Interpreters and translators for authorities and courts; application for public appointment and general swearing-in

Interpreters and translators working for authorities and courts can apply for public appointment and general swearing-in. They are then entered in the interpreter and translator database.

Interpreters (including interpreters for German sign language) and translators are entered in the interpreter and translator database if they are publicly appointed and sworn. In Bavaria, appointment, swearing-in and registration are carried out by the presidents of the regional courts.

The interpreter and translator database forms the basis for courts, authorities and private individuals searching for interpreter and translation services.

• Declaration whether the public appointment and/or general swearing-in as an interpreter, translator or interpreter for German sign language is to take place and for which language(s)
• Declaration as to whether insolvency proceedings have been opened against the applicant's own assets and no discharge of residual debt has yet been granted or whether the applicant has been entered in the debtors' register
• Declaration as to whether a sentence or a correctional measure has been imposed on the applicant within the last five years prior to the filing of the application.
• Resume
• Proof of expertise

  The examination certificate and diploma from the state or state-recognized examination office or, alternatively, a certified copy of the certificate of equivalence from the recognition body must be submitted.

• Certificate of good conduct (not older than six months) for submission to an authority

The prerequisite for public appointment and general swearing-in and thus for entry in the interpreter and translator database is usually the passing of the relevant state or state-recognized examination in Germany or recognition of the respective qualification as equivalent. The Bavarian Ministry of Culture is responsible for recognition as equivalent.

The public appointment and general swearing-in must be applied for at the competent regional court together with the required documents.

The following information must be provided: First and last name, nationality, profession, address of residence and professional establishment and, if requested, telephone number and internet address.

There is no time limit for a first-time public appointment and/or general swearing-in.

However, under the law applicable from January 1, 2023, a public appointment and/or general swearing-in as an interpreter and translator is limited to five years.

Transitional regulations apply to professionals who are already publicly appointed and/or generally sworn at the time the new regulation comes into force on January 1, 2023. As of January 1, 2027, all court interpreters must be newly sworn in.

Public appointments and general swearing-in as translators and interpreters for German Sign Language are valid for ten years and end on January 1, 2027 at the earliest.

Fee for public appointment and general swearing-in: EUR 100 for one language, plus EUR 15 for each additional language.

The periodic renewal required under the new law is subject to 3/5 of the above fee.