Professional representation

Working together for more recognition of the profession


BDÜ particularly focuses on representing its members’ interests vis a vis policymakers, courts and official bodies, and organizations and clients. It speaks for the industry, addresses concerns and issues of interpreters and translators and develops strategies for a long-term improvement of the general conditions for working in the profession.

Policymakers and judiciary bodies

BDÜ consistently pursues the development of the political and legal framework for the professional activity of interpreters and translators in Germany. BDÜ is involved in impacting legislation in this area.

Examples of BDÜ activities:

  • the German Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG), which provides the basis for remuneration of linguists and other professionals for services provided to courts, public prosecutors’ offices and other governmental agencies
  • drafting standards such as DIN EN 15038, which defines the minimum requirements for the providers of translation services

Public relations

BDÜ uses various media to inform the public:

Primary objectives:

  • Strengthening the public's awareness of the profession
  • Education on services and order placement
  • Advertising/announcing events
  • Statements on current events

Education

BDÜ maintains close contact with training institutions for future translators and interpreters to ensure that the practical requirements of professional life are duly reflected in the training.

In addition to these direct contacts, BDÜ uses the Transforum platform which facilitates the coordination and exchange of opinions between practitioners, trainers and researchers in the field of translation and interpreting.

Professional associations

BDÜ maintains close ties to FIT, the largest international umbrella organization of translators' associations and other industry associations, as well as to the Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft (German Association for SMEs – BVMW) and additional partners.

This cooperation significantly contributes to achieving the objectives of BDÜ, and it particularly supports the efforts to attain adequate remuneration and working conditions and uniform nationwide regulations, such as when working for official authorities.

Interpreters Translators

More than 7,500 professional linguists for more than 80 languages and numerous areas of specialization

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Continuous professional development and entrepreneurial skills – throughout Germany

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