At first glance, the difference between translating and interpreting is not clear to everyone. Translation is often used synonymously for both disciplines. For example, interpreters are referred to as 'simultaneous translators' or 'live translators'. 

Strictly speaking, however, interpreting and translating are not the same thing. Interpreting is the oral transmission of a spoken message from one language to another while translating is the transmission of a written text into the other language in written form. 

If you look at the purpose of interpreting and translating though, it becomes evident that there is definitely an overlap here: Enabling communication between people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds is always at the heart of both disciplines. For this reason, both translators and interpreters have sound knowledge of their working languages and of the cultures between which they mediate.

There are various types of interpreting that are suitable for different events and meetings. 

The probably best-known type of interpreting is simultaneous interpreting. Here, the spoken word is transmitted to another language almost in real time. The interpreters listen to the speakers and interpret using specific strategies. The interpreters need a good view of the speakers and the content being shown. In most cases, conference equipment is used, including the typical interpreter booths. This type of interpreting is particularly suitable for multilingual events, for instance conferences, business meetings, negotiations, galas or shows. 

In consecutive interpreting, there is a longer delay between the source text spoken and the interpretation. The speaker either renders an entire speech of up to ten minutes or individual sections of a few minutes. The interpreter then interprets what has been said. While the speaker is talking, the interpreter uses a special note-taking technique to jot down what is being said and to have an aid for the interpretation. Consecutive interpreting is used, for example, for table speeches and welcoming speeches, bilateral negotiations or ceremonial occasions, such as festive speeches, or for guided tours. It is important to bear in mind that when using consecutive interpreting, you should allow for about twice the time for the event.

Whispered interpreting is a special form of simultaneous interpreting. The interpreter stands or sits behind or next to the person they are interpreting for and "whispers" the interpretation of what is being said into that person's ear. Whispered interpreting is mainly used in bilateral meetings or negotiations where no conference equipment is available.

Liaison interpreting is a special form of consecutive interpreting. Here, particularly short sections of speech are interpreted into the other language. Liaison interpreting is used, for example, for guided tours or table discussions. 

Remote interpreting means that the interpreter and the event participants are not at the same location. The interpreters are connected via audio and/or video transmission. Simultaneous interpreting is referred to as Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI).

Interpreting is a cognitively highly demanding activity and requires an immensely high level of concentration. To be able to perform at their best at all times, professional conference interpreters very rarely interpret for more than a maximum of 30 minutes at a time. This is why there are usually two interpreters who take turns interpreting. Even if your event is shorter than 30 minutes, two interpreters are usually engaged, as short events quickly run longer than originally planned.

For very long and technically demanding conferences, a team of three is engaged. 

The price for interpreting services is made up of several components that vary depending on the assignment. I can offer a solution that is tailored to your specific event. The price includes:

• Basic rate
• Technical preparation for the assignment
• Project management
• Travel expenses
• Accommodation costs
• Rights of use

The price for a translation varies depending on the level of specialization and therefore the time needed to research specialized terminology. Translations of creative texts, for example, are also more time-consuming.

I usually charge either by standard line for German source texts (1 standard line = 55 characters including spaces), by word for English and Spanish source texts, or by hour.

In addition, there are also possible costs for formatting and proofreading according to the four-eyes principle.