Our translation agency relies on qualified and experienced technical translators from the industry who have been trained for this demanding task or possess many years of professional experience in their field. Terminologically accurate translations thus contribute to your legal compliance and – even more importantly – the safety of your customers. Our most frequent tasks include the translation of the following technical documents:
Technical Translation
Experienced technical translators from the industry who have been trained for years
Technical translations from a specialist!
When it comes to the safety of people operating machinery, the technical translation of user information and warnings is both your and our responsibility. A poor-quality translation can not only damage a company’s otherwise good reputation, but also actually endanger people.
- Test reports and specifications
- Tender documents
- Repair instructions
- Operating and user manuals
- Product descriptions
- Work instructions
- Reports and minutes
- Data and safety data sheets
- Risk assessments and risk analyses
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Terminology in
technical translations
The numerous, highly technical terms constitute a significant part of the source texts in technical translations. Therefore, a technical translator requires extensive knowledge of the industry-specific terminology. A good translation in mechanical and plant engineering is characterized by unambiguous formulations and clear technical terms.
This clarity in technical translations is achieved primarily when the translator consistently uses the same equivalents in the target language for technical terms. In this context, consistency means that, for example, the German word “Bedienfeld” is always translated as “control panel,” even if there are many other English synonyms. However, technical translation is solely about accuracy, not eloquence. This uniformity in the technical translation of, for example, operating manuals ultimately prevents misunderstandings and thus significantly reduces the potential safety risk for the user.
Tools for a uniform terminology
State-of-the-art translation technologies can help ensure this terminological consistency. For example, we can use a translation memory to collect industry-specific or even your company’s own terminology in a comprehensive database. This translation memory runs in parallel with the technical translation and records all technical terms that have already been translated into the target language. If a technical term appears multiple times in the technical document, the translation memory suggests the translation that has already been used.
When applying the four-eyes principle, a second translator joins the translation process after the initial translation is complete. This translator checks whether the terminology has been translated consistently and whether the client’s requirements or company-specific terminology have been taken into account. This proofreading, as well as the entire quality assurance process that we also implement, is part of the ISO 17100 translation standard.
Training to become a
technical translator
A technical translator undergoes extensive training in which they learn to translate in a technical field of their choice. They can choose between specializations in electrical engineering and electronics, energy supply and utilization, automotive engineering, information technology, or traditional metalworking.
Depending on their chosen specialization, aspiring technical translators learn, for example, the fundamentals of how a machine generally functions and gain a broad understanding of the industry and its underlying theories. Mastering the target language alone is far from sufficient for qualification as a technical translator. The translator must also be able to grasp and understand the technical documentation in its source language in order to render it accurately in the target language.
During their training, technical translators also acquire essential foundations in subject-specific terminology. Depending on which specialized field the translator wishes to focus on (e.g., mechanical engineering in agriculture, energy technology and renewable energies, etc.), they independently expand their terminology knowledge in one direction or another. However, the field of technology is so multifaceted and rapidly evolving that technical translators must continually refresh their terminology knowledge even after completing their training. Even years and decades after graduation, they continue to learn new technical terms in both the source and target languages.
Technical translations at GFT – the native and target language principle
Our experienced technical translators approach the translation process with the utmost care. They utilize all their technical expertise in the respective field and ensure consistent language at all times, adapting it to your target audience. This eliminates any misunderstandings that could arise from inconsistent terminology or overly complex language.
Our translation agency’s global network includes numerous native-speaking translators specializing in technical fields. Many of them live in the country of the target language, giving them in-depth knowledge of the respective cultural nuances. The use of experienced native-speaking translators with relevant expertise ensures that the high standards for technical translations are met.
However, using a native speaker isn’t always the best solution. In technical fields, excellent German skills are also necessary to understand source texts and translate them flawlessly into the target language. Therefore, we decide on a case-by-case basis for each project whether using a native speaker is the preferred option.
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The path to error-free technical translation
Stay in close contact with us throughout the translation project so we can address your requirements and clarify any questions about your documents. Close collaboration with our project management team ensures a smooth process and high-quality results.
Involving the right people from your side—such as developers, technical writers, or sales staff in the target country—helps ensure accurate terminology and technical understanding. Using these resources effectively can also reduce translation costs through better preparation.
As specialists in technical translation, we also support you in creating clear, translation-friendly documentation and managing terminology efficiently. Well-structured source content is key to quality results, and we’re here to help optimize both current and future projects.
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Legal requirements for technical translation
As we know, ignorance is no excuse. The same applies to faulty translations. Therefore, it is important to understand the legal requirements for technical translations in order to prevent liability risks or, ideally, to avoid potential liability claims altogether.
When commissioning legally compliant translations of technical documents, it’s important to remember that the original technical documentation was already prepared by highly qualified professionals . Since EU directives mandate that technical documentation be translated into at least one official language of the target country, a corresponding translation is essential. If in doubt, you should research the required language for the target country.
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How important is DIN EN ISO 17100?
If you want to ensure your technical translation is legally sound, then only choose translators who adhere to DIN EN ISO 17100. This standard requires, firstly, an independent translation and revision. Secondly, a translator with appropriate expertise who verifies their own translation. And thirdly, a translator who meets at least one of the following criteria:
- “Recognized qualification of a degree in translation from a higher education institution;”
- “Recognized qualification of a degree in another course of study at a higher education institution plus two years of full-time professional experience in translation;”
- “Five years of full-time professional experience in translation.”
The translation is revised by a second translator, provided appropriate liability protection is in place. This revision verifies whether the translation into the target language is consistent with the source text. The reviser must also meet at least one of the criteria specified in DIN EN ISO 17100 that the technical (first) translator must fulfill.
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Tips for your liability protection
Even with great care, translation errors can still occur. To ensure legally compliant translations, define and check terminology in advance, review pre-translations, stay in close contact with translators, allow questions, and provide all relevant reference materials. Involving local translators and familiarizing them with the product can further improve accuracy.
Many errors originate before translation begins, often due to poor source documentation. Following the principle “garbage in, garbage out,” it is essential to provide clear, accurate texts. High-quality source material gives translators the best conditions for producing reliable results.
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We cover a wide range of translations in technical fields.
These include:
Professional technical translations for industry Immediate contact and free consultation:
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Technical translations involve the accurate translation of specialized documents such as manuals, specifications and safety information, requiring both linguistic skills and in-depth technical knowledge.
Technical translations are critical because inaccuracies can lead to safety risks, operational errors and legal liability, especially in industries involving machinery and complex systems.
GFT translates a wide range of technical materials, including operating manuals, user instructions, specifications, safety data sheets, risk assessments, product descriptions and technical reports.
GFT translates a wide range of technical materials, including operating manuals, user instructions, specifications, safety data sheets, risk assessments, product descriptions and technical reports.
GFT uses translation memory systems and terminology databases to ensure that technical terms are translated consistently across all documents, reducing ambiguity and improving clarity.
Technical translations are carried out by experienced translators with industry-specific expertise, often with formal training or extensive professional experience in fields such as engineering, IT or energy.
GFT follows the ISO 17100 standard, applying the four-eyes principle, expert revision and structured quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy, consistency and compliance.