Human translation
Human translation: so that your texts really resonate in the target language.
Native-speaking professional translators who are experts in their domain – for translations that are compelling both linguistically and in terms of content.
Your text in the target language – exactly as intended
With a professional human translation, qualified, native-speaking professional translators translate your text entirely from scratch – with an understanding of the context, a feel for style and the knowledge of how a message will be received in the target language.
This does not exclude the use of modern translation technology. Translation memories and terminology databases help our translators to ensure consistency and efficiency. However, the actual translation and crafting of the text are carried out exclusively by humans – without the use of AI.
We will work with you to determine which approach – human translation or non-human translation – is the right one for your text, your industry and your project.
Our certifications:
When human translation is the right choice
Not every text has the same requirements. Human translation is always the more reliable option when linguistic subtlety, cultural adaptation or the complexity of the content leave no room for compromise.
Marketing and advertising copy, slogans and campaigns depend on tone and cultural resonance. It's linguistic sensitivity that determines whether a message has the same impact in the target language as it does in the original. Legal documents and contracts leave no room for interpretation, as every word counts. Medical content and texts from highly regulated industries require a depth of specialist knowledge and terminological accuracy that AI systems have so far been unable to provide adequately.
The same applies to the localisation of software interfaces and navigation systems, where cultural adaptation is key to ensuring comprehensibility and user acceptance.
For language combinations where machine translation systems do not yet deliver reliable quality, human translation is always the safer option.
Our process: structured, transparent and compliant with ISO 17100
Quality doesn't happen by chance. Every human translation at oneword follows a clearly defined process – from the initial text analysis through to final verification.
1
Analysis of the source text
Before starting the translation, we review the content, domain, scope and your specific requirements.
2
Translator selection
We select suitable core translators based on language, industry, domain and expertise. Dedicated teams and translation technology ensure consistent results and the continuous development of specialist knowledge across projects.
3
Translation by native-speaking professional translators
The text is translated accurately and in an appropriate style – using client-specific translation memories and terminology databases.
4
Revision by a second translator
A second, independent translator (reviser) checks the translation for accuracy, linguistic correctness, terminology, style and other requirements.
5
Quality controls & final verification
Our in-house team of linguists checks the translation for completeness, consistency and compliance with your specifications – before we deliver it. Depending on the risk analysis, we recommend that our experts carry out additional quality control checks for particularly sensitive content.
Would you like to know whether human translation is the right choice for your project? We’ll be happy to help you decide – with concrete, no-obligation advice.
Human translation at oneword – what it means for you
As a translation service provider certified in accordance with ISO 17100, we support your projects with audited processes, dedicated teams of translators and a project management team that is available to speak to personally. You'll have a dedicated point of contact who is familiar with your project and your requirements and who has an academic background in translation, linguistics or a related domain.
- Industry expertise in technology, law, medicine, marketing, software and other domains
- We always assign the same translators wherever possible to ensure consistent results, even on recurring projects
- Well-maintained translation memories and terminology databases that grow alongside your business
- Personal contact persons with quick response times
Tailored process consulting – we recommend the approach that best suits your text and budget - Owner-managed, independent and a long-term partner you can rely on
FAQs
What's the difference between human translation and machine translation?
In human translation, a qualified translator translates the text entirely from scratch – drawing on their understanding of the context, a feel for style and specialist expertise. Machine translation today relies almost exclusively on AI systems that recognise patterns and generate text automatically. The quality of the machine translation depends heavily on various factors, including the language combination, the type of text and the quality of the source text.
What's the difference between human translation and MTPE?
In human translation, the target text is produced entirely by human effort. In MTPE (machine translation + post-editing), a machine- or AI-translated text is checked by professional translators and corrected where necessary. Human translation offers the highest level of linguistic precision and stylistic freedom; MTPE is more efficient for large volumes and standardised content.
Is the ISO 17100 standard specifically for human translation?
ISO 17100 is an international process standard for translation services and explicitly refers to human translation processes. It sets out requirements regarding the qualifications of translators and the processes involved, including the dual-review principle whereby translations are always checked by a second translator. Machine translation is not covered by ISO 17100; instead, the ISO 18587 standard applies, which governs the post-editing process for machine-generated translation output.
Will the same translators always work on my projects?
Wherever possible, yes. Our principle of using core translators ensures that your projects are handled by fixed teams. This saves time spent familiarising translators with your requirements and ensures uniform quality and consistency across all projects.
How long does a human translation take?
That depends on the length, the language combination and the domain. We estimate lead times realistically and meet deadlines reliably. For urgent projects, please contact us directly.
Professional translations for all your needs.
Let’s discuss your next project!
Please use our contact form or give us a call:
Make an appointment now:
