Sworn (certified) versus ordinary translation – key differences.
W artykule
Our clients repeatedly ask us this kind of question: why, when I sent you a document that is one page long, do you price me three pages? Someone a long time ago even gave us an unfavourable opinion on Google on the grounds that we allegedly “stretched the translation over several pages and left large margins. The person who wrote this could not understand what characterizes a sworn translation (certified ) . The person who wrote this could not understand what characterizes a sworn – certified translation). Therefore, in this article we will present the most important features and differences between ordinary and sworn (certified) translations).
Sworn translations – certified translations
Sworn (certified) translations, can only be drawn up by a sworn translator who has special powers granted by the Ministry of Justice. To become a sworn translator, one must pass a difficult exam before the State Examination Commission appointed by the Minister of Justice and take an oath at the Ministry of Justice .
Certified translations are necessary in situations where the accuracy and fidelity of the translation must be legalized. Examples include the translation of official documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, contracts, court documents, diplomas, certificates and other official Such a translation, is accompanied by a certification formula, information on whether the translation is made on the basis of the original or other submitted document, and must be affixed with a special seal. What does such a seal look like? The seal bears the name of the sworn translator, the entry number and the language. It is a round, official seal with the language and registration number of the sworn translator in question in the center and the translator’s name on the rim. The certified translation must be affixed with a seal on each page, and at the end be signed by the sworn translator.
One settlement page of a sworn (certified) translation is 1125 characters with spaces. This is a fixed number of characters, set by the Ministry of Justice. That’s why there is such a discrepancy in the number of pages, between the submitted page (of the source document) and the translation. It should also be taken into account that official documents, bear many signatures and seals. Diplomas or deeds, have watermarks visible in transmitted light, embossed seals, endless printing, or facsimiles of the signature. The task of a sworn translator is to make an accurate translation of the original document that has been submitted to. Don’t be surprised if you see a magnifying glass on the translator’s desk. This helps to describe accurately the source document. The accurate representation of document means that one should describe all the distinctive marks found on the submitted, original document. Clients bring the originals to our office or send us color scans by email. Only after seeing the documents are we able to prepare a quote. Therefore, after the valuation is made we inform our clients every day where the number of pages comes from. For example, let’s look at such a document as a Criminal Record Inquiry Certificate. The document itself is a single, submitted page. However, when we look at it, in addition to the wording itself, there are five stamps, a barcode sticker for the fee paid, and three handwritten signatures. When we describe all this accurately, including determining the colors of the stamps, seals and signatures, the text after translation takes 2395 characters with spaces. When divided by 1125 characters/p , one can see that the translation took three pages. This is, no black magic or stretching the wording, etc.it is just pure mathematics and following the rules binding in certified translation.
Ordinary translations
Ordinary translations can be prepared by anyone. Anyone who, of course, knows the language fluently, can write and usually works as a translator. These days, it can also be done for us by a machine. However, is such a solution safe? This is already a topic for another article. In our office, ordinary translations are prepared only by certified translators who are court experts or by specialized translators. This means that such professional translations ensure the highest quality and precision.
Ordinary translations are needed in many situations that do require neither the special qualification of a sworn translator nor formal certification.
Here are some examples of when a simple translation may be needed:
Correspondence and communication : If you need to translate emails, letters, text messages or other forms of correspondence between two or more speakers of different language.
Advertising materials : If you run a business and want to translate marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, advertising banners, websites, advertisements and others in order to reach different recipients.
Technical documentation : For companies that manufacture technical products, translations may be needed for user manuals, technical documentation, specifications and other product-related materials.
Publications and literature : If you are an author or publisher and want to publish your work in another language, you need a translation. This also applies to books, scientific articles and fiction. Education: ordinary translations can be used for educational purposes, such as translating textbooks, teaching materials and scientific articles.
Ordinary translations are widely used in everyday life and business to facilitate communication between speakers of different languages. Ordinary translations are widely available and can be done by many professional translators, translation agencies or even by using online translation tools, although these tools may not provide the same quality as a human translator.
One billing page of ordinary translation amounts to 1600 characters with spaces. The translator translates only the text, not taking into account special marks, logos, or other document security features. Ordinary translation does not need to be affixed with any seal and signature of translator.
It is worth remembering that in cases requiring official recognition of the translation, in legal, official, judicial or educational contexts, sworn (certified) translations are mandatory. Ordinary translations, on the other hand, are appropriate in many other, less formal situations.
