Take a Translator

Translation is written and interpreting is oral. A translator translates your CV whereas an interpreter goes with you to a meeting and makes sure both parties understand the conversation. Having said that, the word “translator” is more commonly used for both types of work.

You might notice I encourage you to “take a translator” to your appointments. Yes, I am deliberately using the wrong word because it’s what most people understand and can relate to. But don’t worry, I will definitely send an interpreter on the day!

I am based in Berlin. I work with interpreters in Munich and Frankfurt and can sometimes find people in other parts of Germany too. You can get a coaching, use Telephone Time or order written translations from anywhere in the world.

You can only book and pay online for appointments that are at least 2 working days in the future. I am pretty good at accommodating last-minute requests, though, so it is worth sending an enquiry for urgent appointments to see if a translator is free. If someone is free, I’ll send you a quote and instructions for instant payment. If not, I’ll respond to let you know.

In Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich we travel anywhere within the defined metro areas (e.g. Berlin AB, Frankfurt City Zone, Munich Inner District). If your appointment is outside these areas, contact us for more information.

All interpreters speak fluent German and English. It might also be possible to find an interpreter who offers another language pair – just ask.

No, it depends on a few things.

If it’s a fairly standard type of appointment (e.g. foreigner’s office, Bürgeramt, etc) and you don’t need someone with any specific qualification or specialisation area, then the cost won’t change.

Sometimes I might be dealing with complex information, legal content, or a topic area for which I need to do a bit of advance preparation. Or, the office you’re visiting needs you to bring a court-sworn interpreter. If that’s the case, the fee might be a little bit or a lot higher.

It’ll either be me (Kathleen Parker) or one of my colleagues. We are all fluent in German and English and have accompanied many many people to their appointments at the Ausländerbehörde, Standesamt, Bürgeramt, Finanzamt, Jugendamt, Mieterverein, rental agency, Kita,  business meeting, IKEA (yes, we can come shopping with you too!), etc. Some of us are court-sworn.

I’ll always choose the interpreter that I feel is best qualified to handle your appointment.

I don’t have that qualification but I work with interpreters who do. Send me the details and I’ll get you a quote.

It’s not a must, but if you can, you will save yourself time and money. Booking an appointment ensures that the office will be open, that you will be in the right place and that we won’t have to stand in line.

If you’re not sure where to go or how to get an appointment in the first place, get Red Tape Translation to help you. I’ll find out which office is responsible for your case and book you the next available appointment. The cost is either 19 EUR or 55 EUR. If it can be booked quickly and easily (e.g. you need to register your address), it’ll be 19 EUR. If it takes weeks or months and requires hardcore website refreshing or 10 follow-up emails, it will be 55 EUR. Appointments at the Standesamt, Jugendamt and foreigner’s office automatically attract a booking fee of 55 EUR. We wish things were different!

Once you have booked and paid for Red Tape Translation, I will send you an email with everything you need to know. Interpreters wear Red Tape Translation badges, and you’ll always have each other’s mobile number in case something goes wrong.

In some instances, I can take care of things for you from start to finish. Have a look at our red carpet registration service. This is useful if you need to register your address in Berlin but don’t have the time to attend the appointment yourself. Please note, you do actually need to be in the city of Berlin though. We must be able to pick up and drop off your documents personally.

Read this blog article.