Luxembourg is officially trilingual: Luxembourgish, French and German are its three official languages. German is used in legislation, the press and part of the administration. The border with Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate is crossed daily by thousands of German cross-border workers, and Luxembourg courts regularly handle files involving German-language documents. A sworn translator is essential for any official procedure involving these two languages in the Grand Duchy.
German in Luxembourg: a fully-fledged state language
Contrary to what Luxembourg's international image might suggest, German is an official language of the Grand Duchy on equal footing with French. The Luxembourg Constitution and much of national legislation are drafted in German or French depending on the text. The Official Gazette (Memorial) publishes its texts in French, but explanations of votes and part of parliamentary debates take place in Luxembourgish and German.
The geographical proximity to Germany creates a permanent flow of cross-border workers: approximately 45,000 German cross-border workers (mainly from Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia) cross the border daily to work in Luxembourg. These professionals generate significant demand for translations of German documents (civil status certificates, employment certificates, diplomas) into French for procedures with the Employment Administration or the Directorate of Immigration.
Documents frequently translated between French and German in Luxembourg
- Judgments from German courts: civil and commercial decisions from Saarland or Rhineland-Palatinate courts to be recognised before Luxembourg courts
- German civil status documents: Geburtsurkunde, Heiratsurkunde, Scheidungsurteil for procedures with the Luxembourg civil registry
- German diplomas and Zeugnisse: recognition via the Directorate of Vocational Training in Luxembourg
- Employment contracts: contracts drafted in German for cross-border workers employed in Luxembourg companies with German-speaking management
- Immigration files: documents required by the Directorate of Immigration for German nationals applying for a residence permit
- Company articles: translation of articles for German subsidiaries registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (RCS)
TranslateBE
Sworn French-German translation in Luxembourg
Sworn translators approved by Luxembourg courts, specialising in Luxembourg law and cross-border flows with Germany. Quote in 1 hour.
Accreditation and legal validity in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, translations intended for official administrations, courts and notaries must be produced by a sworn translator : the Luxembourg term equivalent to a Belgian sworn translator or a French judicial expert translator. These translators are registered with the Luxembourg Ministry of Justice and authorised to certify translations with official standing before the courts and administrations of the Grand Duchy.
For documents intended for German authorities, a Hague apostille issued by the competent Luxembourg authorities may be required in addition. TranslateBE directs you to the exact procedure depending on the receiving authority.
Rates and turnaround times
Our sworn French-German translations in Luxembourg are available from €65 for a simple document (civil status certificate, employment attestation). Judgments, company articles and voluminous files are quoted individually within one hour. Standard turnaround: 3 to 5 working days. 24-hour express option available for cross-border workers and urgent files. Secure digital delivery or postal dispatch of the certified original.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a sworn translator in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, the official term is sworn translator. These professionals are authorised by the Luxembourg Ministry of Justice to certify translations with official legal standing. Their translations are directly accepted by courts, civil registries, notaries and administrations of the Grand Duchy.
Do German cross-border workers need a sworn translation to work in Luxembourg?
Yes, for certain procedures. Registration with the CCSS (Caisse commune de la securite sociale) may require translated civil status documents. For recognition of professional qualifications (particularly in regulated professions), a sworn translation is mandatory. For employment contracts drafted in German and submitted to a Luxembourg administration, a certified translation is recommended.
How do I have a German divorce judgment recognised in Luxembourg?
Recognition of a foreign judgment in Luxembourg generally requires an exequatur procedure before the District Court. The German judgment must be accompanied by a sworn translation into French by a translator authorised in Luxembourg. TranslateBE prepares these certified translations in accordance with Luxembourg court requirements.
Can a company be registered with the Luxembourg RCS with German articles?
In Luxembourg, company articles may be drafted in French, German or Luxembourgish. If the original articles of a German subsidiary are in German and must be submitted to a notary or the Luxembourg RCS as part of a restructuring, a sworn translation into Frenchis generally required for publication in the Memorial (Official Gazette).
What is the turnaround for an urgent French-German translation in Luxembourg?
The 24-hour express option is available for urgent documents. Submit your request before 10 a.m. for next-day delivery. For complex documents (judgments, company articles), the standard turnaround is 3 to 5 working days. A personalised quote is provided within one hour regardless of document complexity.
Certified French-German translation in Luxembourg
Sworn translators authorised by the Luxembourg Ministry of Justice. Judgments, articles, civil status documents and cross-border files handled on an express basis.