Choosing a certified medical interpreter (Dolmetscher) in Germany
A complete guide: prices, quality criteria and key tips before you sign a contract
In Germany, where linguistic and terminological precision is crucial in the medical field, having a professional medical interpreter is often indispensable – especially for international patients who travel to Germany for treatment.
But is any bilingual person enough? What is the difference between a simple interpreter and a sworn (certified) interpreter? And what costs should you expect? Here is a detailed overview.
Why do you need a professional medical interpreter?
To understand diagnoses and treatment plans accurately
To avoid mistakes in dosages, procedures or consent
To facilitate smooth communication with doctors and nursing staff
To translate complex medical documents in a legally sound way
To provide psychological and emotional support during consultations and examinations
Note: In sensitive situations – such as surgery, signing consent forms or high-risk procedures – German regulations generally do not allow hospitals to rely on family members as interpreters. A neutral, professional interpreter is preferred or required.
Types of interpreters available in the medical context
| Type | Description | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| On-site oral interpreter | Accompanies the patient to appointments and interprets spoken communication | Consultations, examinations, inpatient stays |
| Written translator | Translates medical reports, imaging results, treatment plans and correspondence | Lab reports, assessments, cost estimates, invoices |
| Sworn (certified) translator | Legally recognised before authorities and courts | Visa applications, financial guarantees, contracts, official records |
How much does a medical interpreter cost in Germany?
Oral interpreting (in hospitals and practices)
Approx. €60–€120 per hour, depending on language, region and expertise
Many professionals require a minimum booking of 2–3 hours per assignment
Written translation
Around €1.30–€2.50 per line (about 55 characters), or
€70–€150 for a medium-length medical report
Certified / sworn translations (beglaubigte Übersetzung)
Roughly €35–€70 per document (e.g. birth certificate, power of attorney, official medical report)
Fees vary by language pair and by the court where the translator is sworn in
How to choose the right medical interpreter
Check qualifications and official status
Look for interpreters who are officially qualified or sworn (beeidigt) at a regional court.
Many sworn interpreters are listed in the databases of the German state justice authorities.
Assess medical expertise
Ask directly: Have you worked with university hospitals, surgical departments or complex medical cases?
Prefer interpreters with a proven track record in medical terminology in both German and your language.
Make sure they truly master your language
Arabic, for example, has many dialects; you need someone who is strong in Modern Standard Arabic and medical vocabulary, not only in everyday speech.
Test them with a short sample
Before committing to a large job, send a short medical report and see how they translate it in terms of precision, style and turnaround.
Where can you find trustworthy certified medical interpreters?
Official lists of court-sworn interpreters, e.g. Justiz-Dolmetscherliste.de
Professional associations such as BDÜ (Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer)
Translation agencies located near major university hospitals
International patient departments at some hospitals, which may arrange interpreters for an additional fee
Smart tips before signing a contract
Always request a written quote (Kostenvoranschlag).
Ask about cancellation fees if your medical appointment is postponed or cancelled.
For multi-day or long-term assignments, insist on a written agreement specifying fees and working hours.
If possible, send your interpreter a digital glossary of key terms related to your condition beforehand.
Try to work with the same interpreter throughout your treatment to build continuity and trust.
Conclusion
Choosing a medical interpreter in Germany is not just a language decision – it has a direct impact on your treatment quality, safety and peace of mind.
By investing in a professional, preferably sworn and medically experienced interpreter, you reduce the risk of misunderstandings, delays and medical errors. Starting from around €60 per hour, you are not only paying for words, but also for clarity, security and confidence at every stage of your medical journey.
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, mistakes, changes in regulations or incomplete details are always possible. Please treat the content of this article as an initial orientation only and always consult hospitals, medical chambers or professional interpreter associations for binding and up-to-date information.
