Interpreting
Professional interpreters and conference interpreters make sure that international communication runs precisely and smoothly – at conferences, negotiations, meetings and in virtual formats. SIMCONSULT provides experienced interpreters for all common modes of interpreting and subject areas and helps you choose the right solution, including equipment and organisation.
Good interpreters work best when the planning is right. Together with you, we work out which form of interpreting suits your in-person, hybrid or virtual event, how to prepare the assignment and which equipment you need.
Your advantage with SIMCONSULT: first-class interpreters and more than 30 years of experience in putting together interpreting teams.
We will be happy to advise you.
Modes of interpreting at a glance
Simultaneous interpreting
Interpreters work in booths and render speech into the target language at the same time as it is spoken – usually two per language.
Conference interpreting
Conference interpreters specialise in international events: congresses, general meetings, board and committee meetings.
Consecutive interpreting
The interpreter renders what has been said after a few sentences or a longer passage. Suitable for speeches, press conferences and meetings.
Whispered interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting for one or two listeners without equipment, or with a tour guide system for groups of up to about 20 people.
Negotiation interpreting
Short passages are interpreted in both directions, without equipment. For negotiations, business talks and arbitration.
Remote interpreting
For video and telephone conferences as well as hybrid and virtual events. With several target languages, an interpreting hub is used.
Consecutive interpreting
In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter renders what has been said after the speaker has finished a few sentences or a longer passage. For longer passages, interpreters use a special note-taking technique that has nothing to do with shorthand. One major advantage: no equipment is needed. Only for larger groups are microphones and loudspeakers required.
Typical occasions are ceremonies, welcome addresses and dinner speeches, presentations and press conferences. Bear in mind that consecutive interpreting roughly doubles the time needed: a ten-minute speech takes about twenty minutes with interpretation. For events with many international participants, simultaneous interpreting is therefore usually the better choice.
Whispered interpreting (chuchotage)
Whispered interpreting is a form of simultaneous interpreting. For one or two listeners, the interpreter sits behind them and interprets in a low voice – no equipment required. With a portable tour guide system, whispered interpreting is also possible for groups of about 10 to 20 people, for example during factory tours or training sessions. At events held in a hall, whispering disturbs the other participants; for conferences, an interpreting booth is the better solution.
Negotiation and liaison interpreting
In negotiation interpreting, the interpreter renders short passages in both language directions, without any equipment. Because it takes place in conversations with a limited number of participants, it is also called liaison interpreting. Typical assignments are contract and price negotiations, merger talks, arbitration proceedings and business meetings. Our negotiation interpreters are familiar with the business customs of the countries concerned and treat all content in strict confidence.
Remote interpreting and remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI)
Remote interpreting covers all forms of interpreting in which some of the participants – or the interpreters – are not in the same room. The most common form is remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI), in which interpretation takes place in real time via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom.
- Remote: the interpreters work from professionally equipped workstations and are connected directly to the video conference.
- At your premises: the interpreters work in one of your rooms and are connected from there.
- Interpreting hub: several interpreting teams work together at one location with booths and a stable connection – recommended for several languages and longer events.
- Hybrid: an in-person event with participants joining online and integrated interpretation.
On request, we set up the language channels in Zoom and coordinate all technical details in advance. Our services are aimed at companies and institutions; we do not offer video interpreting for medical practices, hospitals or public authorities.
Medical congresses
For medical congresses, symposia and specialist conferences, we provide interpreters who are familiar with medical terminology. At medical congresses, interpreting is done simultaneously from booths by teams of at least two interpreters per language direction. We interpret exclusively at professional events; we do not offer interpreting for patient consultations.
Frequently asked questions before booking
How many interpreters do I need?
For simultaneous interpreting, two interpreters usually work per language direction. They take turns about every 20 minutes, because the work requires the highest level of concentration; the partner who is not speaking supports the colleague at the microphone, for example by noting down figures. The size of the team depends on the duration, the languages and the mode of interpreting. We put the team together for you.
What equipment is needed?
That depends on the event: interpreting booths with consoles for conferences, a tour guide system for tours and small groups, an interpreting hub for virtual and hybrid formats. For consecutive and negotiation interpreting in small groups, no equipment is usually required. We determine your requirements and offer you suitable equipment.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible, especially for large events, several languages or less common language combinations. Experienced conference interpreters are often booked up well in advance. But do get in touch with us for short-notice requests too.
How to prepare your event with interpreters is explained in our tips for event organisers.
How much does an interpreter cost?
Conference interpreters are paid a daily fee that covers the assignment and the preparation. If the interpretation is recorded or streamed, a recording fee is added. Travel expenses and equipment may also apply. See fees for details.
What information do you need for a quote?
- Date and duration
- Languages
- Venue and format (on site, hybrid or remote)
- Topics of the event
- Number of participants
- Whether interpreting equipment is needed
- Whether the interpretation will be streamed or recorded
Why do the interpreters need documents in advance?
Every event has its own terminology. With the agenda, presentations and speeches, the interpreters prepare the terminology and subject matter in advance, which noticeably improves the quality of the interpretation. Please send the documents at least two weeks before the event. See preparatory material for more.