You've gathered all your documents for your German citizenship application. Birth certificates, marriage records, criminal background checks—a small mountain of paper. Now you're staring at quotes from sworn translators that could cost you hundreds of euros. Your stomach drops as you think, "What if they require every t to be crossed and i dotted?" or "I was concerned they would have difficulty reading documents and wanted to avoid slowing down the review process..."
But here's the truth many applicants don't realize: Not all documents need to be translated for German citizenship applications. In fact, you might be about to waste significant money on translations that German authorities don't even require.
This comprehensive guide will help you identify which documents you can submit without translation, potentially saving you hundreds of euros and unnecessary delays in your application process.
Summary
You can save hundreds of euros on your German citizenship application as many documents from EU or English-speaking countries do not require translation.
Public documents from EU countries are exempt if submitted with a "multilingual standard form," which you must explicitly request.
Simple English-language documents are generally accepted without translation but still require proper certification (e.g., from a German consulate).
For documents that do need an official translation, Bluente’s Certified Document Translation service provides court-ready translations with a 24-hour turnaround.
Understanding the Default Rule: Why Translations are Usually Required
Before diving into the exemptions, it's important to understand the general rule: documents not in German typically require translation by a sworn translator (in German: vereidigter Übersetzer).
A sworn translator is someone officially certified by a German court to produce legally binding translations. German authorities are notoriously strict about this requirement. As one applicant noted, "Translations made by persons who are not sworn translators will not be accepted."
This strict requirement is precisely why knowing the exemptions is so valuable.
Exemption #1: The EU Multilingual Standard Form - Your Translation-Free Ticket
Since February 16, 2019, an EU regulation (Regulation 2016/1191) has been making life easier for citizens moving between EU countries. This regulation introduced the multilingual format document system that eliminates the need for translations for many common documents.
Which Documents Are Covered by the EU Multilingual Format?
The regulation covers public documents related to:
Birth
Proof of life
Death
Name
Marriage, including capacity to marry and marital status
Divorce, legal separation or marriage annulment
Registered partnership status
Dissolution of a registered partnership
Parenthood & Adoption
Domicile and/or residence
Nationality
Absence of a criminal record (background checks)
The right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections
How to Use EU Multilingual Standard Forms
When requesting any of these documents from an EU member state, you should:
Ask the issuing authority for both the original document AND the multilingual standard form
Submit both documents together with your German citizenship application
For example, if you need your birth certificate from Italy, request both the original certificate and the multilingual standard form from the Italian authorities. The BVA will accept this combination without requiring a translation.
This approach is particularly valuable for criminal background checks (EU background check or Führungszeugnis). Many applicants express frustration when they discover too late that their police background check isn't in a multilingual format, forcing them to pay for translation.
Exemption #2: The BVA's Position on English-Language Documents
One of the most common questions among applicants from English-speaking countries is whether their documents need translation. The confusion is understandable, as different sources often provide conflicting information.
However, here's the official position: The German Federal Office of Administration (BVA) generally accepts simple documents in English without translation.
This is confirmed by the German Missions in the United States, which explicitly state that "Translation of English-language documents is generally not necessary" for citizenship applications.
Examples of English-language documents that typically don't require translation include:
Birth certificates from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Passports and identity documents
University diplomas and school certificates
The Important Distinction: Certification vs. Translation
While English documents may not need translation, they will almost certainly need proper certification. This is a crucial distinction that trips up many applicants.
Even when a document doesn't need translation, it still needs to be either:
An original document, or
A properly certified copy with appropriate signature certification
For many documents from non-EU English-speaking countries, this means getting consular certification from a German embassy or consulate. This process verifies the authenticity of the document but doesn't involve translation.
As one applicant noted, "It costs €12 for the document itself, though you likely have to apply through a consulate for signature certification (€34)." While there's still a cost involved, it's significantly less than paying for a sworn translation.
Quick Reference Guide: Documents That DON'T Need Translation
For quick reference, here's a comprehensive list of documents that typically don't require translation for German citizenship applications:
From EU Countries:
Any document covered by Regulation 2016/1191 when accompanied by a multilingual standard form, including:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Criminal record certificates from a criminal record institute
Proof of nationality
Proof of residence
From English-Speaking Countries:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Passports
ID cards
Academic credentials (with proper certification)
Criminal background checks (with proper certification)
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Despite these exemptions, many applicants still encounter problems. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Pitfall #1: Assuming a Document is Multilingual When It's Not
Many applicants assume their EU documents automatically come in multilingual format. As one frustrated user discovered: "Sadly the document (police background check) is not in a multilingual format."
Solution: Always explicitly request the multilingual standard form when ordering your documents from EU authorities. Don't assume it will be provided automatically.
Pitfall #2: Confusing Certification with Translation
An English document might not need translation, but it almost certainly needs to be properly certified.
Solution: Ensure all documents are either originals or have the appropriate certification. For important documents from non-EU countries, consider getting consular certification from a German embassy or consulate.
Pitfall #3: Translating into the Wrong Language
Some applicants mistakenly get documents translated into English rather than German.
Solution: If a document does require translation, remember that it must be translated into German by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer). As one user learned the hard way, "Translations into English are not useful for the application."
Pitfall #4: Not Checking with Your Specific Processing Authority
Requirements can vary slightly between different German authorities.
Solution: When in doubt, contact your processing authority (local Ausländerbehörde, German embassy/consulate, or the BVA) directly to confirm their specific requirements.
Real-World Application Scenarios
Scenario 1: EU Citizen Applying for German Citizenship
Maria from Spain needs to submit her birth certificate and criminal record certificate. Instead of paying for translations, she requests the original documents plus multilingual standard forms from the Spanish authorities. The BVA accepts these documents without translation, saving Maria approximately €150.
Scenario 2: American Applying for German Citizenship
John from the United States needs to submit his birth certificate and FBI background check. Since these are in English, he doesn't need translations. However, he does get his FBI check authenticated through appropriate channels and has his birth certificate certified by the German consulate. This approach saves him around €200 in translation fees.
When You DO Need Translation
Despite these exemptions, some documents will still require translation into German, often by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer). This typically includes:
Complex legal documents like court judgments or detailed legal agreements
Documents in languages other than German or English (unless using the EU multilingual format)
Documents with handwritten elements that might be difficult to interpret
Any document specifically requested to be translated by the processing authority
For documents that require an official translation for legal, immigration, or regulatory submission, a certified translation is often the solution. Bluente’s Certified Document Translation service provides official translations by qualified professionals from $25 per page, with a standard 24-hour turnaround. This offers a fast and affordable way to meet official requirements without the high costs and long waits of traditional services.
Conclusion: Apply Smarter, Not Harder
Before spending money on translations, take a moment to verify if your document falls into one of the exemption categories. Remember:
For EU documents: Always request a multilingual standard form
For English documents: These are generally accepted without translation but require proper certification
When in doubt: Contact your local German consulate or the BVA directly
By understanding these exemptions, you can make your German citizenship application process smoother, faster, and substantially more affordable. Don't waste money on translations you don't need—apply smarter, not harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to translate every document for my German citizenship application?
No, you do not need to translate every document. The German Federal Office of Administration (BVA) generally accepts simple documents in English without translation and also accepts documents from EU member states if they are accompanied by a multilingual standard form.
Can I submit English documents like birth certificates without a German translation?
Yes, you can generally submit simple English-language documents without a German translation. This includes common documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports. However, while they may not need translation, they will still require proper certification, such as a signature certification or consular certification from a German embassy.
How does the EU Multilingual Standard Form work for documents like criminal records?
The EU Multilingual Standard Form is a separate document provided by the issuing authority in an EU country that serves as a translation aid. When you request a public document, like a criminal record certificate, you must also explicitly ask for the multilingual standard form. Submitting both the original document and the form together eliminates the need for a separate sworn translation.
What is the difference between document certification and translation?
Certification verifies a document's authenticity, while translation converts its content into another language. A certified copy or a document with consular certification confirms that it is a legitimate and unaltered copy of the original. Translation, on the other hand, is about language. For German citizenship, even if an English document doesn't need translation, it almost always needs proper certification.
Why do German authorities require a sworn translator?
German authorities require a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer) to ensure the accuracy and legal validity of translated documents. These translators are officially certified by a German court, and their translations are considered legally binding. This strict requirement maintains the integrity of the application process and prevents misinterpretations of critical legal information.
When should I definitely get a document translated?
You should definitely get a document translated by a sworn translator if it is a complex legal document (like a court judgment), is in a language other than German or English, or if the specific German authority processing your application explicitly requests it. If your document doesn't fall under the English-language or EU multilingual form exemptions, it's safest to assume a translation is required.
Note: While this guide reflects current practices, requirements can change. Always verify the most recent requirements with official sources like the BVA website or your local German diplomatic mission before submitting your application.