Knowledge · Specialised Translation Explained
What is Technical Translation?
Definition and distinction; the applicable standards; and a concrete example from mechanical engineering.
Technical translation is the linguistically and technically accurate transfer of technical documentation (e.g. operating manuals, safety notices, specifications and software interfaces) from one language to another. It requires more than linguistic proficiency: an understanding of the relevant industry's subject matter, consistent terminology, and adherence to standards. Errors in technical translation are not just linguistically unfortunate; they can also have safety and liability implications.
Unlike advertising texts or business letters, technical translations focus on clear, traceable information. A unit of measurement, a warning notice or an operating step must have the same meaning in every language version and across document versions and product generations.
How does technical translation differ from general translation?
Three characteristics set technical translation apart from general translation.
Technical terminology and consistency
Technical texts rely on clearly defined terms. The same component or function must be named identically in every language and document. A central terminology glossary and a translation memory that stores and reuses verified translations make this possible.
Adherence to standards and liability
Many technical documents are legally regulated. For example, an operating manual is an essential safety feature of the product. Translating it is part of compliance, not an add-on. Inaccuracies can result in complaints, delays to delivery, or liability cases.
Format and system competence
Technical documentation is rarely created as a plain text document. Instead, it exists within content management systems, XML/DITA, CCMS exports or software interfaces with character limits. Technical translation involves working effectively within these formats without damaging the structure.
What does technical translation look like in mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is a good example because language, safety and law intersect directly here.
A machine cannot be placed on the market without its documentation. The operating manual forms part of the delivery scope and is safety-critical; it must be available in the official language of the country in which the machine is used. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230,which will replace the previous Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC on 20 January 2027, will maintain this language requirement and reformulate it, providing a clear call to action for any manufacturer with multilingual instructions.
The documents that need to be translated include operating and maintenance manuals, warning notices and safety labelling, CE and conformity documentation, and machine control texts (HMI/UI strings), the latter of which are often subject to strict character limits. Safety terminology follows established standards such as ISO 12100.
COMLOGOS has worked in this environment since 2007, primarily from the perspective of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, and spanning OEMs. This shapes our approach to terminology: This shapes our approach to terminology: it must remain consistent even when multiple clients, product lines and document versions are involved.
How is quality assured in technical translation?
Quality in technical translation is not a one-off outcome, but the result of a defined process.
Four-eyes principle per ISO 17100
Every specialised translation is revised by a second qualified translator, checking content, completeness and language.
Translation memory & central terminology
Verified translations are stored and reused. This ensures that documentation remains consistent throughout updates and over the entire lifespan of a product or system. Even after 20 years, version 12 speaks the same language as version 3.
MT + Post-Editing per ISO 18587
For high volumes, controlled technology comes into play: the machine draft translation is fully post-edited by a specialist and is both scalable and quality-assured.
Specialised translators with industry expertise
Translations are carried out by people who understand the relevant field, not just the language. First-hand industry knowledge is the foundation of any reliable technical translation.
Which documents get technically translated?
Operating and maintenance manuals
Safety and warning notices
Technical specifications and data sheets
CE and conformity documentation
Software and HMI interfaces (UI strings)
Requirement and specification documents
Training and service materials
Patent specifications
Which standards apply?
Two standards are particularly crucial for technical translations: ISO 17100 governs the quality-assured translation process, which includes revision by a second person. ISO 18587 , meanwhile, governs the full human post-editing of machine-translated content. COMLOGOS is certified under ISO 9001, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587, and also aligns its processes with ISO 27001 (information security).
Further information
Technical Translation
Looking for a technical translation provider
Go to the services page →Translations for mechanical engineering
Operating instructions, CE documentation and HMI strings for your sector.
Go to the industry page →AI-assisted translation and post-editing
Large volumes on tight deadlines, controlled according to ISO 18587.
Mehr erfahren →Frequently asked questions about technical translations
What is Technical Translation?
Technical translation involves accurately transferring technical documentation, such as operating manuals, safety notices or software interfaces, into another language. It requires an understanding of the relevant industry and its terminology, as well as adherence to standards, since errors can have safety and liability implications.
How does it differ from regular translation?
While a general-language translation can be phrased freely, a technical translation must be unambiguous, consistent and compliant with standards. Terms, units of measurement and warning notices must have the same meaning in every language and document version. A glossary and translation memory ensure this.
Which standards apply to technical translations?
The key ones are ISO 17100, which sets out a quality-assured translation process involving a second qualified person revising the translation, and ISO 18587, which covers full human post-editing of machine translations. Depending on the industry, additional subject-specific standards may apply, such as ISO 12100 for safety terminology in mechanical engineering.
Why is terminology so important?
Inconsistency in technical texts is dangerous. For example, if the same component is named differently in two documents, misunderstandings can arise around operation, maintenance and safety. A glossary and a translation memory ensure consistent terminology across versions and languages.
Who translates technical documentation, and what qualifications do they have?
Specialised translators with a background in the relevant industry and who are native speakers of the target language. According to ISO 17100, a second qualified person must revise the translation. Language competence alone isn't enough — industry understanding is what counts.
What does a technical translation cost?
The cost depends on the volume of text, the language pair, the subject area and how much can be reused from the translation memory. For recurring documentation, costs decrease over time because verified content isn't translated again. We're happy to provide a concrete quote for a reliable estimate.
From definition to concrete project
Now that you know what technical translation involves, do you need it for your documentation? Talk to us about language pairs, terminology, and your specific requirements.
ISO 17100 · ISO 18587 · ISO 9001 · LICS · four-eyes principle · since 2007
