On this page we’ll explain the difference between interpreting and translation first. Then we introduce you to the different interpretation modes and settings.
What is interpreting?
Interpreting is a spoken transfer of a verbal contribution into another language. The written transfer from one language into another is called translation. However, colloquially the terms are often interchangeable. We explain everything you might want to know about the latter on the translation page.
But now let’s get back to the original topic and the different modes we offer!
Interpreting modes
We provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. Let’s say you’d like to negotiate a contract with a German company. Everybody is at the table. Your sales lead is describing your product and all its great features. At the same time the interpreters are taking notes. After a couple of sentences they, consecutively, translate into German.
Now let’s say your comms team visits the German subsidiary to provide a crisis communications training. The interpreters are translating simultaneously from English. The attendees are listening to the German translation via headsets.
Interpreting on site or remotely
The coronavirus pandemic has moved a lot of business and events into the digital space. Therefore our interpreters also provide simultaneous and consecutive translation of video conferences and meetings.
Would you like to learn more about how this is done? Please read the article about remote interpreting.
On site we work from interpreting booths which are linked to microphones and speakers. The audience listens to the translation via headsets.
Sometimes things must be a bit more mobile. If you need us for e.g. a factory tour, we use a tourguide equipment. This works great for a smaller number of listeners and with mainly one language direction such as German into English.
In case you hire us for consecutive interpreting, please remember that this will double the event’s duration. However, you don’t need any technical equipment.
Overview
- simultaneous interpreting (aka simultaneous translation) for meetings and conferences remotely or on site
- tourguide-style simultaneous for inspections, plant tours and hands-on workshops
- chuchotage (whispered simultaneous interpretation without technical equipment) for max. 1 or 2 listeners and short events. Because of current coronavirus regulations we are not allowed to offer chuchotage.
- consecutive and liaison (speakers and interpreters take turns in speaking)
Contact us
Want to know how to make things run smoothly? Unsure how many interpreters you need? Curious which interpreting option suits you best? Ask us! We are more than happy to answer your questions.