Certified Translation of Affidavit & Statutory Declaration by Sworn Translators
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What is a Statutory Declaration?
The Statutory Declaration (or Sworn Statement) is a document used to affirm the truth and accuracy of a statement on oath. It is frequently required in the following contexts:
1. Academic Papers (Declaration of Independence)
At the end of bachelor’s, master’s theses, or dissertations, you affirm that you have authored the work independently and cited all sources correctly.
2. Administrative Procedures
Authorities may request the submission of such a declaration when processing applications or clarifying factual matters.
Note on Terminology:
While Eidesstattliche Erklärung is common in everyday and academic use, the more legally precise term in German jurisdiction is the Eidesstattliche Versicherung. Both terms, however, carry the same legal weight: providing false information can result in criminal prosecution.
Important: If you require a certified translation of your Statutory Declaration for a foreign university or an authority, it must be prepared by a sworn translator to ensure official recognition.
Why do you need a certified translation of your Statutory Declaration?
The need for a certified translation always arises when you have to submit the declaration to an institution whose official language differs from that of the original document.
The most common reasons why our clients order a certified translation of their Statutory Declaration are:
1. For Academic Purposes (Studies & Research)
If you are applying to a foreign university or submitting your academic paper (bachelor's thesis, master's thesis, dissertation) abroad, a translation of the Declaration of Independence is often required. Only a certified translation guarantees the university the authenticity and completeness of the declaration.
2. For Foreign Authorities (e.g., Visa or Naturalisation)
Many foreign consulates or immigration authorities request a sworn statement (often in the form of an Affidavit) to attest to certain facts about your personal background. In these cases, translation by a sworn translator is mandatory to secure legal validity.
3. In Case of Loss of Important Documents (Distinction from Affidavit)
Although the term Eidesstattliche Versicherung (Affidavit) is more common in this context, an institution may sometimes request a Declaration regarding the loss of documents (such as a driver's license or certificates) that subsequently needs to be translated.
What is an Affidavit?
The Affidavit (or Versicherung an Eides statt) is the correct legal term for the binding affirmation of the truth of a statement. It is used in situations where the credibility of a fact must be exceptionally secured.
It is relevant in the following areas:
1. Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
In civil proceedings, it serves for the substantiation/proof of facts.
In administrative law, e.g., when applying for certain licenses or permits.
For the clarification of marital status or other important personal circumstances before the registry office or consulate.
2. Loss of Documents
It is often required when official original documents (such as passports, driver’s licenses, or certificates) are lost, in order to officially attest to the loss and the related circumstances.
Important for Translation: Since the Affidavit plays such a central role in legal transactions, a certified translation by a sworn translator is almost always mandatory for the document to be recognized abroad or by German authorities.
Why do you need a certified translation of your Affidavit?
The Affidavit is the document required in most official and legal proceedings in Germany to ensure the highest degree of certainty regarding the accuracy of a fact.
Our clients primarily require the translation of these documents in three situations:
1. Legal Procedures and Courts
In civil litigation, an affidavit may serve to substantiate evidence (e.g., in the context of temporary injunctions). If these documents are in a foreign language or are required for a foreign court, a certified translation by a sworn translator is essential for recognition.
2. Administrative Processes and Consulates
Authorities, registry offices (Standesämter), or consulates often require an Affidavit to confirm the current marital status (e.g., for a marriage abroad) or nationality. The translation guarantees that the foreign official correctly understands the legally binding statement.
3. Official Certification of Document Loss
In case of loss or theft of important German documents (such as passports, driver's licenses, vehicle papers, or certificates), authorities often demand an Affidavit concerning the circumstances of the loss. If you are confronted with this issue abroad, you need the certified translation to initiate the reapplication process.
Why a certified translation with an official stamp?
A certified translation is a binding and official document for submission to national and international authorities. Your certified document bears a certification note, an official round stamp, and the signature of the state-certified translator. With this note, stamp, and signature, the completeness and accuracy of your translated document are confirmed. The translator is legally liable for this accuracy. The round stamp contains the translator’s name, language combinations, and the designation of the court before which the translator was sworn in.
Only sworn and certified translators, such as those working with dito, are authorized to produce certified translations. Like court interpreters, they are bound by confidentiality obligations (§189 para. 4 GVG) and by the duty to carry out translations fully and diligently. During the swearing-in process, the state authority examines the translator’s qualifications and legal expertise. The title “translator” itself is not protected in Germany. However, for certified translations, official authorization as a sworn, publicly appointed, or certified translator is required.
dito Beglaubigungen uses the translation management software OTM® for quality assurance in accordance with ISO 9001 and DIN EN 15038. This ensures the continuous improvement of the formal and linguistic quality of our translations and guarantees fast response times, adherence to deadlines, and data security for optimal customer satisfaction.
We can prepare a certified translation for you because...
Only sworn and authorized document translators, such as those at dito, are entitled to produce certified translations. They are subject to a duty of confidentiality (§189 para. 4 GVG), just like court interpreters, and are obligated to complete translations fully and conscientiously. During the swearing-in process, the state authority verifies the translator's qualifications and legal expertise. The title "translator" is not protected in Germany. However, certified translations require a license as a sworn or publicly appointed or authorized translator.
Skeptical? Our 20 Years of Experience Secure Your Success.
The certified translation is about your future: visas, jobs, or the recognition of your qualification. Ask yourself: Who guarantees the recognition of my document?
The answer lies in our experience: As a sworn translator, I have worked successfully for over 20 years for the largest and most demanding companies in Europe. My work was always discreet, precise, and reliable.
Today, I share this expertise and the team of experts I have built with you. This team consists of publicly appointed and sworn specialist translators for over 40 languages, all of whom are familiar with the processes of German and international authorities.
Our Goal: To give you the security you need. With dito, you don't just receive a certified translation, but a partner who ensures that your document is nationally and internationally recognized so that you can achieve your goals.
Start achieving this goal now by holding your documents in the language of your choice.