Belgium is one of the few countries in the world with three official languages, including German. The German-speaking Community in the east of the country brings together 78,000 speakers in Eupen, Malmedy and Saint-Vith. Beyond this community, Belgian companies maintain intensive commercial ties with Germany, Belgium's top trading partner. A sworn French-German translation by a translator registered with the SPF Justice is essential for any official procedure involving these two languages.
German in Belgium: three communities, one translation need
The German-speaking Community of Belgium is the smallest of the three official linguistic communities. Its 78,000 inhabitants, mainly established in the cantons of Eupen and Saint-Vith, have their own institutions - government, parliament, media - all operating in German. For civil status documents, court decisions or administrative papers exchanged with French-speaking or Dutch-speaking administrations, a certified translation is systematically required.
At the economic level, Belgian industrial giants such as Bekaert, Solvay and Umicore work closely with German partners. Their legal and HR teams generate a significant volume of Handelsbriefe(commercial letters), Urkunden (official deeds) and Zeugnisse(employment certificates) requiring certified professional translation.
Documents frequently translated between French and German in Belgium
- Birth and marriage certificates: for German-speaking nationals wishing to register a Belgian document with a German-speaking municipality or a German authority
- Diplomas and transcripts: recognition via anabin (the German equivalent of NARIC) for Belgians wishing to work or study in Germany
- Criminal record extracts: translated into German for employment or immigration applications in Germany
- Commercial contracts: distribution agreements, subcontracting contracts between Belgian and German companies
- Judgments and court decisions: recognised in Germany under the Brussels I bis Regulation, requiring a sworn translation
- Family reunification files: for German nationals established in Belgium or Belgians joining family in Germany
TranslateBE
Sworn French-German translation in Belgium
Translators registered with the SPF Justice, accepted by all Belgian, German and German-speaking Community administrations. Free quote in 1 hour.
Accreditation and legal validity
In Belgium, the official validity of a sworn translation rests on the translator being registered with the national SPF Justice register. This register is publicly available online. Each translation bears the translator's handwritten signature, official stamp and registration number, guaranteeing its acceptance by municipalities, courts, the Office of Foreigners (DVZ/OE), as well as German and German-speaking Community administrations.
For documents intended for Germany, a Hague apostille may be required in addition to the sworn translation, depending on the nature and the receiving authority of the document. TranslateBE advises you on the exact procedure for your case.
Rates and turnaround times
A sworn French-German translation is available from €65 for a simple document (civil status certificate, criminal record extract). Technical documents, contracts and diplomas with annexes are quoted individually, with a response within one hour. The standard turnaround is 3 to 5 working days. The 24-hour express option is available for urgent files. Delivery is by secure digital means, with postal dispatch of the certified original on request.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is German really an official language in Belgium?
Yes. Belgium recognises three official national languages: French, Dutch and German. The German-speaking Community, established in the east of the country (Eupen, Malmedy, Saint-Vith), has its own institutions and administers its competences exclusively in German. For any official exchange between French-speaking or federal administrations and the German-speaking Community, a certified translation is mandatory.
Which translator can certify a French-German translation in Belgium?
Only a sworn translator registered with the Belgian SPF Justice can produce a translation officially recognised by Belgian administrations, courts and the Office of Foreigners. This register is available online. TranslateBE works exclusively with certified translators meeting these legal requirements.
Do I need an apostille to send a Belgian document to Germany?
It depends on the type of document and the receiving authority. Belgium and Germany are both parties to the 1961 Hague Convention. Some public documents (notarial deeds, court decisions) require an apostille before translation; others do not. TranslateBE analyses your file and advises you on the exact procedure.
What is the turnaround for an urgent sworn French-German translation?
The standard turnaround at TranslateBE is 3 to 5 working days depending on the complexity and volume of the document. For urgent files, the 24-hour express option is available. We recommend submitting your request in the morning for delivery the following evening.
Can a Belgian diploma be recognised in Germany?
Yes. To have a Belgian diploma recognised in Germany, you generally need a sworn translation into German of your diplomas and transcripts. The file is then submitted to the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) or the competent authority depending on the profession targeted. TranslateBE prepares the certified translation in accordance with German authority requirements.
Certified French-German translation in Belgium
Translators registered with the SPF Justice. Civil status documents, diplomas, commercial contracts and legal files handled on an express basis.