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Translator and interpreter; application for recognition of a non-Bavarian qualification

You can apply for recognition of your non-Bavarian academic degree or other professional training with a state examination if you wish to be publicly appointed and sworn in as a "translator" and "interpreter" by the court.

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Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Unterricht und Kultus - Prüfungsstelle für Übersetzer und Dolmetscher

Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Unterricht und Kultus

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Salvatorstr. 2
80333 München

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80327 München

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Procedure details

The profession of "translator" and "interpreter" is regulated in Bavaria for the purposes of general swearing-in and public appointment. If you have obtained a relevant academic translator and interpreter qualification or a state translator and interpreter examination outside Bavaria (in another federal state or abroad), you can apply for recognition of your qualification for the purpose of public appointment and general swearing-in before the courts.

In this context, we would like to point out that the activities of translators and interpreters throughout the Federal Republic of Germany fall under the freedom of trade. You only require recognition of your non-Bavarian qualification (or the state examination for translators and interpreters) for public appointment and general swearing-in before the courts as a translator and interpreter.

In order to be able to open a recognition procedure, you must provide proof of professional training in the field of translation and interpreting through a relevant translator and interpreter degree or a state translator and interpreter examination as well as a place of residence or business in Bavaria.

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.

  • You must submit the following 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 the acquisition of the diploma/certificate: marriage certificate or similar
    • Curriculum vitae in tabular form (especially with regard to activities in the field of translation/interpreting)
    • Diploma or certificate of relevant translator and interpreter studies or state translator and interpreter examination (officially certified copy from a public administration office, e.g. district administration office, town hall)
    • if not listed in the diploma/certificate itself, proof of the final examinations taken (in the field of translation and interpreting) - official proof, e.g. in the form of examination and study regulations, module handbooks or the like
    • a declaration for which language the equivalence is requested
    • a declaration that the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with the professional qualification as a translator or as a translator and interpreter is to be established
    • a declaration as to whether and to which body an application for the determination of equivalence has already been submitted, as well as, if applicable, a decision issued by another country

The Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs carries out the recognition procedures in the field of translation and interpreting.

  • The application must be submitted in writing or electronically to the Examination Office for Translators and Interpreters of the Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs (for contact details, see "Who is responsible for you").
  • Please note that official documents (e.g. certificates, diplomas) must be sent by post as certified copies.
  • The State Ministry will confirm receipt of the application within one month and request any missing documents.
  • Once the complete documents have been submitted, the procedure will be completed within three months.
  • In the course of the equivalence assessment procedure, it is checked whether there are significant differences between the proven professional qualification and the Bavarian training as a state-certified translator or state-certified translator and interpreter.
  • The main criteria for the comparison are the prescribed requirements in terms of training content and duration as well as the question of whether any deviating knowledge and skills are decisive for practicing the profession in Germany. Complete conformity with the Bavarian professional training and the Bavarian state examination for translators or translators and interpreters is therefore not required.
  • If there are no significant differences between the proven professional qualification and the Bavarian training to become a state-certified translator or translator and interpreter, the applicant's professional qualification will be recognized as equivalent to the state examination for translators or translators and interpreters taken in Bavaria.
  • If the equivalence cannot be determined due to significant differences, these significant differences and the existing professional qualification will be determined by notification.
  • Applicants from a member state of the European Union or from a state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area have the choice between an adaptation period and an aptitude test to compensate for significant differences. In all other cases, the State Ministry decides whether an adaptation period or an aptitude test is to be taken.

The fee for the recognition procedure is currently EUR 40 plus postal charges.

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

Once the complete documents have been submitted, the procedure will be completed within three months.

There is no automatic recognition of qualifications from certain providers or universities. Each qualification is examined individually to determine whether it can be recognized as equivalent to the Bavarian state examination for translators.

No recognition procedure can be opened for professional activities in the field of translation and interpreting.

You can appeal against the decision of the competent authority. This allows you to take legal action against the decision so that it can be reviewed. It is recommended that you first clarify the disputed issues with the competent body before lodging an appeal.

Status: 27.02.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Unterricht und Kultus
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