Do I need a sworn interpreter/translator?

Swearing-in

As impressive as it may sound, being a sworn interpreter or translator is not a mark of quality in itself. While a sworn interpreter must meet certain quality requirements, the decisive feature is that they have taken an oath before a court. Swearing-in is necessary, for example, to be able to work for the police and the judiciary (mainly in criminal and immigration law proceedings.) Consequently, this is where most sworn interpreters work. However, you do not need a sworn interpreter for civil law cases such as patent, trademark or commercial proceedings.

If you aim to organize an international conference or other event with participants from abroad, you will not need sworn interpreters. What you should definitely be looking for instead are conference interpreters. (If you are unsure what the difference is, you can find out here.)

The above also applies to sworn translators: you need a sworn translator for official translations (e.g. of identity or civil status documents or your degrees.) For translations of a scientific, commercial or general nature (such as business reports, company websites etc.), a sworn translation does not provide any added value.

Exit mobile version