What is the Essential Role of a Court Interpreter?

Imagine sitting in a courtroom and not understanding a single word. It’s a daunting thought. This is where court interpreters step in. They are the essential link between people and languages, acting as a crucial bridge and confidant when it matters most.

As Wilhelm von Humboldt once said, “Language is the key to the world”. Our interpreters embody this role: they are the key that connects judges, lawyers, public authorities, and private individuals. Their professionalism ensures they build trust and guarantee accurate understanding in every setting.

However, sworn interpreters offer much more than mere linguistic ability. They possess a deep understanding of the legal system's intricacies and shoulder enormous responsibility. They know precisely how crucial accurate translation is.

Every Single Word Counts

Unlike conference interpreting, where phrasing can sometimes be adapted for context, interpreting in a legal setting demands absolute fidelity. A wrong or imprecise word can have serious consequences, potentially representing the difference between freedom and imprisonment, asylum and deportation, or millions in international contracts.

Court interpreters are required wherever precise translation is essential: court hearings, notary’s offices, law firms, asylum proceedings, and more. Crucially, their work isn't limited to difficult situations. As our managing director, Sandra Robitsch, explains:

“Court interpreters are also needed for many positive occasions, such as weddings, driving license exams, fertility agreements at the notary, and of course, adoptions.”

How Do You Become a Court Interpreter?

In Austria, this profession is strictly regulated. Only those who pass the court interpreter exam may call themselves a “generally sworn and court-certified interpreter”. Following certification, interpreters must complete regular recertifications to ensure their linguistic and legal knowledge remains current. They are also bound by a lifelong duty of confidentiality.

Terminology varies depending on the country of appointment:

Austria: “beeidigt” (sworn)

Germany: The term varies by federal state—"beeidigt” (sworn), "ermächtigt" (authorised), or “öffentlich bestellte/r Übersetzerin” (publicly appointed translator)

Luxembourg: "vereidigte/r Übersetzerin" (sworn translator)

The exact term used depends entirely on the country where the interpreter is officially appointed.

Mastering Legal Talk

Simply being fluent in two languages is not enough. Court interpreters must know legal terminology inside and out. An interpreter also needs to be quick-witted and able to process information rapidly.

Outside of the courtroom: Certified Translations

Certified translations are a staple of everyday life. Government bodies, universities, and employers often will not accept foreign documents unless they are certified. Common examples include birth and marriage certificates, police criminal record checks, academic and employment certificates, proof of citizenship, certificates of no impediment to marriage, and court documents.

Who Can Certify Translations?

Only sworn translators are authorised to certify documents. While notaries can confirm a document's authenticity, they cannot certify the translation itself.

At Koll, only sworn translators handle this work: they produce the translation themselves, then certify it with their signature, round seal, and the official certification formula.

Why Choose Us?

When it comes to court interpreting and certified translations, there are no second chances. That's why we work exclusively with experienced, certified, and sworn professionals across Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and South Africa.

Precision, reliability, and absolute discretion are the cornerstones of our daily practice, ensuring our clients can be confident they are standing on solid legal ground.

Have questions about court interpreting or certified translations? Our expert team is here to help.