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Frequently Asked Questions

Which languages do you offer?

From the service: Take a Translator

All interpreters speak fluent German and English. It might also be possible to find an interpreter who offers another language pair – just ask.

Do all appointments cost the same amount?

From the service: Take a Translator

No, it depends on a few things.

If it’s a fairly standard type of appointment (e.g. foreigner’s office, Bürgeramt, etc) and you don’t need someone with any specific qualification or specialisation area, then the cost won’t change.

Sometimes I might be dealing with complex information, legal content, or a topic area for which I need to do a bit of advance preparation. Or, the office you’re visiting needs you to bring a court-sworn interpreter. If that’s the case, the fee might be a little bit or a lot higher.

Who will come with me to my appointment?

From the service: Take a Translator

It’ll either be me (Kathleen Parker) or one of my colleagues. We are all fluent in German and English and have accompanied many many people to their appointments at the Ausländerbehörde, Standesamt, Bürgeramt, Finanzamt, Jugendamt, Mieterverein, rental agency, Kita,  business meeting, IKEA (yes, we can come shopping with you too!), etc. Some of us are court-sworn.

I’ll always choose the interpreter that I feel is best qualified to handle your appointment.

I need a court-sworn interpreter. Are you qualified?

From the service: Take a Translator

I don’t have that qualification but I work with interpreters who do. Send me the details and I’ll get you a quote.

Should I have a confirmed appointment with the office I want to visit before I book with Red Tape Translation?

From the service: Take a Translator

It’s not a must, but if you can, you will save yourself time and money. Booking an appointment ensures that the office will be open, that you will be in the right place and that we won’t have to stand in line.

If you’re not sure where to go or how to get an appointment in the first place, get Red Tape Translation to help you. I’ll find out which office is responsible for your case and book you the next available appointment for 10 EUR.

How will I meet you before my scheduled appointment?

From the service: Take a Translator

Once you have booked and paid for Red Tape Translation, I will send you an email with everything you need to know. Interpreters wear Red Tape Translation badges, and you’ll always have each other’s mobile number in case something goes wrong.

Do I always need to show up in person, or can you take care of things for me?

From the service: Take a Translator

In some instances, I can take care of things for you from start to finish. This is useful for registering your address or getting a parking permit. Call or write for more information.

My Schengen Visa expires before the next available appointment. What should I do?

From the service: Take a Translator

Show up at least two hours before the doors to the building open and wait in line. Take coffee. An interpreter will meet you shortly before the doors open. Talk to Red Tape Translation about the most cost-efficient way to do this.

My residency expires before the next available appointment. What should I do?

From the service: Take a Translator

Read this blog article.

I can’t wait for an appointment time because my issue is urgent.

From the service: Take a Translator

That’s fine. Just keep in mind that there is no guarantee on how long it will take waiting in line. Here’s some good news: Red Tape Translation is currently capping costs after the fifth hour for walk-ins at the Ausländerbehörde.

How long is it likely to take on the day?

From the service: Take a Translator

It’s hard to say… if you have an appointment, it takes somewhere between 50-90 minutes on average for most public office appointments. Without an appointment, it’s anyone’s guess. But I do cap Ausländerbehörde appointments at five hours – if it takes longer than five hours in one day, you stop paying.

Can I walk in without an appointment and text you once I know exactly when I need an interpreter?

From the service: Take a Translator

You will have no way of knowing when your waiting number will flash up. Plus, you’ll need to speak to someone in German and show your documents just to get a waiting number in the first place. Finally, we need to plan our day out in advance so we can help other people, too. So we can’t wait on stand-by and guarantee someone will be free.

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  • Kathleen's knowledge of the German unemployment system was so helpful and we would have been lost without her!

    Teso P., San Diego, CA

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