Before we can give you a quote, we need to see the contracts and annexes being read out on the day. The notary must send you a draft contract at least 14 days before the signing. The email will probably also contain many other documents. If you’re not sure what to send us, forward us the email your notary sent you with all the documents attached and we’ll determine which ones will be read out on the day.

Some clients want a full written translation ahead of the signing so they can negotiate. Others do their due diligence with a lawyer and use an interpreter on the day to negotiate last-minute changes. You can use an experienced professional interpreter or request a court-sworn interpreter if your notary won’t budge and insists on one. Whatever the circumstances, Red Tape Translation will know who to send and how to prepare.

Once you’ve got a signing date lined up, we’ll give you a quote and tell you how long we’d need to prepare in advance. We usually ask for 50% payment up-front and the remaining amount once the signing has taken place.

We can’t just show up and wing it on the day. We have to examine your contract and any annexes and make sure we understand everything. We bring notes with us. It’s important that we are well-prepared, because both you and the notary need it to go smoothly. Unprepared interpreters have been reduced to tears at contract signings and every notary has a horror story to share.

This gives you the chance to ask us questions and mention things you’d like to to mention or negotiate.

Good interpreting is unobtrusive and smooth. We interpret simultaneously, unless you or your notary want us to interpret consecutively. Simultaneous interpreting means we speak over the top of the notary, who will be mumbling the content of the German contract at the speed of light. Simultaneous interpreting saves time and is in everyone’s best interests. Notaries are always incredibly relieved to meet interpreters who are willing to work this way, because otherwise, the appointment can take upwards of 3 hours.

A good notary will welcome questions and be happy to explain things to you during the read-through. If there are discussions on or changes to the content of the contract (and there always are!), we will explain them clearly and accurately and keep you in the loop – you won’t miss a word. You will feel comfortable and informed with a Red Tape interpreter beside you.

Once everyone is satisfied, all of the parties present have to sign on the dotted line – including the interpreter. We are bound by law to interpret accurately and completely, and we take our job seriously. Once it’s all done, we’ll congratulate you warmly (if appropriate!) and you can celebrate.