English to German translation
Move your ideas from English to German, with room for the details that matter.
AI translation can make mistakes. Review important content. How your text is processed ↗
Getting English to German right
Use clear subjects and avoid ambiguous idioms. In the translated result, review noun capitalization, compound words, and formal Sie versus informal du.
English to German: make the relationship and request clear
English often leaves information unstated that a German translation must express. Before translating an email, identify who is speaking, who will receive it and whether the relationship is formal. A complete sentence gives the translator more evidence than a heading or an isolated verb.
Resolve “you” before reviewing the result
English “you” can address one person or several, formally or informally. German distinguishes du, ihr and formal Sie. “Can you send the file?” could become “Kannst du die Datei schicken?” or “Können Sie die Datei schicken?” Both can express the request, but suit different relationships. Check that pronouns and verb endings stay consistent throughout the message.
Check compounds and sentence boundaries
German commonly joins nouns into compounds. An English phrase split across a heading and a caption may lose that relationship when translated separately. Translate the complete phrase, then review capitalization and readability. For longer sentences, check which action belongs to which person; German word order may move part of a verb toward the end without changing the meaning.
Keep amounts and deadlines unambiguous
Do not assume that a translated number or date has the same interpretation. Compare the original amount, currency and unit with the result. For a deadline, write a month name and include the time zone when necessary. Preserve product identifiers and names exactly unless an established German form is intended.
Questions about this language pair
Should a first business email use Sie?
Sie is a common starting point for formal correspondence. Follow the recipient’s established preference or your organization’s style instead of treating it as an absolute rule.
Can a literal German translation sound unnatural?
Yes. Review the intended request as a whole, especially English idioms and short instructions. Keeping every source word is not the same as preserving the message.
Practical guides for your next translation
A simple review workflow
- Paste a complete thought in English; avoid isolated words when context matters.
- Translate to German and check that names, figures, dates, and links remain accurate.
- Read the result for your intended audience. Keep terminology and tone consistent.
Common questions
Can I translate German back to English?
Yes. Use the swap control or visit the reverse translation page. Back-translation can reveal issues but does not prove accuracy.
Does this provide certified German translation?
No. This is machine translation for understanding and drafting. Official documents may need a qualified translator and specific certification.
Can I translate a English document?
Select the file tab to extract text from TXT, DOCX or text-based PDF, then translate it into German. Layout is not preserved.