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Diploma translation into German Translation
Our team of sworn translators prepares your diploma translation into german translation for notarisation where the receiving institution requires it. We provide information about apostilles and consular legalisation; we do not submit or manage these applications.
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Translating a diploma for Germany involves more than an ordinary language pair because Germany has its own recognition system. German authorities assess foreign qualifications through the anabin database managed by ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, the Central Office for Foreign Education).
In anabin, both your university and your department are rated separately: H+ (recognized), H+/- (assessed case by case), H- (not recognized). Most public universities in Türkiye have H+ status; H+/- assessments are more common for foundation universities. The department match must always be checked separately.
If your university is rated H+/-, your department is not listed or the employer expressly requests it, a paid Zeugnisbewertung (qualification assessment letter / Statement of Comparability) must be obtained from ZAB. German translations of the diploma and transcript form the basis of this application; as processing can take months, preparing the translations correctly from the outset directly affects the timetable.
Which institutions request this document?
- German employers and employment agencies — for skilled employment and EU Blue Card applications
- ZAB — for Zeugnisbewertung (Statement of Comparability) applications
- German universities — for postgraduate admission procedures
- Professional associations — for the Anerkennung recognition process in regulated professions (healthcare, engineering, law)
Certification requirements
Notarized translations are commonly required for official applications in Germany. Some German institutions may require a translation by a translator sworn or authorized in Germany (beeidigt/ermächtigt); the requirements of the receiving institution should be confirmed in advance.
Germany is a party to the Hague Convention. The usual practice is to obtain an apostille on the original diploma (an administrative document — through a provincial/district governor's office), then translate the document and apostille together. Some institutions also require an apostille on the notarized translation.
There is no universal rule. The institution requesting the document determines its certification requirements. The information above describes common practice. Tell us which institution you are applying to and we will help clarify the required certification.
Preparing your document
- Look up your university and department at anabin.kmk.org to find out their H status
- If a Zeugnisbewertung is needed, check ZAB's current document list and fee on its official website
- Have the diploma and transcript translated together; ZAB requires both
- Provide your first and last names as spelled in your passport — German registration systems require an exact match
- If you work in a regulated profession (medicine, nursing, engineering), the Anerkennung process is conducted separately; request the professional association's list
Frequently asked questions
My university is shown as H+ in anabin; do I still need a Zeugnisbewertung?
If the university is H+ and the department match is 'entspricht/gleichwertig', an anabin printout may be sufficient for many procedures. However, if the employer or authority expressly requires a Zeugnisbewertung, it must be obtained; the receiving party determines the requirement.
Should I have the translation done in Türkiye or Germany?
Both options are used. Translations prepared in Türkiye with notarization and an apostille are accepted by many institutions, including ZAB; some local authorities require a translator authorized in Germany. Obtain confirmation from the institution you will apply to.
How long does a Zeugnisbewertung take?
ZAB indicates a processing period measured in months after receipt of a complete file. Current processing times and fees are published on ZAB's official website; plan your application schedule accordingly.
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