Apostille

Anyone wishing to use documents abroad, whether a birth certificate for marriage, a diploma for academic purposes, or a commercial register extract for business often requires an apostille. Introduced by the 1961 Hague Convention, the apostille is a simplified form of authentication that certifies the authenticity of a document. It replaces the complex process of diplomatic legalisation and ensures that documents are recognised in numerous countries.

While the apostille itself follows a standardised format, its translation poses significant challenges. Apostilles contain legal terminology, rare expressions, and official abbreviations that often lack direct equivalents in other legal systems. An inaccurate translation can lead to rejection by authorities causing delays, additional costs, and unnecessary complications.

The translation of an apostille into English, German, or Russian is particularly complex. Although English is widely used in international legal contexts, British, American, and international law differ considerably. Likewise, German and Russian authorities apply distinct legal terms and administrative structures. A phrase that is clear in Germany may cause misunderstandings in Russia or in English-speaking jurisdictions. This is why in-depth knowledge of legal systems is just as important as linguistic precision.

Nachtigal Services provides clients with accurate, certified translations of apostilles and related documents. As specialists in EN–DE–RU translations, we deliver linguistically precise and legally compliant translations for authorities, law firms, businesses, and private individuals.