In principle, we can offer translations from and into all commonly-used languages. In the case of unusual language combinations, we work together with our translators abroad to ensure that all translations are completed by qualified native speakers.
Of course! An appropriate discount is always included in our quotes. However, for large orders with short deadlines, it can happen that the discount and the express fee cancel each other out. We also analyse your texts and grant an additional discount if large parts are the same or can be copied from previous versions.
We receive all faxes electronically and can therefore forward them without data being lost. The translation charge is based on the target line/word count. For quotes, we convert the faxes into text with OCR (= Optical Character Recognition), from which we can generate a line/word count.
For software run with Windows, we need the executable files (file extension: *.exe, *.dll); for other operating systems, we need the resource files in text format. Depending on the type, we may need the online help information as an RTF or as an HTML help project (we can also process RoboHelp files and the like).
Yes. We only need the resource files to do this (e.g. in the PO format).
To achieve a high quality translation, the use of translation tools is indispensable. Our strength lies in the combination of a variety of tools – including those we have specially developed ourselves – to satisfy the demand for quality for every type of text. The tools we most frequently use include SDL Trados Workbench and Passolo (for software). However, we also have Alchemy Catalyst (software) and SDLX.
In principle we do. As a rule, however, sworn translators need the original documents, so this would involve an enormous administrative cost (and delays). This is why we generally recommend that all potential clients (and existing ones) look for a sworn translator in their area via the BDÜ (German Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators).
A standard line consists of 52 characters including spaces (spaces are included because otherwise you would find it difficult to read the text; also, spaces have to be typed). Normally, we use the number of characters indicated in Microsoft Word divided by 52 to calculate lines. However, Word does not count headers, footers or text boxes; so sometimes we have to export a file to enable an accurate count of the actual number of characters. Standard lines are the usual basis for calculation in Germany, whereas other countries tend to use the source word count or target word count.
We have several partner agencies that provide DTP services to us in any language and on Macintosh computers as well.
We translate contracts and similar documents literally. The translators we use for such documents know the legal terminology but they are not experts in this field. If the client wishes to adapt the text to the jurisprudence of the target country, we look for suitable resources in the target country, e.g. lawyers. This work, and the work of the expert, of course, can normally only be charged on an hourly basis (or for a fixed price in exceptional cases). However, as a rule, it is not necessary to adapt a contract to the target country, because the place of jurisdiction usually remains in the Principal's country.
Yes, although these programs are not ideal for translating texts. We do, however, have conversion programs, which extract the text from these programs so that it can be translated in Word. It is restored to the original format at the end. The layout is normally retained, except for pagination, text boxes and table formatting. The price for these translations corresponds to that of the “normal” text (Word and similar). It does not include any layout work. To generate quotes and the actual order, we require the source files in certain formats: for FrameMaker we need MIF files and for QuarkXpress we need tagged text files or XML format.
kmp. Sprachenservice Martin Kœhler und Beate Mauz GbR