Translation is the conversion of various types of content from one language to another. It is traditionally defined as the conversion of written text from one language to another, but the scope of translation has expanded to encompass the conversion of text into other formats such as software, video and multimedia content.
The Directorate-General for Translation (DG Translation) handles all of the European Commission’s translation-related tasks. It provides high-quality translations into and out of all 24 EU official languages routinely, and translates material to and from other languages as necessary. The different language versions of an EU legislative act are all equally valid and have identical legal impact. This means the Commission requires timely and precise translations. The translation services provided by DG Translation are driven by this demand and align with the Commission’s political priorities. The services it offers have grown in response to emerging challenges.
The European Commission is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can access information, understand their rights and obligations, and engage in public discourse in any of the EU’s 24 official languages. By translating pivotal documents, developing multilingual terminology and promoting clear language, DG Translation promotes clear, accurate and inclusive communication within the EU. DG Translation focuses on written texts; oral interpreting services fall under the remit of the Directorate-General for Interpretation.
Among the different types of translation are:
- institutional and legal translation
- post-edited machine translation
- audiovisual translation.
Other types of translation also exist, such as medical, technical and literary translation.