Buying property in Germany as a foreigner can be an exciting but complex process—especially when you’re not fluent in German. One essential part of this journey is the notary appointment, which is a legal requirement for all real estate transactions in Germany. If you don’t speak German, you’ll need a qualified notary interpreter to assist you. Here’s what you need to know about notary interpreting services in the districts of Barnim, Oberhavel, Märkisch-Oderland, and Berlin-Pankow, including major cities like Bernau, Oranienburg, Strausberg, and Berlin itself, which are the regions I serve primarily.

Why Is a Notary Interpreter Needed?

When a non-German speaker purchases property in Germany, a notary is legally required to ensure that the buyer fully understands the contract. According to § 16 BeurkG (Beurkundungsgesetz – German Notarization Act), the notary must order an interpreter if one of the parties does not understand German sufficiently. This is not a formality—it’s a legal obligation to protect all parties involved.

While the notary orders the interpreter, it’s usually the client’s responsibility to find and pay for a certified interpreter. You can search for officially authorized legal interpreters in Germany via the official interpreter database:
👉 justiz-dolmetscher.de/Recherche/en

You can also just send me an email.

What Happens at a Notary Appointment?

Here’s a step-by-step overview of a typical real estate appointment involving a notary interpreter:

1. Reading the Purchase Contract
   The notary reads the entire purchase contract aloud in German, including all legal conditions and agreements between buyer and seller.

2. Reading the Land Charge Document
   If the purchase is financed through a bank, the notary also reads out the registration of the land charge (Grundschuldbestellung), which secures the bank’s interest in the property.

3. Interpretation
   The interpreter reads out everything in English (or the client’s native language, if available), ensuring full understanding.

4. Time for Questions
   The notary gives both sides the chance to clarify unclear questions. Since clients usually get a draft of the contract in advance, they can bring their questions to the appointment and ask them with the help of the interpreter.

1. Signing the Contract
   Once both parties confirm understanding, the contract is signed in the presence of the notary and interpreter.

Consecutive vs. Simultaneous Interpreting

There are two main ways notary interpreting can be conducted:

1. Consecutive Interpreting

This is the most common method. The notary reads a section in German, and then the interpreter reads it again in English. This doubles the length of the appointment and usually costs more, since notaries often charge by the hour.

2. Simultaneous Interpreting (Whispering or “Chuchotage”)

The interpreter whispers the translation in real-time as the notary reads the contract. This method allows the appointment to proceed at the usual pace and is often more cost-effective, especially if the interpreter is experienced in legal terminology.

What’s my primary service area?

My interpreting services cover a wide area in Brandenburg and northern Berlin, including:

• Barnim (e.g., Bernau, Eberswalde)

• Oberhavel (e.g., Oranienburg, Hennigsdorf)

• Märkisch-Oderland (e.g., Strausberg, Bad Freienwalde)

• Berlin-Pankow and nearby boroughs

Whether you’re buying your dream home in Bernau, investing in property in Strausberg, or moving into a new flat in Berlin-Pankow, we can provide experienced interpreters to support your notary appointment.

Fees

Don’t let language barriers delay your property transaction. I’m an official authorized interpreter and translator for the courts and notaries of Berlin for the English language and familiar with the notarization process and real estate terminology. You can check my entry in the official interpreter database here.

 My fees for a notary appointment are based on half-day rates of EUR 400 (net) plus a travel fee of 50-100 EUR, depending on the distance.

If you have any questions, just send me an email.