FAQ / Frequently asked questions

The most frequently asked questions about our work are briefly answered below. 

Will Polydioma translate any text, regardless of the subject matter?

Polydioma specialises in a broad range of subjects such as technology, trade, legal texts, contracts, conditions of delivery, chemical processes, synthetic materials, manuals, personnel publications, marketing, software and hardware, etc. However, you cannot use us, for example, for literary translations, or for extremely specialised medical texts.

What is the procedure for sending an order?

It’s best to send us the whole text to be translated, either by mail, by e-mail or in another way. On this basis, we will give you a quote, with no obligation , as soon as possible, indicating the price, delivery time and other necessary information. If you agree, all you have to do is return the quote signed for acceptance. The delivery time can always be determined after mutual consultation.

How do the texts have to be delivered?

Then texts can be sent as hard copy or in digital form. It is often advisable to send the texts to be translated in digital form if possible, as this means that the lay out can be taken over in the translation, which can save costs.

What does a translation cost?

The price of a translation depends on a number of factors, such as the nature of the translation, the level of difficulty and length of the text, the delivery time required, special demands with regard to the lay out, etc. The price is calculated on the basis of the number of words or per hour. The rate per word differs, depending on the language, and depends to an important extent on the combination of languages. For example, a translation from Dutch into Turkish or Chinese will be considerably more expensive than a translation from Dutch into English or Spanish. The subject is also very important for determining the rate per word. The hourly rate charged by Polydioma is the same for all language combinations. In some cases an additional charge may be made for urgent jobs.

When is a job considered an urgent job?

A job is considered to be an urgent translation if an extra effort is needed or extra work has to be carried out to deliver the translation within the desired time, because of the length of the text to be translated. Normally, a surcharge for urgent jobs is made over the normal rate for evening, night or weekend work.

What about the length of the various language combinations?

In some languages the translation can be longer than in the original language. This is usually the case for translations from Dutch, English or German into French or Spanish.
This is an important aspect if the translation is to be used for publication within a particular space available. It is advisable to mention this when asking for the translation, so that the translator can take it into account as far as possible.

What is the delivery time?

The delivery time depends on the length of the text and the availability of the translator who is most suitable for a particular text, and possibly on the number of translators who can work on the job.

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation may be necessary in certain cases, particularly for official documents which have to be used abroad (e.g., a birth certificate, a contract, the articles of association of a company, and other notarial deeds). The only difference from an “ordinary” translation is that the sworn translation comes with a declaration and the signature of the competent translator. Whether or not a translator is a sworn translator does not say anything about his translation skills. Obviously Polydioma also does sworn translations in the different languages.

Do you have any other questions? You can reach our team at +31 (0)20 647 00 09 or info@polydioma.nl. We shall be happy to respond.