German English Translation Online, Finding Freelance Translation Jobs!

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German English Translation Online

Finding German translation jobs online

My tried and tested tip? - Offer your services in German English translation online.

If you’re on the lookout for new clients, or are new to German translation and looking to gain experience, then rather than using an online jobs platform specifically designed for professional translators (this is what you’ll do later on with more experience or when you’re fully qualified), try advertising your German English translation services online via a general freelance job portal.

Why advertise your German English translation services online ?

Two reasons:

1. Most people rarely need translation services and haven’t heard about translator communities such as ProZ. As a result, if they need online language translation services they are more likely to search more generally– such as via a freelancer portal.

2. And as most translators will be focusing on advertising their services on translator portals, you’ll be facing much less competition.

Starting your professional freelance career

One of the major challenges in working in German translation is starting out! How do I find jobs if I have no previous experience?

When I started out word of mouth was very important in getting my first jobs, and being a native English speaker was seen as qualification enough to be a German translator. Things have changed now – for the better – but it does mean that starting a freelance career in translation can be tricky.

Who buys German English translation online?

Let’s face it, people who look to purchase translation from a general job exchange platform are usually trying to save money and/or don’t understand the input that goes into a good translation. Your benefit – buyers are usually a little less discriminating when it comes experience.

But you’ll need to be honest – make clear what qualifications you do have (language knowledge) and stress your enthusiasm. Are you qualified/nearly qualified in translation? What relevant experience do you have?

Try both German (your customer will most likely be German-speaking!) and English platforms. It is usually free to post your services – repost regularly as new postings often go to the top of the list.

Top German language portals:

1. Kijiji, an Austrian portal (Go to Dienstleistungen – Übersetzungen)

2. Freelance.de, (very few translators, a plus point)

3. Craigslist Austria (German and English),(Go to Dienstleistungen – Schreib/Übersetz)

4. Craigslist Germany (choose your nearest city)
5. Craigslist Switzerland (choose your nearest city)

Top English language portals:

1. Freelancejobs.org,

2. iFreelance.com,

3. Craig’s List, - try the Craig’s List which covers your area

4. Freelancer.com, you bid on German translation projects posted by buyers (bidding always pushes prices down!).

5. Guru.com,

6. Jobster,

Platforms such as these - especially the local ones - are often used by private people rather than companies. As a result, they may not be willing to pay “professional” rates. I’ve had jobs such as translating speeches for weddings although also company project proposals and similar. I’ve tested some of these platforms earlier on in my career and have certainly found that Kijiji.at has given me jobs.

Charging for freelance translation jobs.

Here are details about how German translators charge for translation jobs. If you are early on in your career, then your fees should probably reflect this.

TIP! If you offer German English translation online, encourage potential clients to send you their text so you can judge - 1.) If you feel sufficiently qualified to do a good job, and 2.) Can give a realistic price based on how much time and effort you calculate the work will require.

Online language translation – pricing policy!

Watch out - It is always easier to reduce your prices than to raise them!
The benefit of offering your services in German to English translation online via a more general freelance jobs platform is that, when you are more experienced, you can move into more professional circles (translation agencies, online translator communities) and start afresh – with prices which better reflect your experience (i.e. higher!).

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