Guide · Certified translations
Do I need an interpreter or a certified translation at a notary appointment?
A translated record and understandable communication at an appointment serve different purposes. Clarify language needs with the notary early.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Where participants do not sufficiently understand the deed’s language, communication during notarisation must be addressed. Section 16 BeurkG covers translation of the record and using an interpreter where the notary does not translate. A written translation prepared beforehand does not automatically replace that process.
Establish the needs of the actual appointment
Tell the notary which languages each participant understands and what the deed concerns. Establish whether an interpreter is needed and which requirements the selected person must meet.
The law also addresses a written translation on request and swearing in an interpreter who is not generally sworn. Coordinate these arrangements with the notary conducting the procedure.
Read more: Section 16 of the German Notarisation Act: language and translation
Agree advance documents and appointment support separately
A written translation can help with reading a draft beforehand or presenting foreign-language evidence. State its purpose so draft preparation and certified document translation are not confused.
If the draft changes, inform everyone involved about the new version. An older translation should not continue to be used alongside updated contract or power-of-attorney wording without explanation.
Coordinate the appointment, documents and responsibilities
Include location, date, language pair, approximate scope and the notary’s requirements in your enquiry. State whether written documents also need translating.
Obtain explicit confirmation of interpreting and any written translation. A document estimate does not reserve an interpreter or automatically include separate appointment preparation.
Your next steps
Tell the notary about language skills and the deed’s purpose.
Clarify interpreter requirements and written translation needs.
Provide location, date and the current draft.
Obtain explicit confirmation of both services.
More questions
Does a certified translation replace the interpreter?
Not automatically. Clarify communication and the actual notarisation procedure with the notary.
Can a family member simply interpret?
Have suitability and possible exclusions checked by the notary beforehand. Do not organise the appointment on an unconfirmed assumption.
Does a document enquiry reserve the appointment?
No. The appointment, interpreting service and any written translation must be agreed separately.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
Clarify special requirements first
Tell us the language, location, date and notary’s requirements. Interpreting and written translation are agreed separately.
Confirm the issuing route and availability before ordering.