# How to translate a document from English to German

To translate a document from English to German, upload the PDF, scan or photo to LoreAI, choose German and download an editable Word file with headings and tables in order. When a German office wants a sworn translation, the state justice administrations list sworn and authorized translators in one database[1]. LoreAI's file is the working translation you read and send ahead.

## Documents people take to Germany

Most requests come from people moving for work or study. A reference letter and an employment contract for a German employer. A transcript and a degree certificate for a university or a recognition office. A landlord reference and bank statements for a flat. A US marriage or birth certificate for the Standesamt.

Employers, landlords and universities often read the German version first and ask for an official one later, if at all. LoreAI gives you that first version as a Word file.

## How to translate an English PDF to German with LoreAI

1. **Type your email at the top of this page.** The 6-digit code we send opens LoreAI with German already chosen. Your first document is free, up to 3 pages and 3 MB.
2. **Upload the document.** A PDF with text, a scanned PDF, or JPG and PNG photos of each page.
3. **Keep German as the target.** English is detected automatically.
4. **Download the Word file.** Headings, numbered clauses, lists and tables come back in the order of the original, as German you can edit.

## How English documents read in German

- **Form of address**: Letters use Sie, the formal form a German office or employer expects
- **Closings**: Sincerely becomes Mit freundlichen Grüßen
- **Job titles**: Translated to the German equivalent, with the English title kept where you add it in brackets
- **Numeric dates**: LoreAI keeps 03/04/2026 as written. A German reader takes it as 3 April, so add the month in words, 4. März 2026 for March 4
- **Amounts**: A sum such as 4,250.00 stays as printed. German writes 4.250,00, so name the currency next to every sum
- **GPA and grades**: Kept as on the transcript. The recognition office converts them, not the translator

## When a German office asks for a sworn translation

If an office asks for a beglaubigte Übersetzung, look for a translator sworn, publicly appointed or authorized in Germany. The state justice administrations run a shared database of these interpreters and translators, searchable by name, place and language[1]. Search for Englisch and your city, and send the translator your original along with LoreAI's draft if they accept one.

Germany has been a party to the Apostille Convention since February 13, 1966, and the United States since October 15, 1981[2]. A US public document for a German office therefore usually travels with an apostille from the issuing state. LoreAI is not a certified or sworn translation service.

## German readers and the other direction

If a German speaker is handling the file for you, send them our German page on [translating an English PDF into German](https://www.loreai.org/de/pdf-englisch-deutsch-uebersetzen). For German records into English, such as a Meldebescheinigung or an Arbeitszeugnis, see [translate a German PDF to English](https://www.loreai.org/translate-pdf/german-to-english).

## Questions people ask

### Can I translate an English PDF to German for free?

Yes. LoreAI translates your first document free, up to 3 pages, scans included.

### How do I find a sworn translator in Germany?

Search the justice administrations' database of interpreters and translators by language and place[1].

### Does the German file use Sie?

Yes. Letters and contracts use the formal Sie, as a German office or employer expects.

### Is LoreAI's translation sworn?

No. LoreAI gives you an editable German Word file. A sworn translator in Germany provides the official version when an office asks for one.

## Sources

1. [Landesjustizverwaltungen: Dolmetscher- und Übersetzerdatenbank (German)](https://www.justiz-dolmetscher.de/), accessed November 6, 2026
2. [HCCH: Status table, Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents](https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41), accessed November 6, 2026

By Matt Mountain · Updated November 6, 2026