Digitally certified translations

Have you heard of digitally certified translations and now want to know whether they are legally valid and recognised? And what is the difference between a digitally certified translation and a normal scan of a certified translation?  This article provides you with all the important information you need to know about digitally certified translations.

Certified translations in Germany must be produced by sworn translators. These translations contain the certification note, stamp and signature of the translator.

The same applies to digitally certified translations, except that they are not printed out and certified, but can simply be certified digitally. This can only be done with a qualified electronic signature (QES). The QES ensures that the translation is considered authentic and unmodified. The translation is only valid in digital form and loses its validity as soon as it is printed out.

• Translators create their signature digitally with an authorised service provider. This is where the signature is verified and created.
• Once the translation has been completed and provided with a certification note, it is transferred to the service provider for the digital signature. Only there can the translation be signed and certified in a legally binding way.
• The signature is now inserted into the translation. A digitally certified translation does not necessarily require a stamp. The signature in the document must then be confirmed again by the translator in person (via the app of the respective service provider).
• The translation is now digitally certified.

Note: Since the translator's address is already saved with the service provider, it no longer needs to be explicitly stated in the certified translation. Therefore, the stamp is no longer absolutely necessary for digitally certified translations but can still be added.

A digitally certified translation with QES is a legally recognised document in accordance with the EU eIDAS Regulation. It is considered a digital original – unlike a scan. The QES ensures that the document is authentic and unaltered.

It is important to note that signatures must be issued by companies that are approved throughout Europe.

You can check whether a signature is legally valid on the website of the European Commission.

The digitally certified translation contains

• a certification note,
• the digital signature and
• a note on the equivalence of the QES.

It is sent to you digitally and must not be printed out. The translation is not valid as a print-out.

Digitally certified translations offer many advantages, such as faster delivery than the original by post.

• Fast: You save the time needed for delivery by post and can use your certified translations immediately after they have been digitally signed.
• Secure: The QES is just as legally binding and forgery-proof as a normal handwritten signature.
• Sustainable: Digitally certified translations do not need to be printed out and posted. This protects the environment and the climate.