certified translation vs certified copy

It seems like material on this topic could be released weekly and there would still be questions.

Certified translation

Documents in languages other than German or English must be translated for university and visa applications.

1. In Germany, the certified translation is carried out by a sworn translator.

2. Outside Germany, the translation is done by a translator, after which a notary public certifies the translator's signature.

Important:

• Some universities do not accept a notarized translation
• some require that the translation be made from the original (sworn translators make a notation to that effect in the document)

Certified copies

For analog submission to the university, certified copies of documents must be sent by mail.

It is possible to certify copies of documents:

Back home:

• in German missions
• at the issuing institution
• notary
• The Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice (expensive and time-consuming)

Germany:

• notary
• city service centers
• at AStA

Important:

⁃ copies certified by a notary in the home country are not accepted everywhere

⁃ AStA-certified copies are not accepted everywhere

A certified translation is a document in its own right. A copy of the translation must also be certified if the documents are sent by post for the application.