Sworn Translation for Germany Application: Diploma and Document Guide 2026

One of the biggest obstacles for every prospective student dreaming of university in Germany is the accurate and complete translation of official documents. If questions like "Which document should I translate?", "Is a sworn translation, notarized translation, or Apostille necessary?", "Should I do it in Turkey or Germany?" confuse you, you're in the right place. This guide will illuminate the sworn translation process for Germany applications step-by-step and help you find answers to all your questions.

#Why is a Sworn Translation Required for Germany Applications?

Universities and recognition bodies in Germany (such as Uni-assist) want to ensure the accuracy and official status of documents submitted by international students. For this reason, documents such as diplomas, transcripts, and identity cards issued in languages other than German (like Turkish) must be translated by a "sworn translator" and undergo certain approval processes to gain official status in Germany. Otherwise, your applications may be deemed invalid or you may face requests for additional documents. This is one of the most fundamental and important steps in the process.

#Which Documents Require a Sworn Translation?

When applying for university in Germany, sworn translations are generally requested for the following documents:

• High School Diploma and Transcript: These are the most basic documents showing that you have completed your high school education. Your graduation grade point average in German is of great importance.
• University Diploma and Transcript (for Postgraduate Applications): If you are applying for a master's or doctoral program, your previous university diploma and transcript showing all your courses and grades are required.
• ÖSYM Placement Document: This document shows your university entrance exam results in Turkey. Some universities or Uni-assist may also request this.
• Full Civil Registry Record (Tam Tekmil Nüfus Kayıt Örneği): This is a detailed population document containing your identity information, as well as information about your parents and siblings. It may be requested for registration processes in Germany or for visa applications.
• Identity Card/Passport Copy: A translation may be requested to verify your identity information, but usually, just a notarized copy is sufficient.
• Motivation Letter and Reference Letters: These are usually written in English or German, but if written in Turkish, they may need to be translated.
• Certificates and Course Documents: Language certificates (e.g., TELC, Goethe, TestDaF) are generally accepted in their original language. However, if you have other special certificates, you may need to have them translated according to the university's request.

The document requirements of each university and department may vary. Therefore, you should always check the application documents list on the official website of the university or Uni-assist you plan to apply to.

#"Sworn Translation", "Notarized Translation", "Apostille", and "Beglaubigte Übersetzung": What are the Differences?

This is the point that confuses Turkish students the most. Understanding the differences between these terms and what you need in which situation is key to a smooth application process.

#1. Sworn Translation (Turkey)

In Turkey, a "sworn translator" is a person who, by taking an oath in the presence of a notary public, undertakes the accuracy and completeness of their translations. These translators affix their signature and seal to the document they translate, thereby acquiring "sworn translation" status.

• What is it for? It officially declares that the content of your document in the original language has been accurately transferred into German. Institutions in Germany generally require this type of translation.

#2. Notarized Translation (Turkey)

This is the certification of a sworn translator's translation by a notary public in Turkey. The notary public does not certify the content of the translation, but only the authenticity of the translator's signature and seal. That is, they state, "This signature and seal belong to the sworn translator named X."

• What is it for? It elevates the official status of the sworn translation. Some German institutions or Uni-assist may only accept translations by Turkish sworn translators with notary approval.

#3. Apostille (Turkey)

An Apostille is an authentication system that ensures the legal recognition of documents internationally among countries that are members of the Hague Convention. For an official document (diploma, civil registry record, etc.) obtained from Turkey to be directly valid in Germany, an Apostille endorsement may need to be added to the original document or its reverse side.

• Where is it obtained? It is issued by Governorships (Valilikler) or District Governorates (Kaymakamlıklar) (for administrative documents) and Judicial Justice Commission Presidencies (Adli Yargı Adalet Komisyonu Başkanlıkları) (for judicial documents).
• What is it for? It proves at an international level that your document is an official document issued by the Turkish state. Important: An Apostille does not certify the accuracy of the document's content, but rather the authority of the issuing body. An Apostille is obtained for the original document, not for the translated document. So, first, an Apostille is obtained for the original document, and then this original document and the Apostille endorsement are included in the sworn translation. However, in some cases, an Apostille may be requested for the sworn translated document after notarization. This depends on the specific requirements of the institution you are applying to.
• You can find more detailed information on how to get an Apostille in Turkey.

#4. Beglaubigte Übersetzung (Germany)

This term refers to a translation made by a "sworn translator" (vereidigter Übersetzer) in Germany. Sworn translators in Germany are individuals authorized by German courts, and their translations have direct legal validity within Germany.

• What is it for? It is the most reliable and generally preferred type of translation for universities and official institutions in Germany. A Beglaubigte Übersetzung (certified translation) made in Germany can be considered equivalent to or sometimes superior to the combination of Turkish sworn translation + notary approval + Apostille, because it is done according to the German system.

So, which one is necessary for Germany?

The general rule is:

• Uni-assist and most German universities either accept sworn translations made in Turkey, notarized and with an Apostille (rarely, only a sworn translation may be accepted, depending on the university's policy), or they require a Beglaubigte Übersetzung (certified translation) made in Germany.
• The safest way is to carefully review the current requirements on the official website of the university or Uni-assist you are applying to. If you see phrases like "öffentlich bestellter und beeidigter Übersetzer" (publicly appointed and sworn translator) or "Beglaubigte Übersetzung" (certified translation), it means you need a translation done by a sworn translator in Germany.

#Should I Get the Translation Done in Turkey or Germany? Costs and Process

This decision depends on your budget, time, and preferred level of assurance.

#Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting it Done in Turkey

• Advantages:
  • Cost: Generally more affordable than in Germany.
  • Accessibility: It may be easier to find a sworn translator in Turkey.
  • Process Knowledge: Translators and notaries familiar with the process are more common.
• Disadvantages:
  • Additional Approvals: In addition to a sworn translation, notary approval and an Apostille may be required for acceptance by institutions in Germany. This means additional time and cost.
  • Risk of Non-Acceptance: Some universities or Uni-assist may insist on a "Beglaubigte Übersetzung" (certified translation) done in Germany. In this case, translations done in Turkey may be deemed invalid.
• Cost: Diploma translation costs can range from 100-300 TL (approximately €3-€10) per page. Notary approval and Apostille fees are added.

#Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting it Done in Germany

• Advantages:
  • High Acceptance Rate: Translations done by an authorized sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer) in Germany are accepted without problems by all German institutions. Additional approval (like an Apostille) is usually not necessary.
  • Reliability: The translation format and terminology compliant with the German system are guaranteed.
• Disadvantages:
  • Cost: Prices for a Beglaubigte Übersetzung (certified translation) in Germany are higher than in Turkey. Diploma translation costs can range from €30-€80 per page. For multi-page documents like transcript translations, this cost can become significant.
  • Accessibility: Finding a translator and managing the process before going to Germany can be a bit more challenging.
• Cost: For diploma translation costs and transcript translation, you can expect a range of €30-€80 per page (discounts may apply for longer documents).

Recommendation: If you have the opportunity to go to Germany and your budget allows, finding a "vereidigter Übersetzer" (sworn translator) in Germany and getting a Beglaubigte Übersetzung (certified translation) is the safest way. If you are doing it from Turkey, you should opt for the combination of sworn translation + notary approval + Apostille (both for the original document and the translation, depending on the university's request). In this regard, always check Uni-assist's or your target university's current document upload guide.

#How Does Uni-assist Accept Documents? Is Format Important?

Uni-assist is a central system that pre-evaluates international student applications for many universities in Germany. Its method of accepting documents is usually clear:

• Scanned Documents: During the application process, you will be asked to upload your documents to the Uni-assist portal. These scanned documents must be clear and legible copies of your original documents (or their sworn translations).
• Original Documents and Certified Copies: While Uni-assist initially accepts scanned copies, in some cases or after admission to a university, it may request original documents or notarized copies to be sent by mail. Sworn translations should generally be sent in their original, wet-signed, and sealed form.
• Format: PDF format is often preferred. Having each document as a separate PDF file and naming the files reflect their content (e.g., "High_School_Diploma_Sworn_Translation.pdf") will make your job easier.
• Beglaubigte Kopie (Certified Copy): In Germany, a "Beglaubigte Kopie" (certified copy) is an official confirmation by an authorized institution (e.g., municipality, notary) that a copy of an original document is identical to the original. This certification in Germany works differently from notarization in Turkey. If Uni-assist or the university requests a "Beglaubigte Kopie," this should generally be done in Germany or at German embassies/consulates.

Regularly checking the "Required Documents" and "Document Upload" sections on Uni-assist's official website will provide the most accurate information on current format and approval requirements.

#How to Protect Yourself from the Risk of Fake Translators?

Unfortunately, there are individuals in the market who lack sworn translator authorization or provide low-quality services. This can lead to your application being rejected or delayed. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

1. Use Official Sources:
   • In Turkey: You can usually find sworn translators from the notary public's sworn translator lists. The Turkish Notaries Association website or local notaries can assist you.
   • In Germany: The German Ministries of Justice (Justizministerien) maintain lists of authorized sworn translators on a state-by-state basis. For example, you can search by state through the "Dolmetscher- und Übersetzerdatenbank" (Interpreter and Translator Database).
2. Review References and Reviews: Research comments and recommendations from students who have previously used these services. You can get information from people sharing their experiences in our ApplyToGerman (AlmanyaUni) Telegram group or other student forums.
3. Compare Prices, But Don't Go for the Cheapest: Very low price offers can be suspicious. Remember that a quality and official service has a certain cost.
4. Communication and Transparency: Communicate directly with the translator to ensure transparency.