In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to translate official documents has become more important than ever before. While there are many translation services available online, not all of them are created equal. Some of them are faster than others, some are more accurate, and some are more expensive.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different options available to help you in translating official documents, including free ones. We will also go into detail about the advantages and disadvantages of each option, so that you can make the best decision for your needs.

What Is an Official Translation?

Official translation is the process of converting a document from one language to another with the intent of ensuring accuracy and legal standing. It must be done in strict accordance with legal regulations, and any mistakes can lead to costly delays or other legal problems.

Whether you are a business looking to accurately communicate with a foreign partner, or a student looking to further their education abroad, translation services make sure that everyone is on the same page.

So, what documents might require translation services? Here are several examples:

• Contracts and legal documents;
• Business agreements and letters;
• Academic transcripts;
• Marriage certificates and divorce decrees;
• Tax forms;
• Diplomas;
• Birth and death certificates;
• Immigration-related forms;
• Medical records and prescriptions;
• Technical reports and manuals.

5 Ways To Translate Official Documents

If you wonder how to translate official documents, check out our roundup below.

We’ll begin with three free options, and move forward with the paid ones. Pay attention!

#1 Ask a friend or relative for help

A great way to quickly and easily translate an official document is to ask a friend or relative who is fluent in the language you need. While this may not be an ideal solution for those who need to translate a highly technical document, it can be a great option for translating more general documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.

When seeking to gain a deeper understanding of a text, it is often beneficial to consult with those with a strong connection to the language and culture in order to gain access to the full range of meaning and nuance.

However, you might be not able to find a friend or relative or any person you know who can lend a hand to help. Go ahead to read and find more applicable methods.

#2 Use an Online Translation Tool (Machine Translation)

Online and offline translation tools are a great way to quickly get a translation of a document. Most services use deep learning technologies and utilize huge databases of words and phrases to produce the best possible results. Some tools offer a free trial period to let you see how good the results are before you commit to paying for the service.

In fact, we believe that machine translating should not be solely relied upon. It can be helpful for getting a general meaning of a sentence and saving time. But sometimes the translations produced are inaccurate and lead to misunderstandings.

Automated translations can be a useful tool, but they should always be used in conjunction with a human translator who is familiar with the target language.

Google Translate

The most well-known machine translation service in the world is Google Translate. It’s completely free to use!

This improved service makes it much easier for people to communicate across different cultures, by quickly translating documents into languages that the reader is familiar with. Furthermore, it is capable of translating entire documents in different formats, making it a great tool for businesses and individuals alike.

Deepl Translator

Since its launch at the end of 2017, Deepl has gained substantial attention from the industry. It supports nine major European languages – English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Polish, and Russian.

However, its translations for some of these languages have proved to be more precise and nuanced than those offered by other services. Deepl supports .docx and .pptx file formats and is free for translations of up to 500,000 characters per month.

#3 Hire а Professional Translation Agency

When accuracy is of the utmost importance, professional translation services are the recommended choice. Professional translators have a wealth of experience that enables them to provide an official translation of documents that is both adequate and legally binding.

In addition, they have a deep understanding of the cultural context of the language they are translating, which can lead to a more insightful translation than that of a machine-generated translation. With the help of a professional translator, you can ensure that your translations are of the highest quality and that the meaning of your documents is accurately conveyed.

Wordspath Can Help

If you don’t know where to translate official documents, Wordspath may be your way out. It is a respected company that specializes in document translation and is accredited by ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17100:2015. With a talented team of experts utilizing the latest technologies and resources, Wordspath provides accurate, timely translations for any kind of text in any language.

They prioritize customer satisfaction and demonstrate a commitment to excellence. That makes them the ideal choice for those seeking the highest quality translation services.

#4 Use a Translation App

There are a number of apps available for translating documents on the go. These apps allow you to take a picture of the document you need translated and then produce an instant translation with just a few taps of the screen. Some apps also offer features such as voice recognition, allowing you to quickly translate spoken words.

Most of this translation apps are free for basic use, and some of them provide an upgrade version if you need more advanced features.

Microsoft Translator

This app is compatible with Android and iOS devices and is totally free to use! You can easily look at saved and recent translations and also benefit from the real-time translation feature. What’s more, you can make use of the app’s voice command feature, so you don’t even have to type in the words you want to translate.

Naver Papago

Naver Papago is a revolutionary translation app that helps you translate official documents, images, and conversations in multiple languages, without effort. Available for free on both Android and iOS, you can use the application even if you are offline!

Naver Papago stands out compared to other translation apps and tools. It is designed to be user-friendly and has a straightforward layout. This translation app includes a series of features, such as: voice translation of both audio and text, a useful phrasebook and word cards, and an option to translate a whole website plus its URL.

Also, Naver Papago is able to translate handwriting text (you can write it on your smartphone with your finger). It’s worth giving it a try!

You might be also interested:

Reviews of free translation apps for Android

Reviews of free translation apps for iOS (include iPhone and iPad)

#5 Marketplace for Freelance Translators

These marketplaces provide an extensive directory of freelance translators, allowing you to browse their qualifications, expertise, and ratings to make an informed decision when finding the right translator for your project.

This is a cost-effective way to find a qualified translator with experience in your particular language pair. Moreover, marketplaces allow you to request quotes from multiple translators, so you can pick and choose the best one for your budget.

All in all, translation marketplaces are an invaluable resource for businesses that need to find a translator quickly and easily.

Translators Café

This is a marketplace that connects experienced professional translators with translation buyers. The platform provides a safe and secure environment for users to collaborate on translation projects.
From experienced professionals to recent graduates, there is a wealth of talent for you to choose from. Whether you need a single page document translated, or a large scale project, Translators Café offers great help at competitive prices.

There is a wide range of features to make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for. With their simple search system, you can quickly find the perfect match for you.

ProZ

ProZ is a renowned platform for connecting users with qualified and reliable translators with expertise in a variety of industries. With ProZ, users have the opportunity to find the best fit for their project and make sure the results they receive are of the highest quality, even if it comes at a higher cost.

Furthermore, ProZ enables you to customize your search for translators, allowing for greater flexibility and control in finding the best expert for your translation needs.

Conclusion

There are many ways to translate official documents, but the most important thing to remember is that the translation must be accurate and trustworthy. Having an official document translated by a professional service ensures that the meaning is respected, and the document is translated in a timely and reliable manner.

Wordspath are knowledgeable and experienced in the translation of a variety of languages and dialects. What’s more, they are always ready to deliver consistent and precise translations that meet your exact requirements. With Wordspath, you can rest easy knowing that your documents will be in the best hands possible.