Translation and Notarization

Translation

A translation of certificates and documents that are not in German must be presented at some establishments. Many students have their certificates translated at home because it is cheaper. These translations must be legalized by an embassy or consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany or by a notary that is authorized to issue an apostille.

Not all translations done in other countries are accepted in Germany. You can be on the safe side if you have your translations done by an "authorized" translator in Germany. A translator is authorized by a regional court to create written translations of diverse documents and to notarize them with an official seal.

When you have found a private translator for your language, make sure to check ahead of time if he ore she is an authorized translator. Please ask then, waht is the price for translation and notarization.

Translations of certificates must be made directly from the original. Therefore you should always take the originals with you when you contact a translator.

A list of translators can be found in the Yellow Pages in the category "Übersetzungen".

Notarization outside of Germany

The following institutions outside of Germany are permitted to officially notarize your copies:

• German embassies and consulates (their addresses can be found at: www.auswaertiges-amt.de)
• the School or University that issued the certificate. A notarization from the Secretariat is not sufficient; it must bear the official seal from the director of the school or the Dean (Principal) of the University.
• a notary, who provides copies with the seal of the Apostille

Notarization in Germany

You can turn to the following locations within Germany:

• religious congregations
• German authorities carrying a seal (e.g. city hall, local court of Bochum etc.)
• notaries (see Yellow Pages)
• your home country's consulates or embassies in Germany

The universities' AStA can only notarize documents that have been issued by a university and are being - or meant to be - submitted to a university.

In most cases there will be a notarization fee.