Do you have German documents to use in Belgium? A little-known fact: German is one of the three official Belgian languages. Depending on the region, your documents may be accepted as they are or require a translation. Here is how to find your way.
📖 See also: German translation in Belgium · diploma recognition · documents for immigration
German, an official Belgian language
Belgium has a German-speaking Community (the Eupen, Sankt Vith region, sometimes called Ostbelgien). Before its administrations, a German document may be accepted without translation. Everywhere else, however, a translation into French (Wallonia, Brussels) or Dutch (Flanders) will generally be required.
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A German document to use in Belgium?
We tell you whether a translation is necessary depending on the region, and produce it if so. Quote within 1 hour.
When a translation is necessary
Outside the German-speaking Community, a sworn translation is generally required. The most frequent cases:
- French-speaking or Flemish administration: translation into French or Dutch.
- Diplomas and transcripts for an equivalence.
- Court judgments and notarial deeds: divorce, inheritance, marriage contract.
- Courts outside the German-speaking area.
Apostille between Germany and Belgium
As Germany and Belgium are in the EU, the European Regulation 2016/1191 abolishes the apostille for many civil status records, with a multilingual standard form to be requested from the Standesamt. For other documents, check case by case.
The reflex to have: if your procedure falls under the German-speaking Community, ask whether the document is accepted as it is. Otherwise, plan for a translation into the language of the administration (French or Dutch).
German diplomas and recognition
For an equivalence, the German diploma generally has to be translated into the language of the competent Community. See our guide to diploma recognition and equivalence.
How to proceed
- Identify the Community and the language of the recipient administration.
- Request the multilingual form from the Standesamt for civil status.
- Confirm the need for translation with the Belgian recipient.
- Entrust the sworn translation to a sworn translator if it is required.
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We translate only if the recipient administration requires it, in the right language.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a German document have to be translated in Belgium?
Not necessarily before the German-speaking Community (Eupen, Sankt Vith). Elsewhere, a sworn translation into French or Dutch is generally required.
Does a German document need to be apostilled?
No for civil status records between EU states (Regulation 2016/1191). For other documents, check case by case.
And a German diploma?
It generally has to be translated into the language of the competent Community for the equivalence. See the guide to diplomas.
Into which language should I translate?
French, Dutch or German depending on the region and the service. Ask for the target language before ordering.
Urgent German-Belgian procedure?
Express available for your German documents. Sworn translation ready for the Belgian administration.