Purchasing a home is a major step in anyone’s life, linked to a lot of red tape. This might be particularly challenging for everyone not (fully) mastering the German language. Ideally, a sworn interpreter should be present during the notary appointment to make sure that there are no misunderstandings.
Sworn interpreter
In order to become a sworn interpreter for notary appointment, certain conditions need to be met. The interpreter needs to file an application at the competent regional court – in my case Heidelberg – and prove that they have completed an M.A. in conference interpreting or a comparable training. Should the interpreter be unable to prove that kind of training, they need to sit an exam in Karlsruhe. Only after successfully passing this exam will the interpreter be able to call themselves sworn interpreter for notary appointments. I have been a sworn interpreter for the English language, appointed by the courts of Baden-Württemberg, since 2019.
Notary appointment
An interpreter is not only required for the final reading and signing of the purchase agreement, but also for other types of appointment. The negotiation of a prenupital agreement, a divorce settlement or the creation of land charges when purchasing a home are examples. It makes sense to bring in an interpreter who is already familiar with the topic at hand. These appointments are often characterised by highly specialised terminology and concepts that need extensive preparation.
Finding a sworn interpreter
Professional associations like VKD are a great starting point for everyone looking for a professional interpreter for notary appointment. Only those complying with high professional standards and ethics can successfully become memebers and build a strong networks of equally professional colleagues – a major benefit for clients planning a larger or more complex multilingual event. Being part of a professional association, we can always find the right colleague for a job, even for the rarest languages.
If you’re looking for a sworn interpreter in particular, the database of sworn interpreters (website in German) might be useful. It lists all sworn interpreters and translators in Germany.