Degree certificates and transcripts: certified translation for recognition in Germany
/ Useful informations
If you studied outside Germany, whether in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, India, Nigeria, the Philippines or anywhere else, and now want to work or study in Germany, you will probably need a certified German translation of your academic documents. Recognition offices, universities, employers and immigration authorities all work with them.
This guide lists the documents that are usually translated, what to check before you order, and how to avoid paying for more than you need. You can request a quote for an English-German certified translation at any time.
Who asks for translated degrees?
- Recognition offices that assess whether your degree or professional qualification is comparable to a German one.
- Immigration authorities, for example when you apply for a residence permit for qualified employment such as the EU Blue Card or the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).
- Universities and admission services for master’s or doctoral programmes.
- Employers, especially in regulated professions.
The rules depend on your profession, on the competent office and on the federal state. Always ask the office which documents it needs, in which form, and whether it accepts a translation by a translator authorised in Germany. For professional recognition you can also start from the official portal Anerkennung in Deutschland, which points you to the competent office for your profession.
Recognition (Anerkennung) in short
Anerkennung is the official check of whether a foreign qualification is comparable to a German one. It is required for regulated professions, such as medicine, nursing or teaching, and not required for many others. A translation does not give your degree any legal status, it only lets the office read it. For university degrees, the ZAB can also issue a separate assessment (Zeugnisbewertung). Neither that assessment nor an entry in the anabin database replaces professional recognition where it is required. Our guide explains the procedure step by step: Anerkennung in Germany: how recognition works and which documents need a certified translation.
Which academic documents are usually translated
- Degree certificate (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate)
- Provisional degree certificate, if the final one is not issued yet
- Transcripts of records (also called mark sheets, academic records or statements of results) for each semester or year
- Consolidated or cumulative transcript, where your university issues one
- Certificate of the language of instruction, if requested
- Course descriptions or syllabus, which recognition offices sometimes ask for
- School leaving certificates, if requested for university admission
Not every office asks for all of them. A full set of semester transcripts can be many pages, so we recommend asking the office first, and sending us only what is required. That keeps your costs lower.
What the translation must contain
A certified translation reproduces the whole document: names, grades and grading scale, dates, university and faculty names, stamps, seals, signatures and any handwritten notes. Grades are translated as written. We do not convert them to the German grading scale, because conversion is carried out by the recognition office.
University names and degree titles are rendered faithfully, with the original title kept in brackets where useful, so the office can match it to its databases.
Apostille, attestation and other steps in the country of issue
Some countries require additional steps before a degree is accepted abroad, such as an apostille, or attestation by the education authority or foreign ministry. Whether a German office asks for this depends on the office. Do not assume it is needed. Ask first. If you are told you need an apostille or other legalisation, see our page on legalisations and apostilles, or write to us before you start the process.
Documents in English: still translated?
Some recognition offices and universities accept documents in English without a German translation, others do not. A certified German translation is the safe option when the office does not say otherwise. If the office accepts English, you can save the cost, so ask in writing.
Will the office or the Bürgerbüro accept it?
A certified translation made by a translator authorised in Germany is what recognition offices, universities and immigration authorities usually expect. We cannot decide for the office or guarantee acceptance, because each one has its own checklist, and some accept documents in English without translation. Tell us the name of the office and what it asked for, and send its request if you have it in writing. We will check that our translation fits it.
How to order
- Make a list of the documents the office asked for.
- Send clear scans of all pages, front and back, by email, WhatsApp or our online form.
- Receive a quote. We check the pages and tell you what is needed. See our prices page.
- Get your certified translations by email, and by post if the office wants the stamped paper original.
How long your case takes depends on the number of pages and on what the office requires, so write to us and we will tell you exactly in your case.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to translate my degree if it is in English?
It depends on the office. Many ask for a German translation by an authorised translator. Check the requirements, and ask in writing if they accept English.
Do you translate every semester transcript?
We translate whatever you send us. To save costs, send only the documents the office asked for.
Will you convert my grades to the German scale?
No. We translate the grades as written. Conversion is done by the recognition office or the university.
Can you translate course descriptions and syllabi?
Yes. These can be long, so we check the volume and give you a quote before we start.
My degree is from a university with a long official name. Will it be translated correctly?
Yes. We keep the official name and add the translation, so the office can identify the institution.
Will my office accept your translation?
A certified translation by a translator authorised in Germany is what offices usually expect, but each office decides for itself. Tell us which office asked for it and send us its request if you have it.
Can I get a PDF before the paper original?
Many offices want the paper original with stamp and signature. On request, we can also provide a PDF copy of the translation.
Do I pay in advance, and can I get an invoice?
Payment is made in advance after you accept the quote. You can receive the invoice online or by post, together with the translated documents, as you prefer.
There are entries on the back of my transcript. Are they translated?
Yes, if the back contains entries, stamps or notes. Send us both sides of every page.
Start your translation
Send us a scan of your degree certificate and tell us which office asked for it. We will reply with a clear quote and the next steps.
Request a free quote or contact us now, also on WhatsApp.
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