2_2_DiscoverGermany_March2014_Issue12:Scan Magazine 1
14/2/14
18:02
Page 54
Discover Germany | Business | tolingo
Translations on the click of a button tolingo translation services are available online in 220 language combinations 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Instant quotes, quick turnaround times and high quality results are delivered with a personal touch. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: TOLINGO
In 2008 Hanno von der Decken started an online translation web shop, a small student project which quickly grew into Germany’s second largest online translation provider. Roughly 300 texts are sent to German clients daily.“If only my former English teacher could see me now,”van der Decken says with a smile as he confesses why they set up the company:“It was never particularly about the languages. As students we just wanted to make some money and start a website.“ Today’s client list is an impressive read including the lifestyle products retail chain Butlers and travel giant TUI. Short text messages between two love birds or highly complicated construction manuals for high tech industry giants are all part of the daily business.“Our clients literally grew with the company. Whereas in the beginning we translated love letters or job applications for students, today we mainly deal with high quality corporate communi-
54 | Issue 12 | March 2014
cation including legal, medical or technical texts. Product descriptions or user manuals are also a big part of our portfolio. At the super complex end we deal with manuals for biogas plants and even Ukrainian planning permissions.” A pool of 6,000 certified translators, covering more than 54 languages, ensure that every niche is catered for including specific financial, legal, medical, or scientific issues. Clients appreciate the quick turnaround time of just three hours as well as the efficient quality control process, as every job is checked by a second translator.“You need about 100 translators to cover all the specific areas of just one language combination, ”von der Decken explains.“More than two thirds of our services are completed in six classic language combinations including English, German and French.“ But even the most exotic language combinations can
be dealt with, although things can occasionally be a little tricky. Religious reasons interfered with a project for an Arabic escort service brochure, while in-depth knowhow of coffee roasting was required for a Portuguese job, and for gaming industry clients it is crucial to master certain insider terminology. But rest assured: with tolingo absolutely nothing gets lost in translation! www.tolingo.com
5% discount for Discover Germany readers on all translations. Simply order via e-mail to discover@tolingo.com by 30 April 2014.