DeepL: How the online translator works

Depending on how intensively you want to use DeepL, there are different versions available.

• DeepL Free (free): The free version allows you to translate words, sentences, and entire texts directly on the web. Documents can be translated up to three times per month, but cannot be edited.
• The maximum file size is 5 MB. The source language is detected automatically, but can be adjusted manually. In addition, you can have texts read aloud, rate translations, copy them, or share them using the share button.
• The free service uses texts to further train the AI model. Therefore, no confidential information should be translated.
• DeepL Pro (paid): DeepL Pro offers several subscriptions with different features and limits. In the Starter version for around $7.49 per month, five documents per month can be translated and edited, the maximum file size is 10 MB, and a glossary with up to 5,000 entries is available. Texts are deleted immediately after translation, and end-to-end encryption ensures maximum data security.
• The Team version costs around €24.99 per month and allows 20 document translations per month, glossaries can contain up to 2,000 entries, and additional features such as single sign-on and CAT tool integration are included.
• The Business version allows up to 100 documents per month and offers all Pro features, including the largest capacities for businesses, available from $49.99 per month.
• Pro users also benefit from unlimited text length, expanded glossaries, the Clarify function for interactive queries, style options, alternative translation suggestions, and DeepL Write for text optimization.

DeepL is not just a simple translator – the platform offers numerous features that make everyday life easier and improve the quality of your texts. DeepL can be used in many areas:

• Email communication: You can quickly translate entire emails, attachments, or sections of text into another language to maintain international business contacts.
• Scientific texts / technical texts: DeepL can help with the initial translation of academic articles, studies, or technical publications—however, the resulting text should be reviewed by experts.
• Creative content / marketing texts: Style plays a major role here. DeepL offers options to choose between formal and informal addresses, check alternative translations, and define consistent terminology using glossaries.
• Document translation: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and PDF documents can be uploaded and translated directly, with formatting, layout, and images retained in many cases.
• API use/automation: Companies and developers can integrate DeepL into their own applications to initiate translations programmatically (e.g., in CRM systems or websites).
• Live translation / speech functions: With DeepL Voice for meetings or conversations, spoken language can be translated or subtitled in real time. New language support (e.g., Mandarin, Ukrainian, Romanian) has recently been added.
• Glossary function: Enables specific terms to be translated consistently (e.g., technical terms).
• Salutation options: DeepL often allows adjustable variants such as “Sie” vs. “du” or formal vs. informal formulations.
• Alternative translation suggestions: If there are several possible translations, alternatives are often displayed for you to choose from.
• Clarify function (interactive queries): If there are ambiguities in your text, DeepL asks specific questions to clarify the context and improve the translation. Currently available for German ↔ English for Pro users.
• Style and tone options / DeepL Write: DeepL integrates style optimization features (e.g., tonality, readability) via DeepL Write, e.g., to improve translations or original texts.
• Translation history / Saved translations: With active user accounts, you can view or save past translations.