Knowledge on Specialised Translations
Translation Expertise: Terms, Articles, Answers
Curated knowledge on technical specialised translation, including standards, terminology and practice, for reference and further reading.
In over 40 languages – technically precise
Expertise is only as good as its execution in the target language. We translate into the languages of your target markets, using terminology management, version control and ISO 17100-compliant revision.
What industry is preparing for today
Controlled AI instead of raw machine translation
AI accelerates the process, but humans take responsibility for post-editing, certified to ISO 18587.
AI-assisted TranslationMDR/IVDR: Language versions are mandatory
Instructions for use, labelling and SSCP form part of the technical documentation, with deadlines through to 2027–2029.
MDR/IVDR-compliant TranslationMachinery Regulation applicable from 2027
The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will apply from 20/01/2027. It also sets requirements for instructions and their language versions.
Technical TranslationFor which documents
Nine Paths into the Knowledge Base
Glossary
204 terms across 20 categories, ranging from standards to terminology.
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Articles
Standards explained, industry insights and practical advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Concise answers to recurring questions.
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E-Books and Fact Sheets
Concise or in-depth, available to download.
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What is ISO 17100?
The standards for assured translation quality: ISO 17100 and ISO 18587.
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What is Terminology?
Term, designation and terminology management explained clearly.
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What is localisation?
More than translation — adapting to the language, culture and technology of a target market.
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What is Technical Translation?
Definition, standards and a practical example from mechanical engineering.
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What is Revision?
The second qualified review in accordance with ISO 17100, also known as the four-eyes principle.
Go to definitions →In our knowledge section, we bring together everything that defines technical specialised translation, including searchable terminology in the glossary, in-depth articles, quick answers in the FAQs and downloadable material.
Glossary Overview
Contains 192 terms across 20 clusters, covering everything from automotive and mechanical engineering standards to packaging, security and defence, eMobility and batteries, and pharma, chemistry, law, medical technology and patent law. The terms are briefly explained, organised by industry and continuously maintained, covering everything from ISO 17100 to IATF 16949 to REACH and MTPE.
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What is Technical Translation?
Anyone wanting to understand technical specialised translation from the ground up should start here. You will find clear definitions, distinctions from general translation and applicable standards such as ISO 17100 and ISO 18587, as well as a concrete example from mechanical engineering explained factually in an overview.
Go to the definition →What is Terminology?
Terminology made understandable: the difference between a concept and a designation; the applicable standards; and how terminology management ensures consistent technical language across all documents and languages.
Go to the definition →What is ISO 17100?
ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 are explained in detail, covering everything from the requirements for the translation process and the four-eyes principle to post-editing machine translations. Factual, precise and to the point.
Go to standards →What is localisation?
Localisation made understandable: the difference between translation and localisation, what gets adapted beyond language, and the meaning of i18n and l10n. Factual and to the point.
Go to the definition →What is Revision?
Revision made understandable: the second qualified review in accordance with ISO 17100 (the four-eyes principle), the differences from copy-editing and proofreading, and what is checked. Factual and to the point.
Go to the definition →MDR/IVDR-compliant Translation
This section covers what the EU regulations for medical devices and in vitro diagnostics require for instructions for use, labelling and technical documentation, including the language rules of the member states, transition deadlines and why an auditable translation process is part of compliance. Factual and to the point.
Go to the MDR/IVDR page →GMP-Compliant Translation
Good Manufacturing Practice and Language: which pharmaceutical documents are translated (from SOPs to package inserts), the language requirements for marketing authorisation and labelling, and the characteristics of a translation that can withstand inspection.
Go to the GMP page →Articles
In-depth articles on standards, industries and the practice of technical specialised translation. Factual and drawn from real project work. Written for professionals. For reflection and reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about working with COMLOGOS, covering everything from costs and delivery times to processes, payments, and quality assurance Short and concrete, with examples from project practice.
E-books and fact sheets at a glance
Concise fact sheets provide a clear overview of a topic, while in-depth e-books offer more detailed insights and practical recommendations based on project experience. Topics range from translation-friendly writing and machine translation to terminology, quality standards, and industry knowledge. Free to download, share and reference.
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Why we share this knowledge
This knowledge doesn't just come from working at a desk; it grows out of our daily project work. It comes from the standards we apply in real documentation, the terminology we maintain across product generations and the industry understanding we have built up over nearly two decades of specialised translation work. We share it because good translation begins with a shared understanding of the term, the standard and the process.
For those who want to delve deeper, you will find technical details organised by topic, Sectors as well as an overview of our services. Services.
Stay curious: Look things up in the glossary and explore the articles. And if a question turns into a concrete project, get in touch with us. There's no obligation and it's confidential.