Request a Quote

This is information for potential new clients.

First, please note that I translate

• only from German to English
  
  
• only scientific/technical material
  
  
• especially material dealing with chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and microbiology, though with some subspecialties in optical microscopy and photomicrography, radio communications, firearms and ammunition.

Second, check on availability. I do take vacations and days off, and sometimes have backlogs of several days or even a few weeks. As my hours are somewhat irregular, I strongly recommend an e-mail inquiry. A telephone message  [310 541 5320] is a poor choice because I am often out, and recorded messages are not always clear. My fluency in spoken German is not adequate!

I should see the German document to make sure that I can translate it properly. When I have seen it, I can tell you whether or not I can do the translation and when I can deliver it. My fee is normally based on the number of English words in the final translation.

If you wish, I can give you a firm price and delivery date. The price will be based on an approximate German word count and an approximate factor of 1.3 representing the increased word count in English. That firm price will usually be somewhat higher than a price determined from the final word count. The price quote will be valid for 5 days, while a delivery date will be valid for 24 hours (until the next business day in case of weekends or holidays).

Be sure to include:

• your name / company name
  
  
• your mail and e-mail address, and telephone number
  
  
• the date when you need the translations
  
  
• any specifications on format
  
  
• any information on preferred terminology
  
  
• and, when you accept a quote, your purchase order or other information required for the invoice.

Be sure to specify if you need a notarized translator’s statement. See the section on “Certified Translations / Certification form”. Allow at least two extra days for notarization and delivery of hard copy by express within the United States . There will be extra charges for notarization and for shipment.  In the rare case in which certification by the German Consulate is required, there will be a substantial extra cost because of the time required.

I recommend that you send a copy of the document (keep your original!!) as an e-mail attachment or similar electronic means, or, if it is very large, by FedEx, UPS, or mail. Be sure to include any figures or drawings. That is particularly critical for patents. They are necessary to understand the text.

Delivery is usually by e-mail attachment.

Invoices are net 30.

Notes about fax:

• Fax will often work satisfactorily, but essential detail (fine print, subscripts, superscripts) may not be legible. Use the highest resolution available.
  
  
• In the last year, I have received essentially nothing but junk advertising by fax. Because of that, the fax is disconnected. If you need to send a fax, please call or e-mail and ask me to reconnect it.