FAQ – Questions & answers about my services
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions – clearly laid out, easy to understand, and to the point.
General questions
Was Which language combinations do you offer?
Bulgarian is my native language, and I have been living in Austria since 2020, communicating daily in German, English, and my native language. For interpreting services, I offer English and German to Bulgarian and vice versa. I also provide interpreting services from Russian into Bulgarian. Translations are possible from German and English into Bulgarian, as well as certified translations from Bulgarian into German. For other language combinations, I will be happy to advise you and recommend suitable colleagues from my extensive network of translators and interpreters.
How are my confidential documents handled during an interpreting or translating assignment?
Confidentiality takes absolute priority. Your data and documents are handled with the greatest care according to the terms of a non-disclosure agreement – and it goes without saying that they will not be shared with third parties or AI programmes.
What is the process for working together?
Simple: Just get in touch with your inquiry. I’ll advise you as to which of my services will best suit your needs and create a clear quote for you. Once you’ve accepted the quote, I get to work – with professional, personalised service you can rely on.
Warum haben Sie keine Preisliste?
Every project is different. No two texts are quite the same, and each event has a different setup and requirements. All these details factor into my project rates. When possible, I base my pricing on recommendations from official sources such as the German Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG) as well as the Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators (BDÜ) and the Association of Conference Interpreters (VKD). If you have any questions about how I calculate my prices, please feel free to ask.
Interpreting - frequently asked questions
What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
As a simultaneous interpreter for Bulgarian, I translate what the speaker is saying in real time – nearly simultaneously. This is what you’ll see at conferences, for example. In consecutive interpreting, I translate what is said in blocks. You’ll see this kind of interpreting in small meetings, short speeches or interviews.
What is remote interpreting?
Remote interpreting (RSI, Remote Simultaneous Interpreting) is when an interpreter provides their services via digital tools such as Zoom or specialised platforms.
What is liaison interpreting?
As an interpreter for negotiations, I am present in what are often important meetings, interpreting in both directions in small blocks of speech. This service is used for things like contract negotiations, business visits or delegation trips.
Was ist Flüsterdolmetschen?
Whispered interpretation is also known as “chuchotage”. It is a very intimate form of interpreting suitable for a single person. I whisper directly into your ear in real time, without any equipment.
How much does a sworn interpreter for Bulgarian cost?
I can help you with your visit to government offices, etc. by interpreting between German and Bulgarian. The rates for sworn interpreters in Austria are regulated by the German Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG). However, the minimum flat rate depends on the type and length of the assignment as well as the required preparation. Let’s discuss your project or your appointment and I’ll be happy to prepare a quote for you.
How much does an interpreter for the notary’s office cost?
Normally, I will calculate a flat rate which includes the following services: Consultation, contract preparation, travel time, duration of appointment and any follow-up work.
Why do you charge a day rate rather than an hourly rate for conference interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting at conferences, tradeshows and events requires detailed preparation as well as absolute concentration. For this reason, I charge a flat day rate that also includes preparation and travel.
Why does a conference interpreter (absolutely) need an interpreting booth?
Concentration, sound quality and intelligibility are essential for precise interpreting work. Interpreting booths block outside noises and allow the interpreter to give the speaker their full attention – which benefits you and your guests.
When would a wireless tour guide system make sense rather than an interpreting booth?
For mobile assignments, tours or smaller venues where there is no built-in interpreting technology and no space for an interpreting booth, I would recommend the use of a wireless tour guide system. They are also suitable for smaller budgets.
Do I need multiple interpreters for my event?
Yes, for simultaneous interpreting, this is standard – conference interpreters always work in a team to ensure that they can maintain their concentration and quality. I would be happy to advise you as to how many colleagues from my network would make sense for your event.
Who takes care of the equipment?
That’s up to you. If you’ve never worked with an interpreter before and would like to let a professional handle things, I would be happy to discuss your needs with you in more detail. I work regularly with reliable conference and interpreting technology suppliers and would be happy to select the right equipment for you and provide you with a quote.
Why don’t you offer interpreting services from German into English or vice versa?
While I do have excellent command of both English and German, I would never want to offer a service that I don’t feel fully comfortable with. It is essential to me to guarantee the highest quality standards in everything I do – and that means offering interpreting services only to and from my native language of Bulgarian.
Translation - frequently asked questions
What is a certified translation?
Courts, government offices, universities, health insurance providers and other official organisations require certified translations of numerous official documents such as ID cards, certificates or school transcripts. For a certified translation, I confirm in writing that the translation is correct, complete, and consistent with the original. After I complete the translation, you may need to submit both the translation and the original document, which will be permanently attached to each other. Please note that I can provide certified translations only for German to Bulgarian or Bulgarian to German translations.
What do the terms “Apostille” and “Legalisation” mean?
If you need to submit the document in Austria, it is sufficient for me to provide my apostille along with my signature and stamp. This means that I, in my capacity as a translator for the Bulgarian language, sworn and authorised by the President of the Regional Court in Vienna for the Vienna courts and notaries, confirm the accuracy and completeness of the translation of the copy/original document provided to me. For certified translations that must be submitted to an Bulgarian government office, you will typically need a “legalisation” (supplementary attestation). This confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority of the document issuer. This is completed by the consulate of the country in which the document should be submitted – in my case, this would be the Bulgarian consulate in Vienna.
Do I need to make an appointment to bring and pick up the document I need translated?
It’s sufficient for you to scan the document and email it to me at first. When the certified translation is finished, we’ll make an appointment for you to pick it up. If the original needs to be attached to the translation, you can bring it with you then.
How do I pay for certified translations
Before you pick up your translated document, I will send you an invoice that contains my bank details. You will need to transfer payment to my account before picking up the translation. I cannot accept cash payments.
Will the certified translation also be accepted in Bulgaria
Yes. However, please note that certified translations that will be submitted to an Bulgarian government office will need to be legalised (supplementary attestation) by the Bulgarian consulate. I will be happy to give you more information on this if required. Should you be unable to pick up the translation in person, I would be happy to send it to you in the post. This will result in additional shipping charges.
Does the certified translation always need to be attached to the original?
Not always – but many government offices do require exactly that. It’s best if you check directly with the office where you will be submitting the translation. I’m happy to discuss this with you if you need more information.
How much does it cost to get a certified German translation from Bulgarian or vice versa?
That always depends on the length of the document and your desired delivery date. I base my prices on the JVEG (link in German) and other industry guidelines. Please get in touch for a quote.
Read it all but still have questions?
Feel free to call or send me an email and I’ll be happy to help!