Customer Page

1. File Transfer
Please send your translatable documents as e-mail attachments. Translation will be returned the same way unless other arrangements have been made.

For very large files, you may use the following ftp address:

ftp.germantext.de

A special, password-protected directory can be created for each customers if so required.

2. File Formats
In general, I prefer working with MS Word files. However, the following file formats can also be processed:

.doc / .docx
.txt
HTML
XML
MS PowerPoint
MS Excel
PDF
Adobe InDesign
For other formats, please ask: akuehner@germantext.de

3. Quality Assurance
By using a CAT system (Computer-aided Translation), omissions are avoided and consistency in terms of style and terminology is guaranteed. Each completed translation is spell-checked and proofread. Both steps are included in the price you have been quoted. It is strongly recommended for customers to have each translation reviewed by an in-house expert of the respective subject matter (or a target country sales representative) to assure that the translated document is consistent with the expectations with regard to style and content. Translators specialize in certain subject matters, but much like engineers, translators can’t know everything. Furthermore, original texts, having been written by humans, can be misleading or erroneous. A formal customer approval process for translations is recommended to keep everybody happy. Your feedback will be appreciated!

4. Terminology
Of course, this translator has a sizable library of specialized dictionaries. Furthermore, the Internet has developed into one gigantic source of knowledge and special terminology on any subject matter you can imagine. Maintaining a network of expert consultants in various subject matters is another means for a translator to gain insight in difficult subjects whenever necessary. The best source of subject-specific knowledge, however, is the customer himself. Many companies who do business internationally have glossaries and internal dictionaries that have been developed to provide consistency in all communications. Any such materials you might have in your company are invaluable sources of knowledge for your contracted translator - please submit them along with your translatable documents.

5. Customer Contacts
Any translation project profits immensely from a direct line of communication between the translator and the customer’s internal experts. Please help your translator do the best he can by naming one or two individuals in your company who will be informed and ready to answer any background questions that might come up during translation.

6. Spelling
The news has made it around the world that there has been a spelling reform in German-speaking countries. There have been some reservations against this reform here and there, but I believe it is correct to say that the spelling reform has been implemented successfully and is widely accepted. I adhere to the new spelling rules.

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