The cost of professional translation depends on the complexity of the subject matter, language combination, project scope and delivery time. Specialised technical translation is valued differently to general translation because it requires both linguistic expertise and in-depth industry knowledge.
What affects the cost of translation services?
The complexity of the subject matter plays a significant role. Translation of technical manuals, legal agreements or medical studies requires specialists with documented expertise and is priced accordingly. Rare language combinations also require specialists, which affects the price. The project scope and deadline are other factors. Longer projects with reasonable deadlines enable efficient planning and optimal resource utilisation. Urgent translations that must be delivered within a few days require immediate resource allocation and are more costly than projects with standard delivery times.
What is included in a professional translation service?
Professional translation includes translation by specialised translators with subject matter expertise, review by an additional expert (four-eyes principle), quality assurance according to ISO standards, consistent terminology through the use of term bases and client validation before publication. An experienced language partner invests in continuous professional development, updated translation tools with ISO-certified system support and client-specific resources such as term bases and style guides. This ensures the highest quality and consistent communication over time.
The value of proper translation
Choosing the right language partner is about long-term value. A thorough translation strengthens your brand internationally, avoids costly errors and builds trust with global stakeholders. Incorrect translations can damage reputation, lead to legal issues or cause security risks. Learn more about financial translation, which is one of the areas that requires specialised translators.