requirements across federal states, so your translation will meet official expectations.
You pay after you receive your translation. The invoice arrives with your completed translation, and you have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. No prepayment, no credit card required. Your translation is in your hands before you spend anything.
Yes. In fact, German embassies and consulates cannot certify translations. The Federal Foreign Office confirms that only sworn translators in Germany can provide the certification German authorities require. Skip the embassy and send your document directly to us for a translation that will be accepted.
Often needed together
Driving licence
Converting your foreign licence to a German one? The Führerscheinstelle requires a certified translation of your US, UK, Australian, or other English-language licence.
Police clearance certificate
FBI checks, ACRO certificates, Australian National Police Checks: if your police clearance is in English, you'll need a sworn German translation for immigration or employment.
Birth certificate
Required for residence permits, marriage registration, naturalisation, and more. One of the most commonly translated English documents for German authorities.
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