Important documents.
Appropriate certification.

The terms are used differently in everyday language. In Germany, a „beglaubigte Übersetzung“ generally means a translation whose accuracy and completeness are attested by an appropriately authorised translator. The English term „certified translation“ may refer to this attestation; it is different from certification of a quality management system.

zappmedia provides this translation service exclusively to corporate customers. To plan it, we need the documents, language, recipient and intended use.

The receiving body specifies the translation and attestation it requires. Depending on the requirements, Germany uses publicly appointed, generally sworn or authorised translators. Titles and admission procedures differ under state law; the official interpreter and translator database supports searches by language and authorisation.

The attestation may include a statement, signature and stamp. It concerns the translation and is distinct from authentication of the source document. We coordinate specialist selection according to the language combination and requirements.

Before translation, establish the requirements for both the original document and its language version. Depending on the countries and document, an apostille, legalisation or an exemption from these formalities may apply. The receiving body and competent authorities or diplomatic missions provide the requirements.

An apostille is issued by a designated body in the country that issued the document. Legalisation generally involves the mission of the country where it will be used. Responsibility for a German document depends on its origin and type. The German Federal Foreign Office explains procedures and competent bodies.

Existing official annotations and apostilles are considered when planning the translation. Whether the translator must be authorised in Germany or the destination country depends on the recipient’s requirements.

Some procedures may additionally require evidence concerning the translator’s signature. The competent body and order of steps should be established in advance. Authentication of a signature does not itself attest to the accuracy of the translated content.

We take the specified requirements into account during planning and coordinate the necessary documents, specialists and delivery formats with you. The competent body’s guidance and the Federal Foreign Office’s information help clarify official procedures.

Certificates for products, systems or services document a defined scope and assessment standard. An ISO 9001 certificate concerns the quality management system. A project-specific service or quality statement has a separately agreed purpose.

zappmedia GmbH’s current TÜV certificate identifies ISO 9001:2015 and its stated scope. The published OTM 5.0 and DIN EN 15038 document dates from 2011. The quality page distinguishes this document from current certification. Translation process requirements or additional standards are specifically agreed for the commission.

Corporate documents can contain sensitive information. We agree permitted data routes, access and necessary production steps. Information security management conforms to ISO 27001; specific security requirements belong in the project agreement.

Your contact coordinates questions and handovers. Use the existing enquiry form or discuss how your documents should be transferred.