Having a birth certificate translated

Our publicly appointed and officially certified translators and interpreters have summarised the most important information for the translation of your birth certificate here.

Contents

• » What you should know for the translation of your birth certificate
• » Further information from the Federal Foreign Office
• » How can I have my birth certificate translated?

Facts worth knowing about the translation of your birth certificate

A birth certificate belongs to the group of documents indicating civil status, just like a marriage or death certificate. In the following, you will find out when you need a translation of this document, why a certified translation of this certificate is usually necessary and how we can support you with the translation of your birth certificate.

In which cases is a translation of the birth certificate needed?

If a change of civil status has to be shown to the authorities, for instance, when a child is born or a marriage takes place, the authorities will request the presentation of a certified translation from you. Usually, these are documents that prove:

• a birth,
• a marriage,
• the establishment of a civil partnership,
• a marriage licence,
• a divorce,
• a death,
• an adoption,
• a naturalisation,
• an emigration,
• a change of name

or the like.

Which criteria are to be considered when choosing a translation agency?

When you are looking for a suitable translation agency for the translation of your certificate, you as a customer should ensure that the employees of the translation agency are publicly appointed and certified so that they can mark the translation with the appropriate certification note.

You should also ensure that certain quality processes, such as translation and proofreading by another translator, are observed. A professional service provider will solve basic and relevant questions regarding your request in advance. This is a sign of good and competent service.

How much does the translation of a birth certificate cost?

The cost of the translation of a birth certificate depends on the text extent, the formatting complexity and other factors, such as the source language and the target language. Widely used languages are usually cheaper than “exotic” languages. There is an additional certification fee. You will find further information on the cost of certified translations here. We will be pleased to make an individual offer for your project.

What else is to be considered?

It is best to ask the relevant authority in advance whether it only accepts translations that have been translated and certified by a translator from the same federal state or district. Some authorities request this specificity. And if you would like to present the certified translation in a foreign country, you should enquire whether the authority accepts certified translations from Germany, to be on the safe side (this is usually the case – however, it is often not the case vice versa, for instance, certified translations from some African and Latin American countries are often not accepted in Bavaria).

Further information from the Federal Foreign Office

The Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany has compiled a detailed catalogue of questions and answers on using foreign certificates in Germany and German certificates in foreign countries for you. You will find important information on international certificate transmissions as well as leaflets of the embassies of all countries – from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe – by the Federal Foreign Office here (Subject: “Certification/legalisation/apostille/acquisition of certificates”) and here (Subject: “International certificate transmissions – legalisations, apostille, examination of certificates”).

How can I have my birth certificate translated?

TetraLingua Fachübersetzungen will be pleased to translate your birth certificate. Please send us a copy of your birth certificate – you can also send a photograph or a scan – so that we can prepare a cost estimate for you. The original can also be presented to us later if this is necessary. Just fill in the form in the right margin, then you will promptly receive an offer without engagement from us. You can simply order your certified translation online or by phone – we’ll be glad to send the translation to your home address by post, within Germany free of extra charge. We look forward to your enquiry.

Any questions?
Just call us:

+49 89 67989548