Being a professional translator means continuing to learn for your entire career. Here are some ways to apply that concept to the services you offer your clients.
For people who speak and read multiple languages, a career as a translator can be a great way to market skills that they already have. But what if you feel like your German - or any other language you may speak, outside of your native tongue - isn’t strong enough for use in translation? Your initial idea may be to take German classes, but are those even available right now, given the pandemic that is keeping so many people in their homes and out of learning institutions? Do you even have the time and money for them?
Thankfully, you don’t have to take traditional classes to hone your language skills and improve your chances of becoming a successful translator. Here are some great ways to sharpen your German and land a job as a German translator - all from the comfort of your home!
Understand Grammar
One of the building blocks of understanding the German language is German grammar. Its mechanisms are different from English, and different from many of the romance languages that English speakers are often first exposed to via foreign language classes. Some new German students may find these grammar rules intimidating, but beginning with them will help you set a course for success from the start. Always focus on grammar as part of your skill-building routines to improve your understanding of the language and create a stronger foundation.
But Don’t Let Grammar Prevent Learning and Growth
While the above point is critically important, it should not prevent you from learning new terms and memorizing new phrases. Many times, new phrases in a second language - particularly in German - can come across as strange in their syntax. English to German translators often find themselves doubling back to think about what a sentence literally means before determining what it would say in the second language’s unique syntax.
Putting all of your emphasis on grammar and forgetting to simply learn new phrases as they come - and pick them apart grammatically later - can stifle your ability to grow as a German speaker. Don’t let grammar keep you and better German apart!
Switch Up Vocabulary in Familiar Settings
It may be tempting to recycle the same terminology over and over again while reviewing your German, but consider switching it up for better learning, improved vocabulary, and faster growth.
An example might be switching out the subject of your sentence - ‘Ich mag Pizza essen’ (I like eating pizza) instead of ‘Ich mag Bananen essen’ (I like eating bananas). The latter sentence might be part of your usual review repertoire, but switching out a single word can help the whole thing to stick in your mind that much more. It also helps you make sense of new words and old ones alike in scenarios that further build your understanding of the language and improve your skills.
Say It!
While you may want to work as a translator - and this typically involves working with written text - studies have shown that key aspects of memory retention are improved when terms are spoken aloud. This applies to just about anything you might be learning and is certainly true of learning a new language. Even if you prefer to speak your second language in private, it’s best to say things aloud so that you can better remember them and determine if you are making any critical errors.
Need someone to hear your spoken German but aren’t confident enough to speak directly to a native speaker? Instead of calling a German speaker on the phone or via a video call, elect to use one of many websites or applications that check for proper pronunciation. These are a great alternative for all you German-learning introverts out there!
Once you’ve got a solid handle on your German language skills, it’s time to market yourself as a translator. The best way to make a respectable living as a translator is to work freelance, keeping the highest percentage of your earnings for yourself. However, many freelancers find traditional advertising routes to be difficult and increasingly scarce; people just don’t browse local classified ads like they used to!
If you’re looking for a way to have your freelance lifestyle and profit from it too, consider partnering with an online platform designed to bring together clients and contractors. These sites will help match you to clients who are looking for German translators and ensure that they find professionals whose skills are worth their money - a win-win for everyone involved!
You really can make a living with your language skills. All it takes is a dedication to continued learning and a little industry know-how, and soon, you’ll be earning good money from your knowledge.
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