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.

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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 Translation

MDR/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 Translation

Machinery 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 Translation

For which documents

Operating instructions and technical documentationSafety data sheets (SDS)Regulatory/approval documents (MDR/IVDR, EMA)Contracts and legal documentsPatents and IP rightsLabelling and packagingMarketing and website

Nine Paths into the Knowledge Base

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.

Automotive Mechanical Engineering Packaging Security & Defence eMobility & Battery Plant Engineering Pharma & Chemicals Medical Technology Law & Compliance Patent law IT & Software File and tool formats Translation standards

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Machine Translation Translation-Friendly Writing Technical Documentation Terminology Management SEO Translation Transcreation Desktop Publishing Additional Services Per ISO 17100 Medical Technology Savings Potential

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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.

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