Pricing - Sabrina Fuchs

Price calculation

For every translation or interpreting assignment, I consider it very important to explain my prices in a transparent and understandable way from the very beginning. If fair prices and above all quality and professionalism are what you are looking for, then you have come to the right place and can benefit from the excellent value for money I offer.

How much does a translation cost?

It is not possible to state a general price for translations, because it depends on a number of factors:

length of the text (number of words / standard lines)
complexity / difficulty of the original text
language combination
technical field
urgency / delivery date
proofreading / correcting
formatting required

In general, I base my prices both on the schedule of fees published by the Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators (BDÜ) and also on the latest version of the Law on Judicial Remuneration and Compensation (JVEG) for translators and interpreters.

Lump sums for translations of documents

One exception is standard documents, for which I always propose lump sums. These include:

birth / marriage / death certificates
passports / ID cards
educational certificates / diplomas (school reports / school-leaving certificates / degree certificates)
acknowledgements of paternity and maternity
certificates of good conduct
other certificates and attestations

Prices for translations by word / line

When sworn translators are employed by a court or public prosecutor’s office, the price per line is always based on the JVEG (Law on Judicial Remuneration and Compensation) and comes to between 1,80 € and 2,10 € per line plus VAT. A standard line consists of 55 characters, including spaces.

Whereas the number of standard lines in the target language forms the basis for calculating the price of legal translations, the translator is free to base his prices for other clients/customers on either the original or the target text and to charge by word or line. It can make things easier for the customer to have a quotation based on the original text, i.e. the words or standard lines counted, since this makes it possible to calculate the translation costs precisely in advance.

As a rule, it is not possible to estimate in advance the time a translation will take, which is why I always invoice my translations by the standard line or word in the interests of my customers, so that you always have a clear picture of the costs. Unlike translation services, I charge hourly rates for correction or proofreading work.

Lower prices without cutting corners on quality!

Are you looking for a lower price, without compromising the quality of the translation? Even that may be possible in some circumstances! My personal tip here:

By placing your order in good time, you can contribute to avoiding unnecessary surcharges for express translations.
If you already have an internal glossary available with the technical terminology specific to your company, you could send it to me so that I take less time over research work and can at the same time actively use and update the vocabulary specific to your company.

How much does an interpreter cost?

As with translating, it is not possible to state a general price for interpreting. Whereas the remuneration of interpreting services for courts and government agencies is governed by the Law on Judicial Remuneration and Compensation (JVEG), the prices on the free market vary, and every interpreter can decide for himself what to charge. Depending on the assignment, additional costs may be incurred for travelling or waiting times and for travelling expenses.

Interpreters’ fees

In general, daily rates are charged for interpreting assignments in the context of conferences, seminars, meetings and similar events. The reason is that apart from the interpreting skills themselves, the interpreter needs intensive, time-consuming preparation to learn the terminology and subject matter and to review it after the event. This time should not be underestimated and is therefore included in the calculation of the daily fee.

If a sworn interpreter is summoned to attend a court hearing, the latest hourly rates of the JVEG apply, which are currently 85 € plus VAT. The interpreter’s travelling time to the court is reimbursed at the same rate.

For accompanying someone to a government agency, for attending meetings with lawyers and notaries, and for visits to doctors, I do not charge daily rates as with conference interpreting, but hourly or half-day rates instead.

To sum up, it can be said that the fees therefore depend not only on the duration of the interpreting assignment and the amount of preparation needed, but also on the setting and the interpreting technique required.