Red Tape Translation

Tag Archive: interpreting berlin

Having Surgery in Berlin

by Leave a Comment

Coming to Germany for medical reasons can be scary. If you don’t speak German and you’re nervous about communicating with the hospital staff, have a chat to Red Tape Translation about having a German speaker around to help.

Red Tape Translation just finished a rather large and unique medical interpreting assignment. I was hired for almost three full time weeks by a patient traveling to Berlin for surgery at a private clinic in north-east Berlin. As well as interpreting German and English in every possible situation for the patient and the family, I assisted with organizing accommodation, transport, shopping, cleaning, and errand-running.

… Read More

Acknowledgement of Paternity in Berlin, Germany

by 9 Comments

Recognizing Paternity in Berlin

How to get the father of your baby on the German birth certificate if you’re not married

What is a Vaterschaftsanerkennung?

If you are not married to your partner and you are expecting a baby in Germany, you will have to acknowledge paternity for Germany to legally recognize the father of your baby. This is done through a legally binding document known as a Vaterschaftsanerkennung. The name of the father will then be printed on your child’s birth certificate.

… Read More

Life in Berlin: Merry Christmas from the Zollamt

by 2 Comments

Expecting Christmas presents from home? If you’re living in Berlin, or somewhere else in Germany, and are pining for Yuletide deliveries from Australia, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or any other non-EU area, pay attention. The European Union might have its own very special Christmas present in mind just for you: import tax.

It will take some trial and error, some grinding and gnashing of teeth, some unexpected bills and maybe some frustrating confrontations. Often, your well-meaning loved ones in foreign lands don’t realize that their lovingly prepared parcels can cause so much angst.

Here’s how it works

… Read More

Red Tape Translation: Clearing the Air in Your New German Apartment

by Leave a Comment

Red Tape Translation interprets for an appointment at a Berlin real estate agency and learns all about airing your apartment, German style.

The air was thick (but not stale!) with intensity as two Red Tape Translation clients picked up their pens, and signed the contract for their brand new Berlin apartment. Shortly before signing, we pored through the rental contract together and got to Appendix 3 – a 14 point list of instructions on how to heat and air your new apartment properly. Both bemused and bewildered by the thorough list of instructions, I decided to investigate further.

… Read More

German Phone or Skype Help by Red Tape Translation

by 1 Comment

Use Red Tape Translation to Make Important Phone Calls in German

Red Tape Translation just got a great rap in Elliot Herman’s blog, Lost in Translation. Kathleen was able to find a simple solution to a problem that was driving Elliot crazy. New apartment, new lights,new stove — installation necessary! Without speaking a word of German, Elliot was having a bit of difficulty getting an appointment with an electrician. Having tried Language Line, a telephone interpretation service, Elliot was floored to discover that the cost of using an interpreter there was as much as $3.95 per minute.

… Read More

How Red Tape Translation Berlin can help your Berlin Startup

by Leave a Comment

Berlin is a vibrant, multicultural hub of artistic genius and entrepreneurship. You knew that already, that’s why you’ve come here. Hundreds of exciting startups are establishing themselves in Berlin every year. The city is teeming with projects for writers, artists, actors, musicians, IT gurus, marketing specialists and young business practitioners. Bright and funky work environments in Mitte, Prenzlauerberg and Kreuzberg, Friday night drinks, Berlin events and parties, casual dress, flexible working hours, no hierarchy.

… Read More

Kerry Slashes Berlin Red Tape at Eleventh Hour

by Leave a Comment

Red Tape Translation talks to Kerry Kempton

Kerry from Australia loves Berlin. Originally from Melbourne, she’s been here since 2009 and never looked back. Kerry took a moment out of her busy schedule to talk to Kathleen Parker at Red Tape Translation about her previous experiences with immigration in Berlin at the Ausländerbehörde in Wedding.

An experienced and qualified travel agent and manager, Kerry holds two degrees and loads of business and management experience. Brimming with enthusiasm and confidence, she dove headfirst into life in Berlin and now speaks excellent German.

… Read More