Technical Translations
My work focuses on the translation of texts in the fields of Computer Science, Marketing, and Corporate Communications from English to German (in adherence to the “native-speaker principle”). Intermittently, I also handle texts from other fields as long as they don’t require any specific terminology knowledge that I may not have. My previous projects have included such diverse topics as excursion guides for tourists, menu suggestions of a restaurant chain, and instructions regarding the new General Data Protection Regulation. (More examples are listed under “Samples.“) For German texts, I also offer a range of proofreading and LQA services.
In order to ensure smooth projects without delays, you should provide all relevant information with your initial translation request, including:
- subject matter and scope (in words or pages),
- deadline / desired delivery date,
- file type, any necessary formatting steps, and required CAT tools/TMs (if applicable).
If you’d like me to follow specific terminology rules, or if your company has some stylistic preferences, please also provide the respective glossary or style guide before I begin with the translation.
Regarding file formats: Those that can be edited directly (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) are ideally suited for translations. Certain other formats (such as PDF, InDesign, QuarkXPress or XML) may also be usable but often require more comprehensive formatting, which would incur additional costs.
To make sure that related texts are translated consistently and always use the same terminology, I work with so-called Translation Memory Systems, preferably with SDL Trados Studio. In case you have been using other tools already, I’ll be happy to adjust my workflow whenever possible. For example, I am also familiar with MemoQ, Memsource, and GTT.
My rates depend on the subject matter, deadline, and scope. Normally, I charge by the number of source words. My standard rate is €0.10/word (about $0.12). Given that each project has its own particular requirements, this rate may vary.
If necessary, my translations will include a set of notes; for example, I may point out errors or ambiguities in the source text. If you have any questions or require any changes, we will address them before the project formally ends. Of course, the confidentiality of your texts is guaranteed.