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Translation German to English Guide: Managing the Timing of Your TranslationThe Translation German to English guide offers advice on managing the timing of your translation project. At the bottom, you'll also find information about typical translator prices, along with other useful resources. (Were you looking for a free language translator?) How long does a German translation take?Translation timing is something you should always discuss with your translator in advance. Typically, a translator needs at least one day for every 3000 words to be translated. However, this is just a general guideline, and the actual timing of your translation will depend on a wide range of factors. Factors that affect translation timing: - The translator's other commitments. If you are working with a freelancer, she may have prior commitments to other clients. Don't automatically assume that she is free to work on your translation immediately or exclusively. - The translator's experience. A translator who has been translating for a long time or who has translated many similar texts may be able to complete your translation a lot faster. - The text you are translating. Is it a straightforward text with general vocabulary? Or is it a complex technical document? Is it likely to require the translator to do research? All of this will affect the translation timing. "If you want a good quality translation, I think 3000 words a day is plenty because the translator also has to proofread the work, but it depends on the type of text, so it is something you have to discuss with the translator. For instance, if the translator is working on similar texts, that can be faster. Translating very different texts takes longer because translation also involves some research. It's something you have to ask the freelancer or agency." - Katharina Wawrzon, Translator English German Translation German to English Guide Interview - The type of service. If you are using a translation agency rather than a freelance translator, they will add in some time for project management. On the other hand, this is time that you would likely be spending yourself on coordination if you worked directly with freelance translators. And agencies normally have a database of freelance translators they work with, so they can find someone who is available to start on your project immediately. - The level of service. Sloppy translations are easy to do fast. A careless translator can work much more quickly than one who carefully researches every term and polishes every sentence. A translation agency that sends every translation to an editor will probably take more time than one that is just passing documents back and forth. - The timing you negotiate. If you need the translation in a hurry, you can often negotiate a special "rush" timing for a higher price. But approach this option with caution. If you rush the translation too much, the quality can suffer. Be suspicious of translators or agencies that offer miraculous timings. Unless they are actually miracle-workers, there is probably some corner-cutting going on. - The number of translators working. Agencies will often offer to speed up a translation by having several translators working on it at once. Sometimes, they even divide the document among translators in different time zones to keep the work going around the clock. "I've noticed some agencies are quite willing to split a text between different translators. It's a way to get the job done, but the end result is not going to be a quality product because a quality product has to be consistent." - Katharina Wawrzon, Translator English German Translation German to English Guide Interview We recommend being very cautious about this "patchwork" approach as it can lead to quality problems. For example, the result is likely to be inconsistent in terms of style and terminology. And the translator who works on each particular piece may not have a global understanding of the document as a whole. Translation German to English Guide - More ResourcesCompare English German translator prices Find out how to save money on translation Get advice on hiring an English German translator See all topics related to German translation |