Check meaning
Omissions, incorrect references and deviations in content are checked against the source text.
Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.
Machine translated.
Expertly reviewed.
Fluent language alone says little about translation accuracy. Our post-editors compare the machine version with the original and revise meaning, terminology and expression according to the agreed quality objective.
For suitable content, clearly defined requirements and reliable specialist communication.
Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.
- Turnaround
- Hours–days
depending on project volume and requirements
- Experience
- 30+ years
localization experience at zappmedia GmbH, since 1993
- Projects
- 90,000+
completed localization projects
- Client testimonials
- 1,047
published feedback from our clients
- Languages
- 80+
for translation, voice recording, subtitling and transcription
- Certification
- ISO 9001
TÜV-audited quality management at zappmedia GmbH, since 2006
An initial draft.
A reviewed result.
Post-editing addresses the machine translation itself, not just its surface.
Review terminology
Approved terminology, product names, figures and units are considered during the work.
Refine language
Wording, idiomatic expression and tone are adapted to the agreed use.
Appropriate process.
Agreed quality objective.
Before commissioning, we assess the draft and clarify what the finished translation should achieve.
Assess a sample
A representative sample helps estimate the quality of the draft and the work required.
Light or full
Limited editing for comprehension and comprehensive editing for publication have different objectives. The required outcome is expressly agreed.
Assess cost-effectiveness
Text type, language pair and draft quality influence the effort. Translating afresh can be more appropriate than extensive correction.
Plan review & approval
Post-editing and additional independent reviews are separate stages. They are agreed according to use and requirements.
Language services and technical implementation work together. Visit zappmedia.io for software-supported workflows and production examples.
Technology & production examples on zappmedia.ioDocuments & deliverables
For the right text.
At the right level.
Important information for planning your project.
- Source text and machine-generated version
- Language pair, subject area and intended use
- Representative sample for larger collections
- Glossary, style requirements and reference texts
- Agreed quality objective and reviews
- Agreed delivery date and file format
Easy to read
does not mean correct.
A machine translation can omit “not” and still read fluently. Comparison with the original reveals the change in meaning; post-editing corrects it.
Illustrative example of a content check.
A clear brief.
Agreed stages.
A personal contact coordinates your project from preparation to delivery.
Assess draft & objective
We review the original and machine translation and clarify intended use.
Revise with subject expertise
Post-editors compare both versions and address the agreed quality aspects.
Review & deliver
Agreed review stages follow. You receive the revised version in the agreed format.
The actual effort
determines the price.
Pricing considers text volume, language pair, draft quality and quality objective. For large collections, a sample helps assess the work.
The translation price list offers guidance if a fresh translation is needed. Post-editing is quoted separately; a flat discount on translation rates would not be reliable without assessment.
Your individual quote and agreed scope apply to your project.
Explore price listsQuestions & answers
What does post-editing mean?
Post-editing is human revision of a machine-generated translation against the source text. Depending on the brief, it includes correction of meaning, terminology and language.
How do light and full post-editing differ?
Limited editing aims at basic accuracy and comprehension; comprehensive editing also addresses fluent language and intended publication use. We define the applicable requirements in advance.
Is post-editing always cheaper than a new translation?
No. A weak draft or demanding, highly varied texts can require extensive correction. We assess the content and recommend the appropriate approach.
Do you also need the original?
Yes. Comparison with the source text is essential for checking meaning. Terminology, reference texts and information about use support the work.
Client references from zappmedia
A selection of our clients and partners.
Revise machine translations
Post-editing
Post-editing is a particular form of bilingual revision in which a machine translation is revised by specially trained subject editors. The review focuses on correct specialist terminology, idiomatic target-language expression and appropriate content. Post-editors have specific expertise in working with machine-translated texts.
The time and effort required for post-editing help determine whether machine translation is cost-effective. Text type, language pair, draft quality and the required result are key factors. Large collections of similar, clearly structured texts can be suitable. A representative sample helps us assess whether post-editing or a fresh translation is appropriate.
However, the more individual and varied the wording of a source text, the greater the editorial effort required for post-editing. Under these conditions, even well-trained translation engines sometimes deliver results so misleading that correcting them involves more work than having specialist translators translate the text afresh. In such cases, neither machine translation nor subsequent post-editing is cost-effective.
Further information about technologies used in translation:
Translation technology Translation software at zappmedia zappmedia.io | Software-supported media localisation processes Terminology management CAT tools and machines in the translation industry Database-assisted translation (CAT tools) Machine translation (MT|NMT|AI) Relevance of machine translation Post-editing
We would be happy to provide detailed specialist advice.
Your project. Your quote.
Send us your source material, target languages and preferred deadline. We clarify the requirements and quote for the services your project needs.