Guide · Certified translations
Does my pension life certificate need translating?
A life certificate confirms a different matter from a pension award. Start with your pension provider’s letter and the form’s existing language.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Use the current form and instructions from the requesting pension provider. The Pension Service provides forms and proof-of-life guidance; existing language versions may remove the need for another translation. Translation alone does not establish that the person is alive or replace confirmation by an authorised body.
Use the current request letter
Record the requesting provider, required return method and deadline in your letter. Do not carry older forms or past submission relaxations into a new procedure without checking.
Current Pension Service guidance distinguishes possible proof-of-life routes. Establish which applies to your situation using the actual letter and current instructions.
Read more: Deutsche Post Pension Service: current proof-of-life instructions
Check the existing language version before translation
Review the form headings and language versions offered. A suitable existing multilingual form should not automatically be replaced by a freely translated text of your own.
Ask which version is accepted if uncertain. If additional translation is expressly required, include the relevant instruction and scope with your enquiry.
Read more: Deutsche Post Pension Service: forms and life certificates
Separate confirmation from language translation
The personal or official confirmation required for proof of life comes from an accepted confirming body. A translator’s certification concerns rendering the document supplied in another language.
Establish the full process and keep the form, confirmation and any requested translation matched. Send records according to your provider’s instructions rather than relying only on a previously saved address.
Your next steps
Identify the current letter and requesting pension provider.
Check the correct form and existing language version.
Clarify the accepted confirming body and return process.
Enquire separately about any expressly required translation.
More questions
Is a translator’s certification already proof of life?
No. Language certification and the provider’s required life confirmation are different processes.
Is a pension decision the same evidence?
No. A pension decision and current proof of life establish different things for different purposes.
Can I simply use last year’s form?
Use the version currently requested and recheck the deadline and submission route.
Sources and further reading
- Deutsche Post Pension Service: forms and life certificates
- Deutsche Post Pension Service: current proof-of-life instructions
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
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