Correct translation of operating instructions

The technically correct translation of operating instructions or manuals is not only legally binding for manufacturers and industrial enterprises, but also a sign of professionalism.

The necessary quality can only be achieved through consistent terminology and checking by an engineer.

Why is the quality of operating instructions important?

The operating instructions for the assembly, operation, maintenance and repair of technical installations or machines are extremely important for the user. In addition, it is necessary for the installation or machine to be explained accordingly during the commissioning.

Incorrect, incomplete, misleading or incomprehensible operating instructions can lead to unprofitable and improper use and represent a considerable source of danger to people and property.

The operating instructions are part of the product and must be supplied in the official language(s) of the user’s country. Each manufacturer, dealer and importer in the European Union is obligated to translate the operating instructions.

Technical translators for operating instructions

That’s why it is particularly important for the operating instructions to be translated reliably.

This depends not only on the translator’s linguistic qualities, but also and above all on his or her specialist knowledge. The translation of a manual for the assembly of a machine necessitates other knowledge than the specialist translation of manuals for technical automation electronics or the product descriptions of rubber and plastic components.

Professional translation of user manuals

The translation market in Germany, for example, has an annual volume of at least 600 million euros. At least two thirds of this market is served by freelance translators.

Many translation agencies only act as brokers for the translation jobs and do not provide any value-added services in addition to the actual translation work. These are known in professional circles as ‘Umtüter’ (repackagers)!

Translation bureaus, on the other hand, employ in-house translators. Most translation service providers are a mixture of translation bureau and agency.

You should make certain that these companies provide value-added services in addition to the actual translation work in order to provide an exact translation of your user manual.

These include, for example, checking for completeness, proof reading by a second translator (or, in the case of technical texts, preferably by a specialist), terminology management, formatting work, etc.

Only then can higher prices in comparison with freelance translators be justified.

High quality for the translation of operating instructions

We ensure the high quality of your translation through:

• application of the 4-eyes principle
• qualified technical translators who translate into their native language
• creation of a terminology database
• use of a translation memory for consistent translations
• online checking by your experts if desired

Technical translations of operating instructions proofread by engineers

Our translators have the technical knowledge and can competently and correctly translate your operating instructions in mechanical engineering, the construction industry, electrical engineering and plastics technology.

Translations in the regular languages German, French, English, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Russian are proofread by our in-house engineers and checked for technical correctness.

All our engineers possess a degree from a technical faculty at a university.

Price advantage for the translation of your operating instructions

Of course, you can purchase specialist translations everywhere, but specialist translations checked by engineers are only rarely available. Due to the high hourly rates for engineers this qualified check is not financially viable for most providers.

Since we are based in Luxembourg, however, we benefit from low taxes and ancillary labour costs. We pass this advantage on to our customers in the form of low checking costs.

In this way, although we cannot compete with a freelance translator in terms of price, we can usually undercut the price level of other agencies.

We will be glad to furnish you with a free, non-binding quotation for your translation. Our engineering office treats all enquiries and orders discretely and confidentially.