Guide · Certified translations
Which pension notice should I translate as evidence of income?
Not every pension-insurance letter establishes the same facts. Select the document using the recipient’s actual request.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Establish whether the recipient needs the pension award, a current adjustment notice or further payment evidence. German Pension Insurance distinguishes these from general pension information and statements. The actual request determines which version, language and certification should be translated.
Distinguish an award, adjustment and information
The pension decision concerns the award applied for. An adjustment notice concerns an adjustment; general pension information describes entitlements and does not automatically replace evidence of current payment.
Use the insurer’s explanation to identify the record. Translation renders the selected source and performs no independent calculation of pension entitlement.
Read more: German Pension Insurance: pension decisions and adjustment notices
Clarify the required period and amount
Ask for clarification if the request says only “pension statement” or “income proof”. Record the required period and evidence type before selecting an older letter.
Retain connected pages showing amounts, deductions and applicable dates. Confirm any reduced translation scope beforehand rather than independently combining figures from several letters.
Agree language, format and handling of personal details
State the recipient, country and required language. Check whether certified translation is requested or another existing version suffices, and discuss special requirements before sending.
Translation does not establish sufficient income for a visa, contract or other application. The recipient evaluates the evidence; we discuss translating it completely.
Your next steps
Ask the recipient which income evidence is needed.
Match the document type and required period.
Provide complete associated pages.
Expressly agree language, scope and certification.
More questions
Is general pension information an award decision?
No. German Pension Insurance explains different letters with distinct meanings.
Can I translate only the payment amount?
Clarify acceptable scope with the recipient. An isolated amount can lose necessary context.
Does translation replace a current life certificate?
No. Evidence of income and proof of life address different requirements.
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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