Translation of foreign certificates and diplomas
In Germany, the Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, ZAB) is responsible for evaluating foreign qualifications—such as school, vocational, and university qualifications—and issues individual certificate evaluations to holders of foreign university degrees upon request.
However, different authorities in the federal states (Länder) are responsible for recognizing these qualifications. They may ask the ZAB for an opinion in specific cases or request general information about the country concerned and its education system.
When translating foreign certificates, the main difficulty lies in the differences between education and study systems and the variety of grading structures. For this reason, grades are usually not converted into the German grading system. Instead, many certificates and diplomas include a section explaining the grading system used, and universities and colleges publish conversion tables on their websites so that foreign students can see whether their qualifications meet the requirements of the respective institution. Another option is for the translator to include a note in the footer briefly explaining the qualification. In addition, the “Information System on the Recognition of Foreign Educational Qualifications – anabin” published by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs contains further information on this topic.
In order to be allowed to practice certain professions in Germany, educational qualifications obtained abroad must be recognized as proof of qualification. These professions are referred to as regulated professions, as legal or administrative regulations require a specific qualification in order to practice them. The conditions for the recognition of foreign qualifications are generally laid down in a federal law. However, some federal states have adopted additional rules, which then take precedence over federal law.
Foreign certificates and qualifications must be submitted as certified copies together with an official translation. The official translation of certificates and qualifications may only be carried out by authorized translators who certify with their stamp that the translation corresponds to the original.
Legally binding documents
Sworn translations
Sworn translations are essential if foreign-language certificates are to be legally recognized in Germany. As a translator authorized by the Higher Regional Court of Hamm for English and French, I produce sworn translations of certificates that are accepted by German authorities, universities, and institutions—legally valid and accurately translated.
