Studying translation – is it worthwhile?
In a world where you can get DeepL or ChatGPT to translate a long text with just a few clicks, you may ask yourself why anyone would want to get a degree in translation. The answer is simple: translation is more than just words and probabilities.
So why study translation?
At first glance, translations generated by AI solutions such as DeepL or ChatGPT, look good. And the speed is just amazing. No human translator could ever work that fast. But if you take a closer look, the quality is often less than impressive. A good translation is a lot more than individual words being transferred into another language.
The misconception that all you need to become a professional translator is to speak two languages fluently is reinforced by the fact that anyone can call themselves a translator. What is often underestimated though, is that translation is about transferring a message and an effect from one language into another. Swapping words without considering the context just will not do. The ISO 17100 standard for translation services defines the competences a professional translator needs.
Language skills are indispensable – but they are just part of it. A professional translator needs a whole range of skills: from cultural knowledge, technical expertise and research skills to terminology management and practical translation strategies. Knowing how to use tools is also key: For decades now, translators haven’t just worked with MS Word and a dictionary: CAT tools (computer-assisted translation) are also part of the process.
A translation degree will cover all of these aspects.
Which German universities offer programmes in translation studies?
The usual route to becoming a translator is through a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. The choice of university is determined by the required language combination. If you want to study translation for English, French and Spanish, you have the widest choice of academic institutions. When it comes to specialisations, making the right decision can be a little more confusing. Technical translation is just one option, but you may prefer literary translation or translation for the media. Here’s an overview:
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
Translation Studies – Bachelor
Translation, Communication, Language Technology – Master
Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian
Highlights: Wide choice of languages, dual degrees possible
Translation (B.A.)
Translatology (M.A.)
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Arabic (M.A. only); and optional languages: Galician, Catalan, Basque, Portuguese, Russian, Czech
Highlights: Wide choice of languages (also minority languages), flexible options
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (Germersheim)
Translation (B.A.)
Translation (M.A.)
Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Modern Greek, Dutch, Polish, Turkish
Highlights: Wide choice of languages and many combinations possible, many options
Language Science (B.A.)
Translation Science and Technology (M.A.)
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian
Highlights: Strong technology focus rather than practical translation
Multilingual Communication (B.A.)
Multilingual Specialised Communication and Specialised Translation (M.A.)
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish
Highlights: obligatory semester abroad or internship, focus topics in the B.A. programme
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Specialised Translation (B.A.)
Specialised Translation with Media Translation (M.A.)
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish Italian/Swedish possible
Highlights: B.A.: only for students at the Bavarian college for language careers; M.A.: Focus on Technology, Pharmaceutics and Medicine
International Communication and Translation (B.A.)
International Technical Communication – Languages and Technology (M.A.)
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish
Highlights: obligatory semester abroad, wide range of options
The bottom line
Compared with other fields, the range of translation degree programmes is limited. But the variety between the individual courses shows that translation is so much more than mastering a language, and that translators learn competences that AI lacks. If you would like to pursue a career in translating, one of the courses above could take you there. A degree is the best possible start into a translation career.
For more than 25 years, Peschel Communications has been providing first-in-class language services. Do you need a translation, proofreading, voice-over or interpreter? Let us tell you how!
