KERN has been providing interpreting services and interpreting equipment for over 50 years.
KERN has been providing interpreting services and interpreting equipment for over 50 years.
Interpreters for every world language
Communication is the key to international success. At KERN, we offer you experiencedinterpreters for every world language and every situation.
Comprehensive service for multilingual print media
We provide you with the right experts from our network of qualified interpreters. That ensures you are well equipped for your international conference, meeting, business communication, press conference, court hearing, or trade-fair appearance. We can also find the ideal solution if you have special requirements, such as sign language interpreting.
With over 50 years of experience, we guarantee accurate, culturally sensitive, and reliable translations—whether it is for simultaneous, consecutive, online, or live interpreting.
Are you interested in using our interpreters?
Feel free to contact us using the contact form, by phone, or by booking an online meeting—we look forward to hearing from you!
Interpreting services provided by KERN
Below you will find a selection of interpreting techniques that KERN has to offer. We are also happy to fulfill specific requests. Request interpreters for your project online now!
Relay interpreting
Relay interpreting is a special form of conference interpreting and takes place via a third language. As a rule, an interpreter will interpret into a common language, such as English. All other interpreters then translate the spoken word from this English version into the required target language(s). In this case, English serves as the relay language.
For rare language combinations, such as Maltese–Spanish, Persian–Chinese, Swedish–Malay, interpreters are sometimes unavailable. In such cases, but also at meetings and conferences where a large number of language combinations are required and direct interpreting is not possible for organizational and/or financial reasons, relay interpreting is used.
Liaison interpreting
Liaison interpreters are required for negotiations, meetings, and in court. KERN provides licensed court interpreters for court proceedings. In liaison interpreting, shorter sections of conversation are translated into the desired language without the aid of interpreting or whispering equipment. This type of interpreting is particularly suitable for negotiations with few participants and only two languages.
The interpreting technique used in this case is consecutive interpreting. In this way, communication between the different languages occurs immediately. The interpreting is usually done without any preparation, off the cuff. It should also be noted that the speakers pause at short intervals. It should be taken into account that the estimated dialogue time may double since the consecutive interpreting is carried out with a time delay.
Escort interpreting
Escort interpreters are employed, for example, if you need to attend to a foreign visitor, pick up business partners at the airport, or conduct factory visits. Escort interpreting is also performed at trade fairs, cultural events, and for travel and guided tours. In this case, consecutive interpreting is usually performed. If a tour guide system is employed, the content can also be communicated simultaneously (simultaneous interpreting).
In the context of a casual conversation, the source text is reproduced in the desired language using free but accurate word choice. The source text is often analyzed in detail to clarify the context, meaning, and content for those present. Cultural aspects are also taken into account in escort interpreting.
Telephone interpreting
The effective alternative to traditional on-site interpreting: Thanks to KERN’s specially trained telephone interpreters, you can communicate easily in one or several languages of your choice, whether for international business negotiations or for travel purposes. Your advantage: you can continue speaking in your native language and benefit directly from the interpreting service during the call. And you only pay for the duration of the call – there are no additional expenses. Telephone interpreting is a cost-effective and flexible solution for successful communication, particularly in sales, negotiating, contract, travel, and scheduling discussions.
The interpreters are connected to your phone or Skype conference and mediate between the business partners in a direct, reliable, and articulate way. The interpreter translates what you say into the language of the other person and vice versa. KERN employs specialists who can translate your message skillfully and spontaneously without lengthy preparation, even for specialist fields such as law, medicine, trade, and finance. KERN’s interpreters are obliged to maintain strict confidentiality for telephone calls.
For telephone interpreting, you can also choose between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. Simultaneous interpreters provide the interpretation of the speech continuously and simultaneously. An interpreter with the relevant target language can be assigned to all participants. Consecutive interpreters deliver the interpretation after the speaker has finished a statement. The speech is provided to the listener in short intervals. Other participants also can listen to the conversation or benefit from an interpretation into their native language.
Whispered interpreting/chucotage
Whispered interpreting is a special form of simultaneous interpreting in which the interpreter sits behind or next to the listener and whispers the translation into his ear. As no technical aids are used, the interpreting can be performed for no more than two listeners. The interpreter must speak very quietly when performing this type of interpreting. It is particularly arduous for the interpreter’s voice and thus can only be done for a limited period of time.
Consecutive interpreting
Consecutive interpreting is ideal for smaller groups, business negotiations, press conferences, and training sessions. This form of interpreting enables precise and personal communication through section-by-section translation.
During consecutive interpretation, the interpretation is consecutive, i.e. time-delayed. The interpreter writes down the speaker’s ideas and statements during the speech. A special note-taking technique is used for this purpose. As soon as the speaker has finished or pauses, what has been said is reproduced in the target language.
Simultaneous interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is indispensable for conferences, international events, and large meetings. The translation is done simultaneously with the spoken word, so there are no delays.
This interpreting technique requires a high degree of concentration on the part of the interpreter. Due to the high level of stress involved, simultaneous interpreters work in pairs at least and take turns every 15 to 20 minutes.
Our experienced simultaneous interpreters work from soundproof booths and use state-of-the-art technology to ensure smooth communication in real time.
Live speech-to-text interpreting
Whether they are working at international conferences, factory tours, or specialist conferences, our live interpreters or live sign language interpreters will support you directly on site. Online events can be accompanied by live and simultaneous foreign-language subtitles on YouTube, among other platforms. This ensures precise communication that is perfectly tailored to your individual requirements.
Online interpreting
Virtual meetings, webinars, and digital conferences require professional online interpreters. KERN offers innovative solutions for remote interpreting services. Whether it is via platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, or others, our experts ensure that your messages are conveyed clearly and directly.
Advantages of online interpreting:
- Digital implementation of multilingual conferences and events
- No complex organization on site
- Remote connection for simultaneous interpreters
- International reach
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
With Video Remote Interpreting, KERN AG enables seamless interpreting within common video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Teams, WebEx, or Skype. Our interpreters can be flexibly integrated via additional audio channels, supporting simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. The requirements for audio integration vary depending on the platform; for example, Zoom provides multiple audio channels for simultaneous interpreting. VRI not only offers technical compatibility, but also allows interpreters to work comfortably from home or on the go.
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI)
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting with the RSI VoiceApp™ from KERN offers an efficient solution for simultaneous interpreting during online conferences. Interpreters can work either from specially equipped RSI hubs or via cloud-based interpreting platforms, ensuring maximum flexibility. With state-of-the-art simultaneous interpreting technology such as interpreting desks and booths, as well as the support of our technology partners, we ensure that your online event runs smoothly.
Personal project support and flexible implementation
Our interpreting services begin with a needs assessment, in which we jointly determine the languages, interpreting style, and organizational and technical requirements. Based on this, we select suitable professional interpreters—including for conferences and European Works Council (EWC) meetings.
Experienced project managers coordinate all of the processes and ensure smooth operations on site, virtually, or hybrid, including modern interpreting and conference technology. Upon request, we will continue to support you after the assignment—with feedback, additional language services, or document translation to ensure consistent communication.
Interpreting services provided by KERN
All of the benefits, areas of application, and services in brief—clearly presented on an information sheet.
Professional conference interpreters
Conference interpreters ensure that complex content is conveyed clearly and accurately in real time. The expertise of specialized interpreters is indispensable, especially at conferences where topics such as labor law, corporate governance, or employee representation are discussed. Our experts combine linguistic precision with specialist knowledge to ensure that your messages are conveyed clearly and unambiguously.
Services provided by KERN in the area of conference interpreting
KERN offers a comprehensive service package for conferences, including European Works Council conferences (EWC). Every event is unique–that’s why our collaboration begins with a free needs assessment, during which we analyze your requirements in detail and develop tailor-made solutions.
Our services at a glance
- Provision of experienced and specialized conference interpreters (including for EWC conferences)
- Personal project coordination by dedicated contact persons
- Organization and rental of modern conference technology and interpreting booths
- Remote and hybrid interpreting
- Organization of multi-day video and online conferences
- Translation and preparation of conference documents before and after the event
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting–simultaneous deployment of conference interpreters
All of the benefits, areas of application, and services in brief—clearly presented on an information sheet.
Certified experts for every type of interpreting
The interpreters at KERN are highly trained professionals with university degrees or state certification. They have specialist knowledge and many years of experience in a wide range of fields. That is how we guarantee top-quality interpreting services.
Thanks to ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 certifications, you can rely on consistently high quality standards. Supported by state-of-the-art interpreting technology and innovative software, we guarantee smooth processes—both for on-site events and online meetings.
We also place great importance on confidentiality and discretion . Our interpreters are contractually bound to maintain confidentiality. This means you can rest assured your projects are in good hands with us.
Get advice on your interpreting project
Feel free to contact us using the contact form, by phone, or by booking an online meeting—we look forward to hearing from you!
Interpreting equipment and conference technology
After carefully planning and organizing your interpreting services, we also support you with state-of-the-art interpreting and conference technology. To ensure that your event runs smoothly from a technical standpoint, KERN offers rental and installation of all the equipment necessary for professional multilingual communication.
These mobile simultaneous interpreting systems are particularly suitable for:
- International events / international conferences (up to 5,000 participants)
- Planning and management seminars
- Strategy or panel discussions
- Education forums
- Specialist seminars
Audio recordings are recommended for unscripted conference presentations. Technicians control the sound recording and duplicate the speeches, presentations, and discussions.
If you want your audience to be able to move around freely, we recommend using a portable interpretation system. These systems are primarily used for:
- factory tours
- exhibitions
- guided tours
- trade fairs
- test site visits
The prices for rental and installation depend on the individual circumstances. That includes the design and layout of the equipment, the distance to the place of use, and the length of the rental.
KERN supports event organizers by renting out modern conference technology and interpreter booths/speaker booths. The flexible, DIN- and ISO-compliant interpreting booths ensure optimal working conditions for interpreters and can be modified to suit the conditions at the destination. This ensures maximum functionality in every environment.
FAQs about interpreting
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about our interpreting services—from types of assignments and formats to organization and technology.
What qualifications are necessary for professional interpreting?
A professional interpreter needs:
- Excellent language skills in the source and target languages, ideally at the native speaker level.
- Specific expertise (e.g. medicine, law, technology) to interpret accurately.
- Quick comprehension and an excellent memory, as interpreters work simultaneously or consecutively.
- Intercultural competence to avoid misunderstandings.
- Interpreting training or a university degree in conference interpreting or a related field.
At Kern AG Language Services, interpreters have top-level qualifications for professional interpreting.
Are there any special certifications or exams for interpreters?
Yes, professional interpreters must pass various certifications and exams, including:
- State examination for interpreters, which qualifies them to work for public authorities or courts.
- Conference interpreter diplomas from renowned universities.
- ISO 20109 and ISO 18841 standards, which define quality standards for interpreting services.
- Membership in professional associations such as AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters) or VKD (Association of Conference Interpreters).
What certifications do interpreters at KERN have?
Interpreters at KERN have:
- State recognition or swearing-in, especially for legal and official duties.
- ISO 17100 and ISO 18841 certifications, which guarantee the highest quality standards.
- Specialization in various fields, e.g. medicine, technology, or law.
- Experience in conference and simultaneous interpreting for international events.
Which interpreters are certified for medical consultations?
Medical interpreters need:
- Specialization in the healthcare sector and medical expertise.
- Experience with patient consultations, hospital and emergency interpreting.
- Certifications such as ISO 13611, which set standards for interpreting in the healthcare sector.
- Participation in special training courses for medical interpreting.
Which interpreters are certified for the legal field?
Legal interpreters must:
- Be sworn in or authorized by a courtto interpret in court, before notaries, or before public authorities.
- Have a good kof the legal system of the respective countries.
- Have completed specialized training or examinations in the legal field.
- Work in accordance with ISO 18841 to meet the highest interpreting standards.
What types of interpreting are there?
There are several interpreting techniques:
- Simultaneous interpreting: Real-time transmission at conferences or live events.
- Consecutive interpreting: The interpreter translates after short sections.
- Whispered interpreting (chuchotage): For individual participants in meetings.
- Court interpreting: Specifically for legal proceedings.
- Video interpreting: Video transmission for online meetings or medical consultations.
How does simultaneous interpreting differ from consecutive interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting is provided in real time via headphones—ideal for large conferences.
Consecutive interpreting takes place after the speaker pauses—ideal for small meetings or negotiations.
Can I book interpreters for online meetings?
Yes. Video interpreting enables professional language translation for Teams meetings, Zoom conferences, or webinars.
Are interpreters required to observe confidentiality?
All interpreters at KERN sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and follow GDPR-compliant data protection guidelines.