Community Interpreting in Germany - Interpreters’ working conditions and qualification
Related Research units
Abstract
Background
Community Interpreters (CI) play a crucial role in multilingual communication in health care and community services. Since CIs in Germany are mainly organized on a regional basis, there are no nationwide data available. The aim of this explorative cross-sectional study is to gain a better understanding of the work of CIs in Germany.
Methods
In cooperation with the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists and the Federal Association of Non-statutory Welfare, a nationwide online survey was conducted between June and August 2022. Interpreters’ working conditions and qualification were assessed. Interpreters were recruited primarily through interpreter pools and training institutions in Germany.
Results
Across all 16 federal states, n = 1199 people clicked on the survey, of which n = 873 responses were usable for analysis. Most of the participants are female (74%) and born abroad (77%). The average work experience as interpreters is MED = 6 years (IQR = 3-10). 44% reported interpreting every now and then in their leisure time. The median hours of interpreting per month is 10 hours (IQR = 5-30). Most often they interpret in person (MED = 90%, IQR = 80-100%). They work in MED = 4 different areas (e.g. health care, education, social services, authority, court or police). 27% stated interpreting in six or more different settings. 69% have attended interpreting training (MED = 20 hours, IQR = 10-70), 29% of them passed a final exam. Of those who have never attended any training, 69% consider themselves as rather/very competent in interpreting.
Conclusions
This study provides a first national data basis for the group of CIs in Germany. People who work as CIs work in various fields. A large percentage do not interpret on a full-time basis. Most interpreters lack formal training for interpreting.
Community Interpreters (CI) play a crucial role in multilingual communication in health care and community services. Since CIs in Germany are mainly organized on a regional basis, there are no nationwide data available. The aim of this explorative cross-sectional study is to gain a better understanding of the work of CIs in Germany.
Methods
In cooperation with the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists and the Federal Association of Non-statutory Welfare, a nationwide online survey was conducted between June and August 2022. Interpreters’ working conditions and qualification were assessed. Interpreters were recruited primarily through interpreter pools and training institutions in Germany.
Results
Across all 16 federal states, n = 1199 people clicked on the survey, of which n = 873 responses were usable for analysis. Most of the participants are female (74%) and born abroad (77%). The average work experience as interpreters is MED = 6 years (IQR = 3-10). 44% reported interpreting every now and then in their leisure time. The median hours of interpreting per month is 10 hours (IQR = 5-30). Most often they interpret in person (MED = 90%, IQR = 80-100%). They work in MED = 4 different areas (e.g. health care, education, social services, authority, court or police). 27% stated interpreting in six or more different settings. 69% have attended interpreting training (MED = 20 hours, IQR = 10-70), 29% of them passed a final exam. Of those who have never attended any training, 69% consider themselves as rather/very competent in interpreting.
Conclusions
This study provides a first national data basis for the group of CIs in Germany. People who work as CIs work in various fields. A large percentage do not interpret on a full-time basis. Most interpreters lack formal training for interpreting.
Bibliographical data
| Original language | German |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 1101-1262 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
