FAQ
FAQ Frequently asked questions
Working with and between multiple languages is always an adventure. We have compiled a list of frequently asked and anticipated questions on the world of multilingual communication.
Do you have a question that you would like to see answered in this list? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
How long does a translation take?
A translator can normally complete seven to eight standard pages (30 lines of 55 characters each) per day, depending on the difficulty of the text. This includes careful proofreading after the translation.
Tighter deadlines are by no means impossible, but are subject to the availability of a translator with the experience and knowledge needed for your text.
I need a translation into… Can you help me?
Our range of standard languages covers the most common and important languages in the world. In the event that we cannot immediately offer you our services in the desired language, we may be able to arrange the necessary translators through our worldwide network of partners depending on the scope of the order. More time is needed in this case.
How do you calculate a standard line?
One standard line consists of 55 characters. Translation fees are (almost) always calculated on the basis of the number of standard lines in the target language.
Exceptions to this rule include translations into Chinese and Japanese, which are charged on the basis of the number of standard lines in the source text.
Can you also check translations or other texts that we have prepared ourselves?
Of course! Our native speakers are more than happy to professionally copyedit or proofread your manuscripts and typeset texts. Depending on your needs and wishes, your texts can be checked for grammatical and typing errors, and also for style. The charges for this service are calculated based on the actual time required.
What is CAT?
Computer-aided translation. Translators can choose from a wide range of software systems designed to make their work easier and increase quality. These include MemoQ, Trados, Wordfast, and Across and feature functions for terminology collection and management and the creation of translation databases.
All of these systems work by dividing the text into segments, normally sentences or paragraphs, that are then saved as source-target pairs in a database.
When these segments occur again later, for example when a user manual is updated, they are proposed to the translator automatically and do not need to be translated again. This reduces the costs for the client, significantly improves consistency, and allows multiple translators to collaborate on a single project more easily.
These solutions are also ideal for translating texts that will be published in multiple forms, for example when the help files for a program are to be provided as HTML and as a printed manual.
Do you need any special information from me for a translation?
In addition to the text itself, it is important for us to know for what and whom you intend to use the translation. What is the target group, will the text be published or is it only for internal use? For what country is the translation intended (relevant for example for translations into British English or American English)?
Reference materials and glossaries are always helpful, and can be indispensable in ensuring that special terminology is translated as it is used in your company. It can also be advantageous to have a contact person for the clarification of any questions.
What is the maximum file size that I can send you via e-mail?
Our mail server can receive messages with a size of up to 30 MB. However, it is not advisable to send e-mails with a total size of over 10 MB, as sending larger files often causes problems. In addition, the SMTP coding used by most mail programs increases the message size by 30% above the size of the files as shown in Windows Explorer or Mac Finder.
This means that an attachment that is 10 MB actually requires the transmission of approximately 13 MB. Please contact us before sending large files so that we can contact you in the event of problems, or if we do not receive your message.
I need an interpreter quickly, can you help me?
We will certainly do all that we can. A certain amount of time is almost always needed to arrange an interpreter, depending on the concrete case, but we also frequently handle last-minute requests. It is especially important that enough time is given to simultaneous interpreters for conventions so that they can prepare themselves with pertinent materials.
It is also advisable to provide pertinent materials on the topics that will be discussed for consecutive interpreters.
Can a simultaneous interpreter work directly from or into two foreign languages?
We have well experienced and coordinated teams in Austria for the language combinations English and French. Most other language combinations are interpreted via German with the help of a technical relay, i.e. foreign language – German – foreign language. This method generally results in no loss in quality or delays.
Can I conclude a framework agreement with you?
Of course! Before concluding a framework agreement for translation services, it is best to discuss your needs in person.
We will be happy to come to your offices to ascertain your exact requirements, languages, annual volume, and other factors. We will then prepare a reasonable, individual offer on this basis.
What is important when translating a text that has already been typeset?
You should always make sure to leave sufficient space for different language versions, as the text in your document will vary in length depending on the language.
When do I have to pay an express charge, and how much will it be?
We have no fixed rules for express charges, but these normally apply to orders requiring a translator to work longer hours, to work overnight or over the weekend, or when running work on other projects has to be interrupted. In some cases, multiple translators have to work on a text simultaneously to meet the deadline.
You will be informed in any case IN ADVANCE if an express charge will be applied. This normally ranges between 25% and 50%, but can be as high as 100% in exceptional cases.
What is a standard page or standard line?
As the actual amount of text on a single DIN A4 page always varies depending on the font size, line spacing, layout, and other factors, translation fees are normally calculated on the basis of standard pages, standard lines, or words.
We calculate a standard page as 30 standard lines in the target language, with a standard line consisting of 55 characters in the target language.
What does a standard page or line cost?
The price for the translation of a standard page or line depends on the language, the language combination, and the scope of the order. We will be more than happy to prepare an individual offer free of charge once you have sent us your source text. We will also be happy to send you our standard price list on request.
What kinds of texts do you translate?
We translate all kinds of specialized texts, whereby we always select the most suitable translator from our extensive pool of native speakers. One translator cannot translate all types of texts.
For this reason, it is very important that your text is completed by a translator with the corresponding background, education, and practical knowledge in the respective areas.
Do you use machine translation systems?
Even though translators today employ a wide range of software tools, there are currently no machine translation programs that can yield acceptable translations, except for the most basic of information purposes. One such system can be used free of charge at www.google.com.
The meaning of a text is not composed simply of the meanings of the individual words in it, but also of many other factors that cannot be decoded by the currently available computers and applications.
What is the best form for me to send you my texts?
If possible, it is best to send all texts via e-mail or other electronic means, as we work with translators around the world and need to forward the texts to them as quickly as possible. Larger files should be compressed with WinZip, Stuffit, WinRAR, or a similar program. You can of course also send us texts via fax, but we ask that you make sure that the texts are legible.
It may be necessary to enlarge small texts. As far as formats are concerned, we work with all office programs and all standard desktop publishing systems under Windows and Macintosh.
Are my texts translated by native speakers?
All of our translators only work into their native language. Only native speakers can really express themselves perfectly, and apply the many nuances of their language correctly.
But we go a step further: We also select the person with the most ideal qualifications, experience, and knowledge for your particular text.
How long can an interpreter interpret simultaneously alone in the booth?
No more than thirty minutes, because it is not possible to maintain sufficient concentration any longer. For this reason, it is important to use a team of two interpreters per language combination.
This team must have the necessary experience, and must also be well coordinated so that they can switch off and complement each other smoothly.
Can you also provide me with the interpreting booths, microphones, and other equipment that I need?
We will be happy to provide you with the necessary equipment. We work together with a highly professional interpreting systems supplier and set up the equipment for you at the desired location. Specialized technicians also take care of the equipment for the entire event.
What should I send you if I want to have my translation typeset in my layout?
Depending on which typesetting program you used to prepare your layout, you can simply send us the finished file.
We can typeset foreign-language texts in all standard desktop publishing and image editing programs under Windows and Mac and can complete all steps necessary to send you a file that is ready to print.
Can I correctly view and print documents in Eastern European, Arabic, or Asian languages on my computer?
Windows supports nearly all languages and their character sets/alphabets, provided that the necessary language support files have been installed and are enabled.
