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Portrait photo of a blond woman in a white shirt standing in front of a brick wall
Badge confirming membership in the German professional association for translators and interpreters

The Prussian scholar Wilhelm von Humboldt once defined language as “the ever-repeated mental labour of making the articulated sound capable of expressing thought“. This “mental labour” has always fascinated me and I cannot imagine any other job that would allow me to spend so much time doing something that I love!

As a qualified professional translator, I’m passionately dedicated to always finding just the right tone for your target text – whether it’s a study protocol for a clinical trial, the instructions for an eLearning module, a new advertising slogan or a voiceover script for a nature documentary. Of course, I also translate more general texts and always love to take on new challenges!

I offer the following services for English-German and Dutch-German:

• translation
• transcreation
• proofreading

 

Career to date – at a glance:

As of 2018: Professional freelance translator
2001-2018: Translator and Project Manager in a company providing translation and localisation services and specialising in medical technology and IT, based in Bonn
2000-2001: Translator in a software localisation company in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel (NL)
1996-2000: M.A. degree in Translation and Interpreting at Cologne University of Applied Sciences

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MEDICAL & LIFE SCIENCES

With over 25 years of experience as a translator in the area of medical technology, I have a deep appreciation of the precision that this field demands. The top priority is always to convey exactly the meaning of the source text, leaving no room for interpretation. This is essential to enable the correct completion of test or procedural steps, for example. The slightest inaccuracy can lead to procedural errors, incorrect results or diagnostic errors. Despite these strictures, I always strive to produce natural-sounding target texts that are not obvious translations. I have particular expertise in the areas of medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, clinical trials, laboratory equipment and diabetes care. Some typical text types that I handle are:
• materials for clinical trials, e.g. protocols, ICFs
• user manuals
• package inserts
• user interfaces
• (safety) data sheets
• product brochures

MARKETING & TRANSCREATION

My greatest passion is creative translation, when I can pull out all the stops and use language to its fullest potential. This process, known as transcreation, goes above and beyond the simple translation of words. Rather than a one-to-one translation into the target language, my goal is to appeal to the target market and target group by choosing the right communication style and to convey the message and brand identity effectively. Does the brand image need to be serious and convey authenticity, or more hip and modern with a youthful appeal? Do we want to target a specific audience of experts or have mass appeal? What associations do we want to evoke? I will research all of these considerations in-depth or agree them with you up-front when taking on the project, to ensure that your brand achieves success on the German market. Some typical marketing text types I handle are:
• brochures & posters
• websites
• slogans
• other marketing material

E-LEARNING & MULTIMEDIA

Multimedia content is an effective means of communication. Videos or eLearning modules for the company-wide instruction of employees are becoming increasingly popular and IT-based learning has become established in training and education environments. I find that my structured way of thinking is a real advantage when translating training documents. Whether the aim is to provide users with a clear explanation of how to use a new piece of software, introduce new hires to company procedures, train employees in soft skills or familiarise laboratory staff with the features of a new analyser – the focus must always be on the target group, and this may require adjustments to word counts and terminology. I always agree on the details with my clients to ensure that their training events ultimately prove to be a resounding success. Some typical training documents I translate are:
• eLearning modules
• PowerPoint presentations
• training videos

TV & MEDIA

Here’s the secret: My favorite type of work is TV documentaries. As an author, I take on the entire German-language editing process, which includes not only translating and adapting the script, but also thoroughly fact-checking it and creating insert lists and press releases. The diversity of topics covered in this area (including current affairs, health, nature, travel, society, politics, cookery and lifestyle) really appeals to me. I bring enthusiasm and energy to any subject matter and I love rising to the challenge of using language creatively. How can I best translate a play on words into the target language? What is essential and what can be omitted? Often, we need to condense or expand on the information conveyed – depending on how quickly the speaker is speaking. Editorial cuts also play a role by determining the time-frame for the translated texts. In this area, I translate:
• subtitles
• voiceover scripts
• press releases

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We have been working with Nina for many years and she has proven to be an excellent, very conscientious and reliable translator, and also very pleasant to deal with. We can recommend her highly.
 Quality Manager of a German translation agency for the medical sector

Every once in a while, when a translation is exceptionally good, my eyes well up a little. It’s like being moved by a beautiful song. 😉 Your translation evoked the same response in me. And, although I expected nothing less, I must say you did a fantastic job! Thank you – I love it! Owner of a German translation agency for sports marketing

Thank you for your great work, I was more than impressed. You were a personal tip of my colleague – and that really was invaluable advice! Project manager of a German medical translation service

CONTACT
Nina Osmers
Franzstr. 13
50931 Cologne
Germany

Tel.: +49-172-4891528

E-mail: hello(at)ninaosmers.de

VAT ID in accordance with Section 27a of the VAT Act: DE320167389

Person responsible for content in accordance with Section 55 Para. 2 of the Interstate Broadcasting Agreement (RStV):
Nina Osmers, Franzstr. 13, 50931 Cologne

Concept & design: Nina Osmers
Photos: © Nina Osmers
Portrait photo: © Marc Osmers
English version: Niamh Chapelle
Technical support: Flinzner Medienwerkstatt