Glossary of Terms

Attested translation

Attested translation, or certified translation is a revised translation made by a duly authorised entity from a source language deed qualifying as document, with consideration to the contents and formal elements of the document, and the internal regulations of the authorized entity applicable to the translation of documents, which truly reflects the contents of the source language document, and is thus appropriate for use in official procedures with the same effect as the source language deed.

Proofreading

Comparison of the revised (technically and linguistically edited and corrected) copy of the translation with the fair copy.

Extra copy

Preparation of additional copy/copies of identical value of the attested translation (of the combination of the original document and the translation attached in accordance with the rules). Extra copies can only be made if the attested translation affixed to the source language document is available.

“Solo” copy

If the (source language) document already translated is not available, OFFI may issue an independent (so-called “solo”) copy based on the “in-house” copy of the translation prepared earlier and kept on archive. The text of the “solo” copy corresponds word-for-word to the text of the attested translation issued earlier, including the authentication clause. The scope of official use of such copies is limited.

Basic document

Personal status documents (certificates of birth, marriage and death, certificates of criminal record, driver’s license, passport, ID card, official residence card, military ID card, apostille).

Technical text

Texts in the field of particular branches of science, profession or technical area which cannot be translated without specific knowledge of the given subject. Note that ‘technical’ does not only mean ‘technological’ – texts in the field of medicine, environment, accounting, etc. are also technical.

Revision of translation prepared by the client

Also known as editing, revision is the linguistic and technical checking and correction of the translation prepared by the client or another translator.

Apostille

Official certificate, issued under The Hague Convention, for the abolishing of Consular, foreign service or diplomatic legalization (see the link and the website of the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice).