Guide · Certified translations
Recognising a foreign divorce in Germany: which translations do I need?
Translating a divorce judgment and recognising the divorce are different steps. Start by establishing which procedure is required.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
First ask the competent authority whether formal recognition is required. The Federal Foreign Office describes EU-law and other exceptions; the country and decision date matter. The appropriate checklist then establishes which judgments, certificates and translations must be submitted.
Establish the procedure before translation
Record the country, court, decision date and intended use, such as a planned marriage. These details allow the competent authority to answer your question more precisely.
A translation renders the content in another language. It does not itself grant recognition. Use the official guidance to orient yourself and obtain confirmation of the procedure needed in your case.
Read more: Federal Foreign Office: international divorce law
Assemble the judgment and supporting records
Check your list for any finality evidence, additional certificate or attachments requested alongside the judgment. Keep connected pages together and mark missing items.
Include existing authentication pages and reverse sides so the translation scope can be discussed. An additional page should not first be discovered after an incomplete version has been submitted.
Keep names and versions traceable
Compare previous and current name spellings with available civil records. Supply documented spellings and resolve discrepancies by reference to the sources.
Store the final translation with the corresponding judgment version. For later additions, identify what has already been translated and submitted so related records remain recognisable.
Your next steps
Record the country, decision date and intended use.
Clarify recognition with the competent authority.
Gather the judgment and additional requested evidence.
Enquire with the complete set and checklist.
More questions
Does every foreign judgment need formal recognition?
Exceptions exist. Have your case checked using the country, date and relevant personal circumstances.
Is a summary of the judgment sufficient?
Commission the scope confirmed by the recipient. A private summary does not replace requested documents.
Is finality evidence included in the translation?
Identify the available pages and attachments and which need translating. The scope is agreed against your sources.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
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