This procedure is called: equivalence assessment (in German “Gleichwertigkeitsfeststellung”).
Knowledge of German is part of your professional qualification. You require a high level of German. Additionally, you have to prove knowledge of those language(s) you want to translate into.
The competent authority will inform you as to which documents you must produce as originals or submit as copies. Some copies must be officially certified. We recommend that you do not send originals by post.
You must submit your documents in German. Sworn or authorised translators must prepare the translations.
You may also apply if you are not yet living in Germany.
The competent authority receives the application. After one month at the latest, it will confirm that the application has arrived. Once the competent authority has received all the documents from you, it processes your application.
The competent authority carries out an equivalence assessment: It compares your professional qualification with the German professional qualification. As part of this, the competent authority takes into account your professional experience, other certificates and other qualifications.
The procedure takes a maximum of 3 months. In specific cases the competent authority may extend the procedure. At the end, the competent authority sends you a notice containing the result.
Your professional qualification and the German professional qualification are equivalent. Professionally you have the same rights as a person with the German professional qualification.
Part of your professional qualification is equivalent. There are substantial differences in another part. You are not able to compensate for these differences with your professional experience and other knowledge of the profession. You receive a notice which describes your professional qualification and the substantial differences in detail. In most cases you are able to complete refresher training and then submit a follow-up application.
Your professional qualification and the German professional qualification are not equivalent in any area. The differences are too large. You do not receive recognition.
You are able to take legal action against the decision of the competent authority. Details on this procedure can be found in the legal redress advice (German: “Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung”) at the end of your notice. We recommend that you speak to a counselling centre first before challenging the decision or taking legal action.
Do you already live in Germany and are you permitted to work in Germany? If so, you are able to work in the profession even without recognition or with partial recognition. You can find out more about entry, residence and work via the hotline Working and Living in Germany.
Partial recognition has benefits: The explanatory comments in your notice enable employers to better understand your professional qualification. Partial recognition also helps you if, for example, you wish to complete further training.
With partial recognition you are also able to complete refresher training. You are given a certificate as evidence of successful participation. You are then able to submit a follow-up application for recognition. You submit this with the certificate and your other documents to the competent authority. If the professional qualification is then equivalent, you receive recognition.
You are permitted to enter Germany for a refresher training. Please seek advice if you have questions, or find out more about entry e.g. via the hotline Working and Living in Germany.
You may directly take part in a state-approved examination as interpreter or translator. The competent authority will inform you.
Sie möchten als Dolmetscherin oder Dolmetscher an einem Gericht oder für eine Behörde arbeiten? Das ist ein besonderes Verfahren. Informationen finden Sie hier:
As an Ethnic German Resettler, you can select between two procedures for vocational recognition:
You can decide this. Your competent authority will advise you.
Do you no longer have all of the necessary documents for the application? If so, then recognition is still possible. You can provide evidence of your professional qualification with the help of a skills analysis, e.g. by means of an oral examination or a work sample.
The basis for the German professional qualifications are the respective technical school regulations or vocational school regulations of the Federal States.
The Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (BQFG) of the Federal State applies to the recognition:
Do you have a question about the recognition procedure? Or have you noticed any information that could be improved? We're happy to help.