Translations, interpreting and proofreading

Do you need a professional translation, reliable interpreting, or a linguistically flawless text? Our translation, interpreting, and language proofreading services ensure accuracy, consistent quality, and linguistic confidence in every situation. Whether you are working with technical documents, preparing for an important meeting, or want to ensure that your text looks as professional as possible, we are ready to provide a solution that meets your needs.

Choose from the services offered below. On each page, you will not only find more detailed information, but you can also request a non-binding quote for the service you require

Why choose PELICAN?

Experienced team

Do you need an apostille, superlegalization, or certification? We can advise you. Do you need an interpreter for the registry office or interpreting equipment for a conference? We can arrange it.

Wide range of languages

We work with 40 languages, and our colleagues are located all over the world, wherever PELICAN flies.

Fast turnaround

The standard turnaround time is 3 business days, but we can also handle express orders within 24 hours upon agreement.

Free price estimate

Simply fill out the inquiry form on the specific product page and submit it. We will contact you shortly with a price quote for the service you requested.

General translations FAQs

What types of translations do you offer?

We offer professional translations of general and specialist texts. We provide commercial, technical, legal, and marketing translations, as well as official (certified) translations of documents. Each translation is handled by an experienced translator specializing in the given field.

What is an official (certified) translation?

An official translation is a translation prepared by a court interpreter and bearing a clause and stamp. This type of translation is required, for example, by authorities, courts, universities, or when communicating with foreign institutions.

How does the translation order work?

Simply send us the document by email or via the contact form. Based on the scope and type of text, we will prepare a price quote and delivery date for you. Once approved, we will begin working on the translation.

How much does a translation cost?

The price of a translation depends on the language combination, the technical complexity of the text, its length, and the required delivery date. For certified translations, the price may vary depending on the type of document. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding price quote.

How long does it take to process a translation?

The delivery date depends on the length and complexity of the text. Shorter documents can often be processed within a few working days. For more extensive or specialized translations, the delivery date is determined on an individual basis. The standard turnaround time is 3 working days.

Do you also provide professional translations?

Yes, we specialize in professional translations in the fields of law, economics, technology, healthcare, and marketing. Professional translations require not only linguistic accuracy, but also knowledge of the terminology of the given field.

Are my documents safe during translation?

The confidentiality of documents is a matter of course for us. We process all translations with the utmost emphasis on the protection of sensitive data and can conclude a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) upon request.

Do you also provide express translations?

If necessary, we offer express translations with shorter delivery times, e.g. within 24 hours or the next day. The availability of this service depends on the length of the text and the current capacity of our translators.

Professional translations FAQs

What languages do you translate into?

We translate in both directions between more than 40 world languages. We can provide translations by native speakers into major European languages, as well as less common languages such as Finnish, Arabic, or Korean. We also translate between foreign languages.

How much will I pay for the translation? Can you determine the final price in advance?

The price varies depending on the language combination. Another key factor in determining the price is the length of the text. The final number of characters, known as standard pages, is calculated, with 1 standard page being 1,800 characters including spaces. Based on the original document, we can give you our best estimate, but the final price will only be clear once the translation has been completed. To give you a better idea, we offer the option of a preliminary non-binding calculation.

What is a standard page and how does it differ from a physical page?

The volume of text contained in individual documents (physical pages) varies. Some contain only a few words, while others are covered in small print from edge to edge. Logically, therefore, one document requires more work than another. To make billing easier, the number of characters written is counted, not the number of physical pages. A standard page has 1,800 characters, including spaces. Sometimes you may encounter 1,500 characters without spaces or 250 words. In the Czech environment, the first option is the most common, and we work with it as well.

It is difficult to count characters on a printed original document, which is why standard pages of the translated text are counted for billing purposes.

At the same time, for procedural reasons, the minimum billing is always 1 standard page.

Why is the translation in a foreign language longer than the original Czech version?

This does not apply in all cases, but in most of them, the Czech original tends to become longer when translated into a foreign language. Thanks to Czech grammar, we can inflect words in such a way that they easily express our idea in a linguistically economical way. Czech does not use definite and indefinite articles, which also makes a significant difference compared to, for example, English or other Germanic or Romance languages.

From our experience, we have observed that the growth coefficient is approximately 1.1 for Polish and Russian, approximately 1.2 for English and German, 1.4 for Spanish and Italian, and up to 1.5 for French.

I am afraid that the information contained in the document will be misused. Can you guarantee that it will remain secure?

Don’t worry. Document handling is confidential in accordance with GDPR regulations, and this commitment is also included in our terms and conditions. However, if you request it, we can also enter into a confidentiality agreement.

I'm in a hurry with the translation. When will it be ready?

We will begin working on the translation immediately after receiving the deposit. The standard turnaround time is 3 business days, with an average text volume of 6 standard pages per day. For longer texts, the turnaround time may increase proportionally. Conversely, we also offer express turnaround times. For delivery within 2 business days, the express surcharge is 30% of the price, and for delivery by the next day, it is 50%. If you need the translation on the same day, the surcharge is 100%.

Do you use artificial intelligence (AI) for translations?

Artificial intelligence is booming, and although it often serves us well, in our experience it cannot match a native speaker who is an expert in the field. Classic translations are therefore carried out by native speakers who are experienced translators with knowledge of the subject matter being translated.

In cases where the volume of text to be translated is very large, the customer is in a hurry, or wants to save money, we can also offer AI translation. This is a process in which the text is translated by machine, but is then also read through and fine-tuned by a native speaker.

You decide whether you want a traditional or machine translation.

Certified translations FAQs

What languages do you translate into?

We provide certified translations from Czech into nearly 40 languages. We also translate from other languages into Czech and between foreign languages. Please contact us for detailed information.

My diploma is in Latin. Can you translate that too?

Yes. We can provide certified translations from Latin into Czech or other languages.

How much will I pay for the translation? Can you determine the final price in advance?

The price varies depending on the language combination. Another key factor in determining the price is the length of the text. The final number of characters, known as standard pages, is calculated, with 1 standard page being 1,800 characters including spaces. Based on the original document, we can give you our best estimate, but the final price will only be clear after the translation has been completed. Documents with a small amount of text are an exception. If it is clear that it will not exceed 1,800 characters, the minimum unit will be charged, i.e. 1 standard page/document. To give you a better idea, we offer the option of a preliminary non-binding calculation.

What is a standard page and how does it differ from a physical page?

The volume of text contained in individual documents (physical pages) varies. Some contain only a few words, while others are covered in small print from edge to edge. Logically, therefore, one document requires more work than another. To make billing easier, the number of characters written is counted, not the number of physical pages. A standard page has 1,800 characters, including spaces. Sometimes you may encounter 1,500 characters without spaces or 250 words. In the Czech environment, the first option is the most common, and we work with it as well.

It is difficult to count characters on a printed original document, which is why standard pages of the translated text are counted for billing purposes.

At the same time, for procedural reasons, the minimum billing is always 1 standard page.

I did the translation myself. Can you just stamp it for me?

Unfortunately, we cannot do that. A court translator is responsible for the choice of words and the accuracy of the translation, and therefore it is solely up to them to produce the translation and then affix their clause and stamp.

Can you translate my documents in your office while I wait?

Translators participate in various interpreting assignments and are also involved in other matters, which is why they are not always present at our office. Under certain circumstances, we may be able to prepare a translation within a few hours. However, this is not possible during a single visit to our office.

You can bring the document or its certified copy to us in person or send it by post. The finished certified translation will then be ready for collection, or we can send it back to you by courier service.

The standard turnaround time is 3 business days, or sooner upon agreement.

I'm in a hurry with the translation. When will it be ready?

We will begin working on the translation immediately after receiving the deposit. The standard turnaround time is 3 business days, with an average text volume of 6 standard pages per day. For longer texts, the turnaround time may increase proportionally. Conversely, we also offer express turnaround times. For delivery within 2 business days, the express surcharge is 30% of the price, and for delivery by the next day, it is 50%. If you need the translation on the same day, the surcharge is 100%.

Can you make a certified copy of the document?

Issuing certified copies is not within our competence. However, we can obtain a certified copy from a notary on your behalf if you entrust us with the original document. A certified copy cannot be issued from a document other than the original, bearing stamps and signatures.

I am afraid that the information contained in the document will be misused. Can you guarantee that it will remain secure?

Don’t worry. Document handling is confidential in accordance with GDPR regulations, and this commitment is also included in our terms and conditions. However, if you request it, we can also enter into a confidentiality agreement.

Interpreting FAQs

What types of events do you interpret at?

We interpret at all types of events – conferences, seminars, training sessions, workshops, business meetings, press conferences, trade fairs, cultural and social events, and online events. We also interpret at events that require court interpreting, such as at the registry office, weddings, interrogations, notarial deeds, and other proceedings with public authorities.

When do I need a court interpreting service?

You need a court interpreter when you are participating in official or legal proceedings and one of the parties does not understand Czech sufficiently. Typically, this involves court and administrative proceedings, police interrogations, dealings with authorities, notarial acts, asylum and immigration proceedings, or other situations where officially authorized interpretation is required. Interpreting at weddings and registry offices is also in high demand.

Do you have interpreting equipment available?

Yes. In cooperation with verified suppliers, we can provide complete interpreting equipment according to the type of event – for example, interpreting booths, wireless receivers and headphones for listeners, microphones, transmitters, and equipment for online interpreting.

Is one interpreter sufficient for a full day of conference interpreting?

In most cases, no. For full-day conferences, it is standard practice to have at least two interpreters who take turns during the interpreting. Interpreting requires a high level of concentration, and the cooperation of several interpreters ensures that the entire event runs smoothly, reliably, and to a high standard.

What are chuchotage, consecutive, and simultaneous interpreting? What is the difference between them?

There are three basic forms of interpreting, which differ in method and use:

  • Whispered interpreting (chichotage) is simultaneous interpreting whispered directly to one or two listeners, without technology. It is suitable for smaller meetings or accompanying individuals.
  • Consecutive interpreting involves the speaker speaking in short segments and the interpreter then interpreting the content. It is used in meetings, training sessions, and press conferences.
  • Simultaneous interpreting takes place at the same time as the speaker’s speech, usually using interpreting equipment. It is typical for conferences, congresses, and larger international events.

The main difference lies in the timing of the interpreting, the equipment used, and the suitability for different types of events.

Proofreading FAQs

What languages do you proofread?

We can proofread more than 40 languages. We can provide proofreading by native speakers of major European languages, as well as less common languages such as Finnish, Arabic, and Korean. Proofreading in Czech is a matter of course.

How much will I pay for proofreading? Can you determine the final price in advance?

Yes, we can quote a price for proofreading immediately. The main criterion for determining the price is the length of the text provided. We count the number of characters, known as standard pages, with 1 standard page being 1,800 characters including spaces. The price for proofreading 1 standard page then varies depending on the language and format in which we receive the text. An editable format (e.g., .doc) is ideal for our work and therefore the cheapest. A higher price will be set, for example, for handwritten, poorly legible documents. To give you a better idea, we offer the option of a preliminary, non-binding calculation.

I'm in a hurry to proofread it. When will it be ready?

We will begin proofreading immediately after receiving your deposit. The standard turnaround time is 3 working days, with an average text volume of 20 standard pages per day. For longer texts, the turnaround time may increase proportionally. Conversely, we also offer express turnaround times. For turnaround within 2 business days, the express surcharge is 30% of the price; for turnaround by the next day, it is 50%. If you need the translation on the same day, the surcharge is 100%.

I am afraid that the information contained in the document will be misused. Can you guarantee that it will remain secure?

Don’t worry. Document handling is confidential in accordance with GDPR regulations, and this commitment is also included in our terms and conditions. If you request it, we can enter into a confidentiality agreement.

The translation was done by an online translator. Could you just proofread it for me?

Translations done using free online tools are often of poor quality. Some words may be used incorrectly, and the sentence structure may be awkward and incomprehensible. This means that the proofreader ultimately has more work to do than with a direct translation. We therefore reserve the right to refuse to proofread such texts.

Any questions? We are ready to help you.

Please do not hesitate to contact our translation coordinator.

ALICE NOCIAROVÁ
E: nociarova@skolapelican.com
T: +420 774 742 296