Explore country-specific rules for recognising foreign documents for official use.
This map shows when certified or sworn translations, apostilles, or legalisation are required for official use.
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Requirement: Sworn
| Apostille required | Generally required for foreign documents, depending on country of origin |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Sworn translation |
| Who can translate | Publicly appointed and sworn translator registered in Germany |
| Official translator registry | Official database of sworn translators and interpreters (Germany) |
| Accepted languages | German |
| Legalisation authority | German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) |
| Official source | German Federal Foreign Office – Legalisation and Apostille Guidance |
Important: If an apostille or legalisation is required for a foreign document, it should generally be obtained before the sworn translation is completed in Germany.
Find a sworn translator in GermanyOnly officially appointed and sworn translators (beeidigte Übersetzer / ermächtigte Übersetzer) are authorised to produce legally recognised translations in Germany.
These translators are publicly appointed by regional courts (Landgerichte) following verification of qualifications, reliability and professional competence.
An official sworn translation must include the translator’s official stamp, signature, and a declaration confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.
The certification must reference the appointing authority and confirm the translator’s sworn status.
Foreign documents submitted to German courts or authorities may need to be apostilled or legalised in their country of origin before translation.
To be accepted by German authorities, the translation must be prepared by a sworn translator registered in Germany.
Sworn translators in Germany are appointed under the judicial laws of the individual federal states (Bundesländer). Appointment is typically made by the president of a regional court, and the translator takes an oath authorising them to certify translations for official purposes.
