Guide · Interpreting
Simultaneous, consecutive or whispered interpreting: which suits my event?
The right mode depends on how the discussion works and who needs to listen or speak. A language pair alone is insufficient to plan the assignment.
Reviewed on 28 October 2026
The short answer
Consecutive interpreting uses sections of speech and pauses; simultaneous interpreting follows almost at once and needs suitable equipment and staffing. Whispered interpreting is a special form for a small number of listeners in suitable conditions. Describe the room, participants, languages and schedule so the mode and its availability can be established before booking.
Consecutive: plan speech segments and pauses
Participants speak in manageable sections. The content is then interpreted. Agree the process with everyone so the next question is not asked while interpreting is still underway.
BDÜ identifies discussions, negotiations and ceremonial occasions among its uses. Check the actual timetable: interpreting takes time within the schedule and cannot simply be added to an unchanged programme.
Simultaneous: let listeners follow without regular speech pauses
Simultaneous interpreting may suit longer presentations or multilingual events. Establish early who needs which languages and whether multiple speakers or language channels are planned.
Suitable audio, transmission equipment and team planning form part of the arrangement. Enquire about them together; an existing microphone or single headset does not establish a complete interpreting solution.
Assess whispered interpreting against the actual room
Whispered interpreting provides a quiet rendition for a small number of people. Proximity to listeners, background noise and parallel conversations therefore matter. Also explain whether listeners need to join the discussion.
Particular appointments may also require sworn status or another credential. State that requirement alongside the mode. Agree responsibility for the location, equipment and preparation before the assignment.
Read more: BDÜ Hessen/Rheinland-Pfalz: commissioning translation and interpreting
Your next steps
List listeners, speakers and language directions.
Describe the programme, speech segments and available time.
Clarify the room, equipment and particular credentials.
Enquire about the appropriate mode, team and availability.
More questions
Is simultaneous interpreting always the better choice?
No. Discussion format, equipment, participants and timing determine what fits.
Can an interpreter simply join an already full programme?
The schedule must fit the mode. Allow discussion pauses or arrange the required simultaneous setup.
Are the languages enough for a quotation?
No. Also supply date, place, duration, participants, subject and technical conditions.
Sources and further reading
- BDÜ: interpreting modes and typical assignments
- BDÜ Hessen/Rheinland-Pfalz: commissioning translation and interpreting
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.