Guide · Interpreting
How much does an interpreter cost? Fees, minimum bookings, travel and equipment
A short period of speech is not always the same as the time reserved for an assignment. A useful quotation considers scheduling, preparation and possible additional services together.
Reviewed on 28 October 2026
The short answer
Price depends on languages, subject, mode, duration, location and agreed scope. Travel, equipment or additional team members may be relevant alongside the fee. Ask whether minimum bookings or time blocks apply and how extensions are handled. A private quotation is not automatically calculated under JVEG rules for particular public appointments.
State the actual reserved time rather than speech time alone
Supply the start, expected finish, required arrival and schedule. Identify breaks, multiple appointments that day and uncertainty about waiting time.
Ask expressly about any minimum duration, billing unit and extension. A particular minimum is not a universal rule for every provider and appointment; the confirmed quotation determines it.
Compare the fee and additional components separately
VKD event-planning guidance identifies fees, travel and interpreting equipment among cost components. Your enquiry should show whether staffing, a booth or audio support is needed and who arranges it.
Compare quotations for the same scope. Establish which costs are included, which may be additional and whether the stated amount includes VAT. Disclose planned recording or later audio use beforehand.
Read more: VKD within BDÜ: event planning and cost components
Distinguish private commissioning from statutory remuneration
Section 1 JVEG defines its statutory scope for appointments by the bodies listed there. It does not create a universal private-customer tariff for every business meeting or event.
Obtain written confirmation of scope, price, date and change or cancellation terms. A free enquiry does not reserve an assignment. Confirm languages, qualifications and a binding booking separately.
Your next steps
State the date, languages, location and schedule precisely.
Describe equipment, credentials and staffing needs.
Ask about included time and every price component.
Confirm the booking and change or cancellation terms.
More questions
Is there always one standard hourly price?
No. Scope and billing are agreed for the actual assignment.
Is a court rate automatically my private-customer rate?
No. Check statutory scope separately from the actual private agreement.
Does a non-binding enquiry already confirm the appointment?
No. Availability, service scope and booking must be expressly confirmed.
Sources and further reading
The confirmed schedule, appropriate credentials and agreed technical conditions determine the assignment.
Enquire about your interpreting assignment
Tell us the date, location, languages and discussion schedule. We can clarify possible scope and availability with you.
Free and non-binding. An enquiry does not reserve an assignment; availability and booking are expressly confirmed.