Practical training of future translators in Germany

Abstract

The article deals with the practical aspects of training future translators in German higher education institutions. It is established that the practical training of these specialists is carried out in various ways: integration of practical tasks and works into translation course modules, internships in translation agencies and companies, internships, and a semester abroad. It has been found that universities with a large number of students have their own practical training centres, which makes it easier to find a practice site and get an internship. Practical training is aimed at the comprehensive development of skills and abilities of future translators, covering basic requirements, specialised knowledge, linguistic competence, professional-specific knowledge, translation competence and mastery of information technology. In translation classes, students complete various exercises. Translation exercises are divided into general translation exercises and then specialised translation exercises. In general translation classes, the level of difficulty is even lower, so that students can establish themselves as a beginner translator at the initial stage. Technical translation exercises deal with texts from specific subject areas, such as economics, technology or medicine. In addition to doing own translation or interpreting, discussing the results in a group is extremely important. Students learn from each other, critique each other and receive valuable feedback. Students can develop their linguistic, translation and intercultural competences during study abroad placements. This can be done in the form of an internship or as part of a study programme in one or more of more countries. The so-called foreign semester is quite common, which involves a student studying a similar programme abroad. There, students improve their foreign language skills, acquire the ability to communicate with foreign-speaking people, and sensitise themselves to cultural differences. The structure of the programmes for translators includes compulsory subjects, mandatory subjects and free choice subjects. The students are required to study a practical course in the chosen foreign language, translation, internships (including foreign ones), and write and defend a qualification paper.