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The days of traditional downloadable translation programs are over. We present the five best German-English translation services and explain which tool is best suited for which application.
Google Translate: The all-rounder for fast translations
Google Translate is a good all-rounder. It is ideal for: travelers who need quick translations, occasional users without professional requirements, users who appreciate camera functions and voice input, and Android users, as it is deeply integrated into the system. Here are all the pros and cons:
- Pros: The service translates into over 140 languages and offers an offline mode with language packs to download, ideal for when you’re on the go.
- Google Translate is free and can be used without registration, either as a web app, on mobile devices, or directly in the browser.
- There are camera, microphone, and image translations for on the go and everyday use.
- Disadvantages: Google Translate’s translations often do not sound natural.
- The context of certain phrases is often not recognized (see screenshot).
- There are also privacy concerns due to Google integration.
DeepL: The cloud-based translation program for professional users
DeepL is ideal for context-sensitive, natural translations. It is suitable, for example, for students translating scientific texts or for content creators who depend on a certain level of translation quality. Here are all the advantages and disadvantages:
- Advantages: DeepL produces very natural, context-sensitive translations, especially from German to English.
- The desktop integration is particularly noteworthy. Once you have installed the app, simply select the text you want to translate—for example, from a Word document, email, or website. Press the standard keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C + C (i.e., Ctrl + C twice in quick succession) on Windows or Cmd + C + C on macOS.
- The Pro version of DeepL allows translations directly from any application. However, you have to pay for this.
- Disadvantages: DeepL has a limited language selection (less than Google Translate).
- There is no camera translation or speech recognition in the free version. DeepL Voice, the live translation tool, is only available for a fee.
