If you’ve already had a document translated by a certified or sworn translator in Germany, you might be wondering: “Can I just use that translation in France too?” It’s a logical question — after all, both countries are in the EU, right?
The answer? It depends — but in many cases, not directly.
Although Germany and France are both members of the European Union and signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention, each country still has its own legal system and its own rules when it comes to recognizing translations for official purposes.
In Germany, a sworn (or “beeidigter”) translator is appointed by a court and authorized to produce legally valid translations. In France, sworn translators (traducteurs assermentés) are similarly appointed by a Court of Appeal. But that doesn’t mean their work is automatically accepted across the border.
“Europe consists of many different countries and each country has its own legal tradition,” explains Ramona, one of our sworn translators and an expert in cross-border translations. “We get this type of question a lot, and the answer is different for every specific case and country. I've worked in this field for more than 10 years and even I sometimes have to call the local authorities to double-check which specific procedure applies to the documents we are working on. Thing can change over time too, so we really need to keep learning all the time, but that's something I really enjoy.”
There are a few situations where a certified translation from Germany might be accepted in France, such as:
However, for most legal, academic, or official submissions in France (like court filings, civil status registrations, or government paperwork), you’ll likely need a translation done or sworn by a French court-appointed translator.
If you're unsure, it’s always safest to check with the receiving authority in France before submitting a translation. Or better yet — reach out to a team like ours that specializes in cross-border documentation.
We work with sworn translators across Europe and can tell you exactly what kind of translation is required for your specific situation. And if needed, we’ll coordinate the translation directly with one of our own French sworn translators to make sure it’s accepted.
Translations for Europe specializes in helping individuals and organizations navigate the patchwork of translation rules across EU countries. Whether you’re relocating, getting married abroad, applying for citizenship, or registering for school — we’ll make sure your translations are recognized where they need to be.
Contact us to find out whether your existing translation will be accepted or if a sworn French translation is necessary. We’ll give you honest guidance — and a clear path forward.
Related articles
View all
Moving to "La Douce France"
Daniel, his wife Amelia, and their two children, Ellie (10) and Max (7), had long dreamed of starting a new chapter in the south of France. Tired of rainy winters and remote work burnout, they were dreaming of a slower pace of life — croissants, bike rides through vineyards, and fresh starts.