Certified German to English Translation for Your Move Abroad
Last updated: 2 October 2026
You live in Germany and your next step is the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand. The new country wants your German documents in English. We make a certified German to English translation: our own German–English translators translate the whole document and sign a translator's certificate. Each country asks for slightly different details on that certificate. So pick your country below, and you see exactly what its immigration office asks for.
- One page for each country and office, with its current translation rules
- Every stamp, seal and note translated, front and back
- Names kept exactly as on your document, with your passport spelling in a translator's note
- Signed PDF in 3 working days, signed paper original by post on request
Fixed price from €25 · You see the price before you pay
Which translation do I need for my German documents abroad?
Most English-speaking countries ask for a complete English translation with a signed translator's statement, not a German sworn translation. The details differ. Some countries want the translator's contact details and qualifications. Canada can also ask for an affidavit sworn before a notary. Open the page for your country and check the list the office gives you.
Certified German to English translation, by country
Übersetzung Deutsch Englisch beglaubigt: certified or sworn?
In German, people often search for "Übersetzung Deutsch Englisch beglaubigt". A German sworn translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) is made by a translator sworn by a German court. It is what German offices ask for. The immigration offices on this page usually ask for something else: a certified translation with a signed translator's statement. That is what we make for them.
Does your letter really ask for a translator sworn by a German court? Tell us when you upload. We check what your office asks for and tell you before you pay.
German documents we translate into English
| German document | English name | Often needed for |
|---|---|---|
| Geburtsurkunde | Birth certificate | Visas, passports, citizenship, family routes |
| Heiratsurkunde / Eheurkunde | Marriage certificate | Spouse and partner visas, name change |
| Scheidungsurteil / Scheidungsbeschluss | Divorce decree | Proof that a past marriage ended |
| Führungszeugnis | Certificate of conduct (police certificate) | Work visas, permanent residence, citizenship |
| Zeugnis, Diplom, Transcript of Records | School or university certificate | Work and study visas, skills assessment |
| Arbeitszeugnis, Arbeitsvertrag | Job reference, employment contract | Proof of work experience |
| Meldebescheinigung | Proof of address | Proof of where you lived |
| Kontoauszug, Gehaltsabrechnung | Bank statement, payslip | Financial evidence |
Prices
| Option | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full translation + signed translator's certificate, PDF in 3 working days | from €25 per document |
| Signed paper copy | Posted to your address in Germany | + €9 |
| Express | PDF in 1 working day | + €15 |
| Notarised affidavit | Only where a country asks for it, for example Canada | price in your quote |
All prices shown are starting prices incl. VAT and postage within Germany. Your exact fixed price comes in a written quote after upload, before you pay.
Your files are transferred encrypted and deleted after 30 days (GDPR).
If your office asks for a change to our translation, we correct it free of charge.
Want the details first? Read how the process works or see our prices. Otherwise, upload your documents for a quote.
Still dealing with German offices?
Before you leave, a German office may still want your foreign documents in German. For that you need a sworn translation. See our sworn translations for German offices. English certificates for a German office? See English to German sworn translation.
Frequently asked questions about certified German to English translation
Is a certified translation the same as a beglaubigte Übersetzung?
No. A beglaubigte Übersetzung is a German sworn translation made by a translator sworn by a German court. A certified translation carries a signed statement from the translator that it is complete and accurate. The UK, US, Canadian, Australian, Irish and New Zealand offices on this page usually ask for a certified translation.
Who translates my German documents?
Our own professional German–English translators. They sign the translator's certificate with the details your country asks for. Where Canada asks for an affidavit, the translator swears it before a notary, arranged on request.
Do I need a translation for a Schengen country?
It depends on the country. Some offices in other EU countries accept German documents without a translation, others do not. Check the list your new country's office gives you, then upload your documents if you need them in English.
Can you translate my German police certificate?
Yes. We translate the Führungszeugnis into English. For Canada, certificates issued since February 2019 are already in German, English and French, so IRCC says they do not need a translation. Older ones do.
Is a PDF enough, or do I need paper?
Many visa systems work with uploads, so the signed PDF is what you use. Some offices, like HM Passport Office, want paper originals. Order a signed paper copy for + €9 if your office asks for paper.
Will the immigration office accept my translation?
We follow the rules each office publishes, and each country page lists them. But only the office decides on your application. We cannot guarantee a decision.
Get your German documents ready for your move
Pick your country above, or send us your documents now. You see your fixed price before you pay. Still unsure? Find more answers in our FAQ.
Questions? Email us: info@germantranslators.de