Many people use the words “interpreter” and “translator” interchangeably. That is understandable, as both professions involve language. Yet they are very different jobs. In this article, I explain the difference and when you need each one.
Interpreters: spoken language
An interpreter translates what someone says orally, often in real time during a conversation, telephone call or meeting. Examples include appointments with a GP or civil-law notary, court hearings, asylum applications and international meetings.
There are several types of interpreting. In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter listens and translates at the same time, as in the European Parliament. In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter first listens and then translates a section at a time, for example at a civil-law notary’s office. Telephone interpreting is widely used in healthcare and by public authorities.
Interpreting requires extremely quick thinking: listening, analysing and speaking at the same time.
Translators: written texts
A translator works with written documents, from contracts and annual reports to birth certificates and website copy. Translation is a specialist profession, not a word-for-word substitution. The target text must sound natural and be accurate in substance, whether the context is legal, commercial or otherwise.
Why the distinction matters
In practice, confusion sometimes arises. Someone asks for a “translation” of a conversation when they actually need an interpreter. Or they look for an “interpreter for a contract” when a written translation is what they need.
The rule of thumb is simple: interpreters deal with spoken communication; translators deal with written texts.
A final word
I work as a sworn Dutch-English translator and am happy to help translate official documents, business texts and personal documents. If you need an interpreter, I will gladly refer you to a specialist colleague.
Would you like to know more? Please email the contact page.