English to German Sworn Translation in Germany
Last updated: 2 October 2026
Your documents are in English, but your German office asked for German. This is normal. An English to German sworn translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) is what many offices ask for: the Standesamt for a Geburtsurkunde or Heiratsurkunde, the Führerscheinstelle for your Führerschein, and often the Ausländerbehörde and Einbürgerungsbehörde. This page tells you when you need one, and when you don't.
- English documents from India, the UK, the US and other countries
- Names kept exactly as on your document, with your passport spelling in a translator's note
- English and Hindi or regional-language parts translated together in one translation
- PDF in 3 working days, signed original posted to your German address (usually 1–3 working days)
Fixed price from €39 · You see the price before you pay
Do I Need to Translate English Documents in Germany?
Often yes, but not always. The official language of German authorities is German. So an office can ask for a German translation of any English document. Many offices do this, especially the Standesamt and the Führerscheinstelle. Others, like the ZAB or some universities, accept English. The letter or checklist from your office decides.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who translates | Our partner translators sworn by German courts for English |
| German name | Beglaubigte Übersetzung aus dem Englischen (sworn translation from English) |
| Price | From €39 per standard certificate, fixed before you pay |
| Delivery | PDF in 3 working days, signed original by post in 1–3 working days |
| What to upload | A clear scan or photo of every page, plus your passport photo page for the name note |
| Where to verify the translator | justiz-dolmetscher.de, the official register of the German state justice administrations |
Which English Documents Need a German Translation?
Find your document below. The middle column shows common practice, not a rule. Your office's own list always comes first.
| Your English document (German name) | Usually needs a German translation? | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) | Usually yes, at the Standesamt and for Einbürgerung | birth certificate translation |
| Marriage certificate (Heiratsurkunde) | Usually yes, at the Standesamt and Ausländerbehörde | marriage certificate translation |
| Driving licence (Führerschein) | Yes, a sworn or ADAC translation | driving licence translation |
| Degree and transcripts (Zeugnis) | Often not for the ZAB; depends on the office or employer | degree and transcript translation |
| Single status certificate (Ledigkeitsbescheinigung) | Usually yes, when you marry in Germany | single status certificate translation |
| Divorce decree (Scheidungsurteil) | Usually yes, before a new marriage | divorce decree translation |
| Police clearance certificate (Führungszeugnis aus Indien) | Depends on the office | police clearance certificate translation |
| Name change affidavit or gazette (Namensänderung) | Usually yes, when names differ between documents | name change affidavit translation |
Which office asks depends on your situation. For example, getting married at the Standesamt often needs several translated documents. Converting your driving licence needs a translation of the licence. For your Einbürgerung application, many offices ask for translated civil status documents. For degree recognition (Anerkennung), ZAB accepts documents in English (and some other languages) without translation — check the ZAB FAQ. Regulated professions can be different.
Why Does the Ausländerbehörde Want a German Translation of My English Certificate?
German law says the official language of authorities is German. If you hand in a document in another language, the office can ask for a translation. In justified cases it can ask for a sworn one. Many officers read English well. But the file must work for every officer, court and office that sees it later.
A sworn translation is certified by a translator sworn by a German court as complete and correct. The translator adds a stamp, signature and certification statement. The office can check the translator in the official register. That is why a translation by you, a friend or a machine is usually not enough.
English to German Sworn Translation: Your Names Stay as on Your Document
In an English document, names are already in Latin letters. So a sworn translator copies each name letter by letter. Nothing is added, dropped or expanded. If your passport spells a name differently, the translator adds a translator's note with the passport spelling. The German officer then sees both forms and how they connect.
Indian documents in English often show real differences like these:
| On your document | In your passport | In our translation |
|---|---|---|
| Mohd. Imran | MOHAMMED IMRAN | Mohd. Imran (translator's note: passport spelling MOHAMMED IMRAN) |
| K. Srinivas | Given name SRINIVAS, surname KOMMINENI | K. Srinivas (translator's note: passport spelling SRINIVAS KOMMINENI) |
| Harpreet Kaur | HARPREET KAUR GILL | Harpreet Kaur (translator's note: passport spelling HARPREET KAUR GILL) |
| Rajinder Singh | RAJENDER SINGH | Rajinder Singh (translator's note: passport spelling RAJENDER SINGH) |
A translator's note shows the difference. It does not remove it. Some offices also ask for a name affidavit. We can translate that too.
English Plus Hindi, Punjabi or Another Language on One Page
Many Indian certificates are printed in English and a regional language. Stamps and handwritten notes are often in Hindi or another Indian language. A sworn translation must cover the whole page, so we translate every part together. If your document is mainly in an Indian language, see Hindi to German translation or Punjabi to German translation.
Who Can Make the Translation?
Only a translator sworn by a German court can certify a translation for German authorities. A translation certified in India or the UK is usually not enough, even with a notary stamp.
Our partner translators sworn by German courts are listed in the official register. Their court authorisation is valid throughout Germany, so it does not matter which city you live in. A sworn translation is valid throughout Germany. The office makes the final decision.
Price and Delivery
| Document | Delivery | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard certificate (birth, marriage, single status, police clearance) | PDF in 3 working days + original by post | from €39 |
| Driving licence (front and back) | PDF in 3 working days + original by post | from €39 |
| Degree with transcripts | Fixed quote after upload | from €39 per page |
| Express | PDF in 1 working day | + €15 |
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.
Usually a clear scan or photo is enough. Some offices want the translator to see the original, so check your letter. See all prices or read how it works step by step.
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.
Need German → English? For a move abroad, see all countries we translate for, German to English for the UK Home Office or German to English for USCIS.
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Frequently Asked Questions About English to German Translation
Does the Standesamt accept English documents?
Usually not without a translation. Many Standesämter ask for a sworn German translation of English civil status documents. Check the list your Standesamt gave you.
Do I need to translate my English degree for Anerkennung?
Often not for the ZAB. ZAB accepts documents in English and some other languages without translation. Other recognition offices, employers or regulated professions can ask for one. Check your letter.
Does the Führerscheinstelle need a translation of my English driving licence?
Yes, you need a German translation for the conversion. Many Führerscheinstellen accept both an ADAC translation and a sworn translation. Check your office.
Can I translate my English document myself?
No, not for official use. The office wants a translation certified by a translator sworn by a German court.
Is this the same as an "Übersetzer Englisch Deutsch beglaubigt"?
Yes. That is the German search term. A beglaubigte Übersetzung from English is made by a translator sworn (beeidigt or ermächtigt) by a German court.
Can you guarantee my office accepts the translation?
We cannot guarantee a decision. A sworn translation is valid throughout Germany. The office makes the final decision.
How long does an English to German sworn translation take?
Usually 3 working days for the PDF. The signed original then comes by post in 1–3 working days. Express is available.
Send Your English Document Today
Upload a photo or scan and get your fixed price. You see the price before you pay.
Questions? Email us: info@germantranslators.de