Finding the right interpreter for your meeting

Interpreting means providing an oral translation of the spoken word. There are various types of interpretation: it can be simultaneous, consecutive or whispered, depending on the type of meeting.

Simultaneous interpretation

What is simultaneous interpretation?

The interpreter sits in a booth and translates while the speaker is speaking. Listeners hear the interpreters through headphones. Simultaneous interpretation is highly intensive and is suitable for all conferences and meetings with presentations or with a large number of participants. Simultaneous interpretation is also often used in court, for example in patent disputes.

How long can a simultaneous interpreter keep working?

A simultaneous interpreter can work for a maximum of 45 minutes at a time. Meetings lasting longer than 45 minutes require two interpreters per language. They work by turns to ensure that the highest standards are maintained.

Equipment for simultaneous interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation requires special equipment, such as booths, infra-red receivers and an audio system.

Consecutive interpretation

What is consecutive interpretation?

The interpreter does not translate while the speaker is speaking, but does so afterwards. The speaker speaks for a certain amount of time, after which the interpreter conveys what was just said in the target language. Consecutive interpreting is suitable only for small meetings with few languages, for example contract negotiations, board meetings and site visits. The meeting time is almost doubled, since the interpretation happens after the speaker has spoken.

How long can a consecutive interpreter keep working?

A single interpreter per language is generally enough. Regular breaks are needed. Where a heavy workload is expected, a minimum of two interpreters is required.

Equipment for consecutive interpretation

No special equipment is required for consecutive interpretation.

Whispered interpretation

What is whispered interpretation?

Whispered interpretation is simultaneous interpretation, without the special equipment. The interpreter sits immediately behind the people who need translation and translates the speaker's words almost simultaneously. Whispered interpretation is used for short meetings with brief presentations, where only a handful of participants cannot understand the language spoken. It is also often used in court.

How long can a whisper interpreter keep working?

A single interpreter can provide whispered interpretation for up to two listeners. One interpreter is normally sufficient, as long as frequent breaks are possible. If this is not the case, then two interpreters are needed, and they work by turns.

Equipment for whispered interpretation

Where more than two people are listening, tourguide headsets are required.