For sworn translations, it is crucial to use the correct spelling of a name, namely the spelling that corresponds to the name in the passport. Using the wrong spelling can lead to problems and even legal complications.
Correct name spelling
To translate the correct spelling of a name, it is important that it is legible. It is also important to check that the name is spelled correctly in the original document. For example, if there is a typographical error, it can lead to confusion and problems when using the translation. This is because the sworn translation must be a faithful representation of the source.
It is the responsibility of the sworn translator to ensure a correct translation of the name if the grammatical rules of a language require a translation, such as, for example, from the Dutch alphabet to the Russian (Cyrillic) alphabet. The name should then be correctly spelled and match any previous translations (such as on a passport).
This requires careful attention to detail and accuracy in the translation process. Thus, if a translation is already known, it is important to pass it along to the sworn translator. By making sure that the name matches, we can ensure that the translation is accurate and reliable, and avoid any legal complications.
Translating names to and from Cyrillic
The Cyrillic script is used in Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian and Bulgarian, among other languages. The Cyrillic script and the Dutch script differ greatly from each other. For example, the Russian script uses a different alphabet than the Dutch script. The Russian alphabet has 33 letters, while the Dutch alphabet has 26. This means that different letter characters are used to form sounds and words, so the spelling of names can be different. For example, the Dutch name "Johan" is written as "Йохан" in Russian.
In addition, there are different sounds and pronunciation rules between Russian and Dutch. For example, Russian has sounds not found in Dutch, such as the "ы" and "ъ," while Dutch again has sounds not found in Russian, such as the "ij." This can also cause names to be spelled differently in translation.
Also, certain sounds can have multiple meanings. So there is not always only one name (grammatically speaking) right.
So in such cases, it is important to indicate right away what the correct translation is, if official documents have been translated before, even if these are the documents of the father or mother, for example. Otherwise, you run the risk that the same person cannot be linked in different documents.
Translating names to and from Chinese
There are also significant differences between Dutch and Chinese in the spelling of names. For example, Chinese uses characters instead of letters, which means that names in Chinese look very different from those in Dutch. In addition, the order of names in Chinese is different than in Dutch, with the last name always coming first followed by the first name.
In addition, there are also different sounds and pronunciation rules between Chinese and Dutch, which can lead to different spellings of names in translation. For example, the Dutch name "Pieter" may be written as "皮特" in Chinese, but you could also read this as ''Peter'' in Chinese.
Therefore, it is important to check this extra to avoid any discrepancies between the sworn translation and the passport or a birth certificate. And it is also important to check that the surname matches any previous translation of the father and/or mother.
Translating names to and from Arabic
Another script that differs from the Dutch script is the Arabic script. The Arabic script uses a completely different alphabet than the Dutch script and has 28 letters instead of 26. This means that different letter characters are used to form sounds and words, so the spelling of names may be different. To give an example, the Dutch name "Johannes" would be written as "يوحنّا" in Arabic, but you could also translate ''John'' this way.
The order of names in Arabic is also different than in Dutch. In Arabic, the surname or family name is often mentioned first, followed by the first name. This is different from Dutch, where the first name usually comes first followed by the last name.
In addition, Arabic has certain letters and sounds that are not found in Dutch, such as the "ع" and "ح." These sounds can be difficult to spell in Dutch, so there are several ways to translate them. Also, the spelling of Arabic names can be affected by the fact that Arabic is a language very rich in synonyms and variants, especially when it comes to names. The same name can be written in different ways in different regions and countries.
It is therefore important to pay extra close attention when translating Arabic names into Dutch, but also vice versa. Even if, for example, a passport of the father and/or mother has already been translated, it is important to check if the surname matches.
Translating handwritten documents
In some cases, we receive a source document, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, that has been completed by hand. In such cases, there can be confusion about the correct spelling of a name. Handwritten sources can be particularly difficult to read and interpret accurately, especially if the handwriting is unclear, sloppy or difficult to decipher. This is especially true for names, as people often have unique or unusual names that are more difficult to recognize or understand when handwritten.
Therefore, it is important to take extra care with handwritten sources and ensure that the name is spelled correctly in the translation. This requires careful attention to detail, and may involve coming back to you with a request to double-check the spelling. Then we can be sure the name is spelled correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my document is written in a different script than my sworn translation?
For sworn translations, it is crucial to use the correct name spelling, which is the spelling that matches the name in the passport.
If you need a sworn translation of a document from or into another script (for example, Chinese or Cyrillic) that contains personal names, please also indicate in the comments field of your order the correct spelling as written in the passport. This way we can avoid misunderstandings.
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation, also called a sworn or sworn translation, is a translation made by a sworn translator. This translator is registered with the Dutch register For Sworn interpreters And Translators(Rbtv) and has been sworn in by a court of law. Translations made by sworn translators are legally valid. So you engage a sworn translator when you are looking for a recognised translation of official documents. Think of evidence for a court, marriage certificates, statutes or birth certificates.
Can I also have my sworn translation legalised by you?
Legalising documents makes them suitable for use abroad. Sworn translations that will be used in the Netherlands in principle never need to be legalised. In such cases a sworn translation is sufficient.
You can simply apply for an apostille yourself at a court near you or legalize the document through the Consular Services Center (CDC). Of course, we can also help you with this. For providing legalizations, we charge the cost of the court fee (payable at the court) and the time required to provide the legalisation. For the cost of apostille, you will receive a payment request after placing the order.
These costs are € 132 (excluding VAT) or € 159.72 (including VAT):
made up of travel and waiting time: € 110 + court fee: € 22.
The apostille is a stamp (or sticker) from the court on a sworn translation, showing that the signature of the sworn translator on the document is genuine. With that stamp, the document is valid abroad.
Always check in advance whether legalisation is required by the body requesting a sworn translation.