Having your content in multiple languages is a must if you want to reach a larger audience. But how much does a translation cost and does it fit into your budget? In Switzerland, where multilingual communication is part of everyday life, professional translation services are in high demand. Whether you’re preparing legal documents, marketing materials, or technical manuals, understanding what goes into a translation quote and what you’re really paying for can help you budget smarter and avoid surprises.
Below, we explain how translation costs are calculated in Switzerland and what factors influence the final translation price.
How are translation costs calculated?
Translation pricing in Switzerland is typically based on the volume of text, measured in standard lines, words, or pages.
- Standard line: A common unit, a standard line consists of 55 characters, including spaces. Rates per standard line vary depending on language pair and complexity.
- Word count: Some providers calculate a translation cost per word, especially for documents in editable formats.
- Standard page: Defined as 1800 characters including spaces, this unit is often used for larger documents.Hourly rate: Sometimes, especially for creative content, revisions, or small-volume projects, translation costs may also be calculated on an hourly basis rather than per word or line.
Tools like Microsoft Word’s word count function can help estimate the volume, but for non-editable formats or complex layouts, it’s advisable to request a detailed quote.
To offer you the most competitive translation price, we use CAT tools to analyse your source text for repeated content and high matches from our translation memory (TM), allowing us to apply valuable discounts.
What services are included in a professional translation quotation?
Professional translation services encompass more than just converting text from one language to another. It includes the following:
- Project management: A dedicated project manager oversees the translation process, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Qualified translators: Translations are performed by native speakers with subject-matter expertise.
- Technology tools: Your translation cost includes the use of tools such as CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) software, translation memories, terminology databases, and quality assurance tools.
- Quality assurance: Implementing the “six-eyes principle,” translations are reviewed by a second linguist and by the project manager before delivery to guarantee accuracy.
- ISO certifications: Providers adhering to standards like ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 ensure consistent quality and reliability.
Strategies to optimise your translation costs
You can adopt several approaches to manage translation costs effectively:
- Volume discounts: Long-term collaborations or bulk projects may qualify for discounted rates.
- Early planning: Providing ample lead time can reduce the need for express services, avoiding additional charges.
- Translation memories: Utilising tools that recognise previously translated content can lower costs for repetitive texts.
- Machine translation with post-editing: For certain content types, combining machine translation with human editing offers a cost-effective and time-saving solution without compromising quality.
Why choose SemioticTransfer for your translation needs?
SemioticTransfer is a premier Swiss translation agency, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your needs:
- Certified translations: Adhering to ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 standards, ensuring high-quality and reliable translations.
- Multilingual expertise: Proficient in over 40 languages, catering to diverse business requirements.
- Specialised services: Expertise in legal, financial, and technical translations, among others.
- Confidentiality assurance: Strict data protection protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
- Customised solutions: Tailored services to meet specific project demands, including desktop publishing and custom machine translation.
If you’re seeking reliable and professional translation services in Switzerland, SemioticTransfer offers the expertise and quality assurance necessary to support your local and global communication needs.