Can a translator always be 100% correct?

No individual translator is always 100% correct – and that’s why professional translation processes never rely on just one person. Quality is achieved through collaboration between multiple experts and rigorous review stages.

Why multiple eyes are always needed

Translation is not an exact science with a single correct answer. The same sentence can be translated in different ways depending on context, target audience and purpose. Therefore, quality assurance is built on the four-eyes principle – meaning that at least two people review every translation. After an experienced translator translates a text, a second expert always checks the translation against the original. This is to identify any misunderstandings, mistranslations or terminological inconsistencies. For financial texts, we specifically verify that figures are accurate and specialist terminology is used correctly.

Specialisation is key

Selecting the right translator depends on the type of text being translated. An expert in annual reports has deep IFRS knowledge but isn’t necessarily best suited for marketing materials. A technical translator understands product specifications but may not grasp legal agreements. Professional translation partners build teams of specialists where each translator works within their own areas of expertise. Client-specific term bases ensure company terminology is translated consistently regardless of which translator works on a text. Finally, you as the client should always review and approve the translation before publication. You know your business best and can verify that the translation is right for your specific needs. Read more and contact us if you have questions about professional translations.