Sign language interpreter; application for recognition of a non-Bavarian professional qualification

The profession of interpreter for German Sign Language is regulated in Bavaria. If you have a non-Bavarian qualification, this must be recognized if you wish to be publicly appointed and sworn in by the court.

If you have obtained a relevant academic sign language interpreting qualification outside of Bavaria (in another federal state or abroad) or a state sign language interpreting examination in German Sign Language (DGS), you can apply for recognition of your qualification for the purpose of public appointment and general swearing-in before a court.

As part of the equivalence assessment procedure, the competent authority will check whether there are any significant differences between the professional qualification you have demonstrated and the Bavarian training to become a state-certified sign language interpreter in German Sign Language (DGS).

• Required Documents:
  • officially certified copy of identity card or similar proof of identity (from a public administration office, e.g. district administration office, town hall)
  • in case of change of name since acquisition of the diploma/certificate: marriage certificate or similar necessary
  • Curriculum vitae in tabular form (especially with regard to activities in the field of sign language interpreting )
  • Diploma or certificate of relevant sign language interpreting studies or state sign language interpreting examination in officially certified copy (from a public administration office, e.g. district administration department, town hall)
  • if not listed in the diploma/certificate itself, official proof (e.g. through examination and study regulations, module handbooks or similar) of the final examinations taken (in the field of sign language interpreting)
  • official proof, e.g. by examination and study regulations, module handbooks or the like
  • a declaration that the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with the professional qualification as a sign language interpreter is to be determined
  • a declaration as to whether and to which office an application for the determination of equivalence has already been submitted, as well as, if applicable, a decision issued by another country

In order to be able to open a recognition procedure, you must provide proof of professional training in the field of sign language interpreting through a relevant sign language interpreting degree or a state sign language interpreting examination in German Sign Language (DGS).

The acquired professional qualification must include German as a corresponding language.

The application can be submitted regardless of nationality and residence status.

Applications from abroad are also possible.

The Bavarian Institute for the Promotion of Communication for People with Hearing Impairments (GIB) carries out the recognition procedure for interpreters for German sign language.

Applications can be made in writing or by e-mail.

Official documents (e.g. certificates, diplomas) must be sent by post as certified copies.

The GIB will confirm receipt of the application within one month and request any missing documents.

The fee for carrying out the recognition procedure is currently EUR 40.00 plus postal charges.

There is no automatic recognition of degrees from certain providers or universities. Each degree is examined individually to determine whether it can be recognized as equivalent to the Bavarian state examination for sign language interpreters.

No recognition procedure can be opened for professional activities in the field of sign language interpreting.

The work of sign language interpreters is covered by the freedom of trade in the entire Federal Republic of Germany. Only to work as a sign language interpreter in German Sign Language (DGS) in court do you need recognition of your non-Bavarian qualification (or the state examination for interpreters for German Sign Language).