Vincent Otto
15 Sept 2025
Why the duration of a translation is important
Anyone who needs a German to Dutch translation almost always asks the same question: ‘How long will it take?’The answer depends largely on the type of document, its length and complexity. A professional translator not only delivers linguistically accurate texts, but also delivers them on time.
Factors that influence the translation time
Text length: The more words, the longer the translation will take.
Subject area: Legal or technical texts require more research than simple emails.
Formatting: Tables, scans or special layouts increase the processing time.
Quality of the source text: Unclear or incorrect source texts require additional queries.
Proofreading & quality assurance: Professional translations usually include a thorough review.
Guidelines: How long does a translation take?
Of course, every project is unique – but we can still provide some rough estimates based on our experience:
Short business emails (up to 300 words): usually within 24 hours
Standard documents (1–5 pages, e.g. letters, brochures): 1–2 working days
Contracts or legal documents (10–15 pages): 3–5 working days
Marketing texts or websites: depending on the scope, several days to weeks (including SEO adaptation & localisation)
Specialised translations (technology, medicine, law): often longer processing times due to research required
A professional German-Dutch translator can translate an average of 2,000–2,500 words per day, depending on the level of difficulty and subject area.
Express translations: Can it be done faster?
Yes – many translators offer an express service. This can be useful if a contract needs to be signed at short notice or an urgent presentation is due.
However, express orders are subject to surcharges, as the translator will have to put other projects on hold or work outside regular working hours.
How to estimate the duration realistically
Enquire early: The more lead time, the better.
Specify the text volume: If possible, specify the number of words or pages.
Provide the document: This allows the translator to immediately assess the complexity of the job.
Allow for a buffer: Especially for important contracts or marketing texts, it is worth allowing time for corrections.
Conclusion: Good translations take time
A quick translation is possible – but quality does not happen overnight. Whether it's short business communications, contract translations or marketing texts: the duration depends on the scope, subject area and desired quality.
If you need a German ↔ Dutch translation, I will be happy to provide you with a transparent quote with a realistic timeframe.