I’m Gerhard, a senior translator, copywriter and editor with a focus on German-language marketing.
Boost your sales in Germany,
Switzerland and Austria!
My languages:
German
Danish
English
Norwegian
Swedish
I’m a multi-skilled, experienced and reliable marketing linguist with in-depth cultural knowledge of Germany, Scandinavia and the English-speaking world.
My experience includes 25+ years of translation, 10 years of project management across northern European borders and 4 years in an ad agency in Denmark. Throughout my career, I have translated more than 25,000 pages (7.5 million words) and contributed texts and translations to
numerous corporate websites, brochures, magazines, manuals etc. as well as twelve non-fiction books. I’m also a skilled copywriter, copyeditor and concept developer in marketing and advertising – committed to client needs, budgets, media and target audiences.
Combining Technology With Human Intelligence
I’ve been using computer-aided translation (CAT) tools since I first started my business in 1997. They help me achieve consistency and terminological correctness, especially when working on larger projects. I integrate machine translation (MT), enhanced by AI, into my workflow whenever it helps achieve a project’s goals. But I never let a machine have the last word!
If your marketing and advertising is supposed to resonate with real people, there’s no better way than to speak to them in a deeply human, compassionate voice.
Technology is great for speeding up processes and enhancing precision, but it will never move your customers the way human intelligence does. It’s all about people in the end.
My Services
Want to sell more and improve your customer relations in Germany, Switzerland, Austria? Let me help you reach your audience in perfect German!
Translation & Transcreation
Copywriting
Editing
Non-Fiction Books
FAQs
How much does a marketing translation cost?
Pricing is determined either by word in the source text or by time consumption, depending on how strongly your copy needs to be adapted or transcreated. Some subject matters require extra research which may influence the cost. I can usually offer you a fixed price if you submit your source texts along with a creative brief.
How long will it take to translate my text?
This largely depends on the volume and on the nature and complexity of your project. As a rule of thumb, I can provide between 2,000 and 3,000 translated words per weekday.
What is the difference between translation and transcreation?
Any marketing translation incorporates some degree of cultural adaptation and hence, a creative element. Taking it a step further, transcreation is a blend between translation and copywriting – this is recommended for most forms of advertising and whenever you’re trying to address very specific target groups.
Do you offer post-editing of automatically translated texts?
Yes. Manually editing AI or machine translated texts is often the last resort for translation projects ‘gone wrong’. Send me your source and target texts, and I’ll make you an offer based on the project’s volume and the extent of expected changes to be made.
Who handles the translations?
I do. I’ll create your German texts based on your English, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian source materials. What’s more, I’ll involve a competent freelance colleague from my network as editor or proofreader.
How do you ensure the quality of the German translation?
I ensure the quality by using industry-standard CAT tools and a three-step process: 1) translation, 2) bilingual editing and 3) proofreading of the German target text. Any translation or adaptation you order from we will be reviewed by at least two qualified linguists, one of them being me.
Do you have experience in my industry?
I have 25+ years of experience, with a focus on these industries: furniture and home design, general B2B services, software as a service (SaaS), architecture and construction materials, engineering, machines and electronics, apparel and lifestyle, travel and tourism. I also translate non-fiction books, ranging from art and history to popular science and self-help books (see my publications here).
What file formats can you work with?
Most digital file formats are fine, from text processors like MS Word to web exports in XML or HTML to design tools like Adobe InDesign. I’ll convert your files into a loss-free translatable format and back to their original formats for delivery.
Can you translate SEO-optimized texts?
Yes. I’ll integrate your desired keywords in the target texts, as long as you point them out to me. However, some research may be necessary to find the keywords and expressions that work best with a German-speaking audience, based on their culture and needs.
Do you use translation memories or glossaries?
Yes. I use a variety of CAT tools, including client-specific translation memories and terminology databases. If you have your own glossary or multilingual term list, make sure to provide them with your order.
How does the translation process work?
The translation process comprises three steps: 1) initial translation, 2) bilingual editing, 3) proofreading in German. Any translation or adaptation you order from we will be reviewed by at least two qualified linguists, one of them being me.
Can I ask questions or make changes during the project?
Yes. Although it’s best to send me finalized copy for translation, I’m always ready to answer your queries and incorporate changes as necessary. Your initial order will form the basis for billing, and amends will be charged extra by volume or time consumption.
Do you also offer editing or copywriting services?
Yes, I do. For any form of editing or proofreading, please see here. For copywriting in German, please see this page.
Can you adapt my texts for different target audiences?
Yes. Name your target group(s) by age, education, profession and any other demographic data or special features, and we’ll devise a plan on how to address them.
How do you handle sensitive data?
All materials you submit to me for processing or as reference will be treated confidentially and never shared with third parties. The processing of personal information is governed by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Please also refer to my Privacy policy.
Human Intelligence for Your Campaign
- Exceed the generic.
- Add the human touch to your marcomms.
- Talk to real people in their own language.
