When you need to translate an important document, you might be wondering whether you need a sworn or certified translation service. The answer depends on the purpose of the document and where it will be used. In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between sworn and certified translations and help you decide which type of service is right for your needs.
What is a Sworn Translation?
A sworn translation is a translation that has been certified by a sworn translator. A sworn translator is a professional who has been appointed by the government to certify that a translation is accurate and faithful to the original document. Sworn translators must take an oath of impartiality, meaning that they cannot have any conflicts of interest in the case they are translating. Sworn translations are also sometimes called “official” or “legal” translations.
Sworn translations are typically used for documents that will be submitted to a government body or other official institution. Examples of documents that often require sworn translations include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, diplomas, and transcripts. In most cases, these documents need to be translated by a professional who is authorized to perform sworn translations in the country where they will be used.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation that has been certified by a professional translator. Unlike sworn translators, certified translators are not appointed by the government and do not take an oath of impartiality. Certified translations are less formal than sworn translations and are typically used for documents that do not need to be submitted to an official institution.
Common examples of documents that may require certified translations include business contracts, marketing materials, website content, blog posts, articles, and books. In most cases, these documents can be translated by any professional translator who is fluent in the source and target languages.
What is the difference between certified and sworn translations?
The main difference between certified and sworn translations is their level of formality. Sworn translations are more formal than certified translations and are typically used for documents that will be submitted to a government body or other official institution. Certified translations are less formal and are typically used for documents that do not need to be submitted to an official institution.
When deciding whether you need a sworn or certified translation, the most important factor to consider is the purpose of the document. If you are translating a document for an official purpose, such as submitting it to a government body, then you will likely need a sworn translation. If you are translating a document for a less formal purpose, such as marketing materials or website content, then you will likely only need a certified translation.
When do I need a sworn translation?
If you are translating a document for an official purpose, such as submitting it to a government body, then you will likely need a sworn translation. Examples of documents that often require sworn translations include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, diplomas, and transcripts.
When do I need a certified translation?
If you are translating a document for a less formal purpose, such as marketing materials or website content, then you will likely only need a certified translation. Certified translations are less expensive than sworn translations and can be completed by any professional translator who is fluent in the source and target languages.
Do you need a sworn or certified translation?
If you are unsure whether you need a sworn or certified translation, the best course of action is to contact the institution where the document will be used. They will be able to advise you on the type of translation that is required.
If you’re translating a document for submission to an official institution, such as a government body or school, then you’ll need a sworn translation. On the other hand, if you’re translating a document for personal use or for general distribution, then a certified translation should suffice.
In conclusion, it is important to choose the right type of translation service depending on the purpose of the document. Sworn translations are more formal than certified translations and are typically used for documents that will be submitted to a government body or other official institution. Certified translations are less formal and are typically used for documents that do not need to be submitted to an official institution.
When deciding whether you need a sworn or certified translation, the most important factor to consider is the purpose of the document. If you are translating a document for an official purpose, such as submitting it to a government body, you will likely need a sworn translation. If you are translating a document for a less formal purpose, such as marketing materials or website content, then you will likely only need a certified translation.
Contact us today to get started on your sworn or certified translation project!
