Legal and Contract Translations

Because the translated text itself has a legal effect. A contract is binding in the version in which it is signed. Even a single altered term can change obligations: 'Gewährleistung' (statutory warranty) is not the same as 'Garantie' (voluntary guarantee), and 'best efforts' is not 'angemessenes Bemühen' (mere reasonable effort). This is why we work with specialised translators who have a legal background and adhere to the four-eyes principle in accordance with ISO 17100, as well as implementing documented quality assurance processes.

This is determined by the prevailing-language clause, which specifies which version takes precedence in the event of a dispute. Without one, conflicting interpretations become a real risk. Nevertheless, both versions must match exactly because the contract is negotiated, lived with and performed in both languages. We translate in full alignment and point out any passages where the target language indicates that the clause itself needs verification.

We achieve this through functional equivalence rather than dictionary transfer: we select a term that performs the same function in the target legal system and follow established translation conventions. Where there is no equivalent, we retain the source term and provide an explanation in a note or brackets. We never use false equivalents that have a different legal meaning .

Whenever the authorities, courts or registers need to formally recognise a translation, for example for commercial register extracts, certificates, powers of attorney or documents for foreign court proceedings You can find certified translations by sworn translators, apostilles and information about the process on our Legal Translations service page Legal Translations. Get in touch and we will incorporate the certification step into the process from the outset.

All employees and translators sign non-disclosure agreements. On request, we can also sign an NDA based on your own template before the project starts. Processing is GDPR-compliant and takes place on EU servers. Translation memory and terminology assets are kept strictly separate for each client. Our ISO 9001 processes make access rights and responsibilities clearly traceable.

At the start of the project, we create a central glossary of defined terms from the contract; the translation memory stores every reviewed translation. For amendments and new schedules, only the changed content is translated. The defined term from Section 1 remains exactly the same in Schedule 7 and the 2028 amendment.

We translate the full range of corporate compliance documentation: data processing agreements and privacy notices under the GDPR, supplier codes and codes of conduct under the CSDDD and LkSG, whistleblowing procedure rules under the HinSchG, export control clauses and policies, and training materials, all of which are provided in multiple languages for international workforces and suppliers.

Yes, on a regular basis. Law firms and legal departments are assigned dedicated contact persons, translators bound by the same confidentiality standards, reliable turnaround times — even for urgent matters — and matter-specific terminology databases on request. We deliver in the format you need, from Word with tracked changes to structured exchange formats.