Translation is more than just mechanically replacing words with their equivalents in different languages: an axis is not the same as an axle, although the same word may be used in some languages. Skilled translators need to understand the concept behind a phrase or a word. Otherwise the message – and sometimes the client – may get lost in translation.

A good technical translator needs three key skills. First, industry-specific knowledge, which can often only be acquired over many years. Second, cultural understanding: A vehicle's curb side may be on the left or the right depending on the country, and typical tailgates drop downward in some regions and swing upward in others. Third, they need technical terms at their fingertips in both the original language and the language they are translating into.

Understanding engineering matters

Ritschel Translations brings together the skills needed for high-quality translations:

• We have a passion for technology – we understand how things work
• We grasp the concepts behind the words – for example, we know that American headlight aiming devices may differ substantially from their European equivalents
• We draw on a wealth of experience – we will notice if a torque does not match the bolt size
• We offer the language competences you need – we can translate your communication into the language of your clients

Languages

Most of our work is from English into German and from German into English. We also offer French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish as required.