GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Scope of Application
(1) These General Terms and Conditions apply to all business transactions between the translator/interpreter and the client, unless otherwise explicitly agreed or mandatorily stipulated by law. By placing an order, the client acknowledges these terms, which apply for the entire duration of the business relationship, even if they are not explicitly referred to again for each individual assignment. They also apply to future transactions. Clients may be legal entities or natural persons. (2) The client’s own terms and conditions are only binding if explicitly acknowledged by the translator/interpreter.
(2) Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen des Auftraggebers sind für den Übersetzer/ Dolmetscher nur verbindlich, wenn wir sie ausdrücklich anerkannt haben. - Scope of the Assignment
The assignment will be executed diligently in accordance with proper professional conduct. The client receives the agreed version of the translation/interpreting service. - Client's Duty to Cooperate and Provide Information
(1) The client must inform the translator/interpreter in good time of any specific requirements for the execution of the translation (e.g. format, delivery medium, number of copies, print-readiness) or interpreting service (e.g. technical equipment on site, type of interpreting, date and location of the event). If the translation is intended for publication, the client must provide a proof copy in good time so that the translator can correct any errors. The client is responsible for checking names and numbers. For interpreting assignments, the client must provide appropriate briefing materials at least one to two weeks prior to the event.
(2) The client shall, without being asked and in a timely manner, provide all information and documentation necessary for the translation (e.g. terminology, illustrations, drawings, tables, abbreviations, internal terms, etc.) at the time the order is placed.
(3) The translator/interpreter shall not be held liable for errors or delays resulting from a lack of or delayed delivery of information or instructions.
(4) Errors resulting from non-compliance with these obligations are not the responsibility of the translator/interpreter.
(5) The client is responsible for ensuring they hold the rights to a text and that it may be translated. The client shall indemnify the translator/interpreter from any claims by third parties in this regard. - Execution by Third Parties
The translator/interpreter may use qualified third parties to carry out assignments if this is deemed useful or appropriate. Such third parties are required to maintain confidentiality as per Section 17. We are liable for the selection of these third parties. The contractual relationship exists solely between us and the client. Direct contact between the client and the third party requires our explicit consent. - Order Placement
An order is considered placed when confirmed in writing by us or the client. For efficiency, orders may also be placed by email, telephone, or in person. However, oral orders must be subsequently confirmed in writing by the client. Misunderstandings resulting from oral orders are the responsibility of the client. - Delivery Deadlines
Delivery deadlines are stated to the best of our knowledge and are generally observed, but are always considered approximate. A delivery is considered complete once the translation has been dispatched to the client. - Quotes and Prices
All quotes and prices are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are stated in euros unless another currency is agreed upon. Prices are net, with no deductions. No VAT is charged (per §19(1) UStG).
7.1 Translation
Quoted prices are per translated word or line. A line contains a maximum of 55 characters including spaces. A minimum fee applies if the total cost based on the agreed rate falls below a set minimum. For large projects, an appropriate advance may be requested. It may also be agreed in writing before the start of the assignment that delivery will only take place after full payment. Any transport costs due to client requests (courier, express, registered mail, etc.) will be charged. Certified translations, formatting, proofreading, terminology work, etc., are charged separately based on effort or agreement. If the translation exceeds the agreed scope or difficulty, or earlier delivery is required, we reserve the right to adjust the fee accordingly.
7.2 Interpreting
Travel time to and from the event location is billed at the same hourly rate as the interpreting service. Any travel expenses (transport, accommodation, meals, etc.) are borne by the client. The interpreter’s place of residence is considered the point of departure and return unless otherwise agreed. Overtime is charged at a 25% surcharge unless otherwise agreed. Partial hours are charged as full hours, and partial days as full days. - Payment Terms
Fees are payable by private and business clients within 14 days of receipt of the invoice unless otherwise agreed. If an order is cancelled, we reserve the right to charge cancellation fees and lost revenue of up to 100% of the agreed fee. For prepaid assignments, work only begins upon receipt of payment. If payment is delayed, bank-standard interest rates apply. If payment by direct debit is agreed and the account lacks funds, the client is responsible for any resulting fees. - Urgent Orders
For assignments requiring overtime (evenings, nights, weekends), a surcharge of up to 50% may be applied. This is determined on a case-by-case basis by mutual agreement. - Cancellation of Translation and Interpreting Assignments
If a translation order is cancelled without contractual justification, the client must pay for services rendered and any costs incurred. For interpreting jobs cancelled 14–7 days before the scheduled event, 50% of the fee is payable; for cancellations within 7 days, 100% is payable. Additional costs may apply. - Disruption, Force Majeure, Business Closures, Network and Server Failures, Viruses
We are not liable for damages caused by disruptions in our operations, especially due to force majeure (natural disasters, transportation issues, strikes, etc.), or other obstacles beyond our control. In such cases, we may withdraw from the contract in part or in full. When sending files by email or other remote methods, the client is responsible for final virus and data checks. We are not liable for damages caused by viruses, trojans, autodialers, or similar programs. - Liability
Complaints are only accepted if reported in writing immediately in the case of obvious defects or upon discovery in the case of hidden defects. If no written complaint is made within 7 days of delivery (for obvious defects) or discovery (for hidden defects), the service is considered accepted. If a valid defect is reported within the deadline, we reserve the right to remedy it. If correction fails, the client may demand a price reduction or cancellation. Further claims, especially for damages due to non-performance, are excluded. Liability is limited to the value of the order. We are only liable for gross negligence or intent. We are not liable for issues caused by email transmission failures or viruses, unless they constitute gross negligence. - Shipping and Transmission
Delivery and electronic transmission are at the client's risk. We are not liable for incorrect or harmful transmission or loss of texts during electronic or postal delivery. - Delivery Delays and Withdrawal
The client may only withdraw from the contract if we have grossly exceeded a deadline and failed to deliver within a reasonable grace period set in writing. - Assignment of Rights
Assignment of contractual rights requires our written consent. - Retention of Title
(1) The translation remains our property until full payment is received. The client has no right of use until then.
(2) Copyright is reserved. - Confidentiality
We are obliged to keep all client-related information confidential. However, when transmitting texts electronically, we cannot guarantee complete protection against third-party access. Cooperation with colleagues who are also bound by confidentiality does not constitute a breach. - Data Protection
We strictly observe legal data protection regulations. Data provided is used solely for the necessary purpose. By providing personal or business data, the client consents to its storage and use under data protection law. We never sell or share client data with third parties. - Publication of Translations
A guarantee of print-readiness is only provided if:
• this requirement was clearly stated in writing beforehand, and
• proofs were submitted for content and linguistic review within a reasonable timeframe.
If these conditions are not met, any guarantee or liability claims are excluded. Liability for lost profits, unrealized savings, claims by third parties, and consequential damages is excluded.
20. Applicable Law
German law applies to the contract and all claims arising from it.
22. Severability Clause
If any provision is invalid, it shall be replaced by a valid one that most closely reflects the economic or legal intent.
bzw. dem rechtlichen und wirtschaftlichen Zweck am nächsten kommt.
22. Amendments and Additions
Changes and additions to these terms are only valid if agreed in writing. This also applies to changes to this written form requirement.