Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Übersetzer | /yːbərˈzɛtsər/ | masculine |
| Übersetzerin | /ˌyːbɐˈzɛtsɐʁɪn/ | feminine |
A Übersetzer is someone or something that translates meaning from one language to another. In German, this term is specifically used for those who translate written text. To refer to the act of translating, you would use the verb übersetzen or the noun Übersetzung for the translation itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Übersetzer is composed of the prefix über- (over/across) and the verb setzen (to set/put), literally meaning one who 'sets across' meaning.
Which one should you use?
While Übersetzer refers to someone who translates written text, the term Dolmetscher is used for an interpreter, which is someone who translates spoken language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is Übersetzer. The masculine plural is also Übersetzer. For a female translator, use the feminine form Übersetzerin, the plural of which is Übersetzerinnen.
How do you pronounce it?
/yːbərˈzɛtsər/
Did you know?
- The verb übersetzen is a homonym that can also mean 'to ferry across' a river. This is why the literal meaning of 'setting across' sounds like crossing a body of water.
- In professional circles, a person might be called a Sprachmittler instead of an Übersetzer. This term translates to 'language mediator' and implies the person is bridging cultural gaps, not just swapping words.
- A translator who is sworn in by a court for certified documents is called a beeideter Übersetzer.
Examples in context
- Tom war mal Übersetzer.Tom was once a translator.This sentence uses Übersetzer to describe a past profession.Tatoeba #10931226 by Vortarulo, translation #9056826 by shekitten
- Ich bin als Übersetzer hier.I'm here as a translator.This sentence uses Übersetzer to describe a current role or capacity.Tatoeba #10164991 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10164818 by ddnktr
- Sie arbeitet als Übersetzerin.She works as a translator.This sentence uses Übersetzerin to describe a woman's profession.Tatoeba #8634429 by Melang, translation #8946639 by sundown
- Mein Vater ist Übersetzer für Englisch und Deutsch.My father is a translator for English and German.
- Ist dein Bruder ein guter Übersetzer?Is your brother a good translator?
- Ja, sie ist eine begabte Übersetzerin.Yes, she is a talented translator.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about a job opening.
- LauraIst Lukas ein qualifizierter Übersetzer?Is Lukas a qualified translator?
- LukasJa, er ist ein sehr guter Übersetzer.Yes, he is a very good translator.
- LauraSoll ich ihn für die Stelle fragen?Should I ask him for the position?
- LukasDas wäre eine sehr gute Idee.That would be a very good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “translator” translations and entries Übersetzer, Übersetzerin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
