How to get your documents translated?

For your application to university, uni-assist, or any other kind of application, you will need to get a certified German (or English) translation of your educational documents (school leaving certificate and/or transcript of records) by a sworn translator in Germany if the documents are not in German or English. In some cases, a translation by a sworn translator from another country may be accepted, but the safest option is to get your documents translated in Germany. Check which documents you have to hand in according to your country of origin on uni-assist website.

The certified translation will cost some money. If you receive benefits from the Jobcenter or the Sozialamt, they may be able to give you a refund. Please ask for refund possibilities before you order a translation.

Use the following website to look for a sworn translator. Make sure to tick the box “sworn translator”: http://search.bdue.de/

Find a translator and send an email with the documents that you need translated. When they reply with the estimated price, you can decide if you want to order the translation from them.

Tip: It is usually okay to write an email in your native language, too.

Keep in mind, that you have to certify every copy of your documents (beglaubigte Kopie). Simple copies will not be accepted. Find out more about the rules for certifying translation copies at uni-assist or read our article here.