Step‑by‑step: certified English translations of the Kaufvertrag, Grundbuch excerpts and WEG minutes before notarisation

Overview — why you need a certified translation before notarisation

German notaries (Notare) will draft and notarise the Kaufvertrag in German. Foreign buyers who cannot read German commonly ask for an English translation in advance so they can review terms and discuss points with advisors before signing. German public registers and authorities (for example the Grundbuchamt or the responsible WEG administrators) generally expect documents in German; a translation certified by an authorised translator is the standard way to make a document intelligible to you and to many German offices, but acceptance rests with each authority or office. ([bnotk.de](https://www.bnotk.de/fileadmin/user_upload_bnotk/Rundschreiben/2015/BNotKRS2015_11_Anlage.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Who may produce a legally recognised "beglaubigte Übersetzung"

In Germany a so‑called beglaubigte (or bescheinigte) translation for official use must be produced by a translator who is publicly appointed and sworn, or otherwise officially authorized in the relevant federal state. These translators are commonly described as „beeidigte“, „vereidigte“ or „öffentlich bestellte und beeidigte“ Übersetzer. Their names and contact details are published in the federal Dolmetscher‑ and Übersetzer‑database; that database is the authoritative national index to find someone who can issue a translation for courts and many authorities. ([justiz-dolmetscher.de](https://www.justiz-dolmetscher.de/Recherche/?utm_source=openai))

Where to find a sworn translator (practical step)

Search the federal Dolmetscher‑ and Übersetzer‑database (online) for the target language and the state where the property or notary is located; entries show whether the translator is publicly appointed and for which languages. If the seller’s or notary’s office recommends a translator, check that the person is listed in the database. Keep the translator’s full stamp wording and address: German offices typically require a stamp that states the translator’s public appointment. ([justiz-dolmetscher.de](https://www.justiz-dolmetscher.de/Recherche/?utm_source=openai))

Typical costs and billing method (what to expect)

When courts or authorities commission translations, German law sets a statutory measure for translator fees in the Justizvergütungs‑ und ‑entschädigungsgesetz (JVEG). The statutory formula prices translations by norm‑line (55 characters including spaces). For editable electronic source text the JVEG reference rate is shown in § 11; higher per‑line rates apply for non‑editable or particularly difficult texts. Private translators frequently use the JVEG line method as a market reference; end prices vary with document length, legal complexity and urgency. Expect smaller documents (a few pages) to cost from low hundreds of euros; a full notarised Kaufvertrag of several pages routinely reaches several hundred euros when translated, with exact quotes required in advance. ([gesetze-im-internet.edge.juris.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.edge.juris.de/jveg/__11.html?utm_source=openai))

What to ask the translator — deliverables and stamp

Ask the translator to supply: 1) a stamped, signed certified translation (one paper original) bearing the translator’s public‑appointment wording and address; 2) a short certification statement on the translation’s face (see example below); and 3) a scanned copy by email. Keep originals and scans for the notary and for the Grundbuch/WEG administrator. Confirm delivery times for any last‑minute contractual changes. The translator’s stamp should include the wording required by some authorities (for example „Öffentlich bestellter und beeidigter Übersetzer“ or equivalent). ([cms-cdn.lmu.de](https://cms-cdn.lmu.de/media/lmu/downloads/international/studium/merkblatt_3_beglaubigungen.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Sample certification wording to request (English and German)

Translators use short statements plus their stamp. You can request wording like the two items below; many translators will provide a German text and an English mirror. Example (English):

"I, [Name], publicly appointed and sworn translator for English and German (appointed by the [Name of Court]), hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate translation of the original document presented to me on [date]. [Place], [date]. Signature and stamp: [stamp showing 'Publicly appointed and sworn translator' and address]."

Example (German):

„Ich, [Name], öffentlich bestellte und beeidigte Übersetzerin / öffentlich bestellter und beeidigter Übersetzer für Englisch und Deutsch (bestellt durch das Landgericht [Ort]), bestätige hiermit, dass die vorstehende Übersetzung mit dem am [Datum] vorgelegten Urkunds‑Original vollständig und inhaltlich richtig übereinstimmt. [Ort], [Datum]. Unterschrift und Stempel: [Stempel mit der Aufschrift 'Öffentlich bestellter und beeidigter Übersetzer' und Anschrift].“

These formulations reflect common practice and the stamp requirements that German universities and authorities cite; the exact stamp wording and the translator’s appointment should appear on the document. ([cms-cdn.lmu.de](https://cms-cdn.lmu.de/media/lmu/downloads/international/studium/merkblatt_3_beglaubigungen.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Practical risks and final checks before the notary appointment

Do not assume a translation will change the legal effect of a German text: the notarised German version is legally binding. Confirm with the notary in advance whether they will accept the translation and whether they need a sworn translator’s original stamp or merely a copy for your files. If parties use different translations, resolve discrepancies with the notary before signing. When in doubt about legal meaning, rely on a German‑language lawyer or the notary for the operative meaning — translators do not give legal advice. ([bnotk.de](https://www.bnotk.de/fileadmin/user_upload_bnotk/Rundschreiben/2015/BNotKRS2015_11_Anlage.pdf?utm_source=openai))