Simultaneous interpreters for your online conference, physical or hybrid event
Be it a town hall or sales meeting, a kick-off event or a European works council session: We’re here for you. We will handle your international event with simultaneous interpreters for English and many other languages effortlessly and confidently, whatever the format. Including your live stream to a global audience, or an online meeting with only a select group of participants. As a full-service provider, we offer simultaneous interpretation services for English, French and Spanish as well as all other European and Asian languages - expertly delivered by professionals.
Solutions for live and online events
Your physical event: supported by simultando interpreters on site
We will recruit the most suitable simultaneous interpreters for the simultaneous translation of your event on site. Our teams are passionate about their work and committed to our customers. We always try to recruit locally to keep travel expenses down and minimise our ecological footprint. In addition to the interpreters themselves, our full-service solutions include the required technical equipment and its installation.
Interpreters for online events such as video conferences
The options for online events are just as varied as for offline events. simultando will make sure all your international participants understand each other perfectly and will offer you and your attendants the best solutions for online remote interpreting!
Your online event: digitally versed simultaneous interpreters
Our simultaneous interpreters, without exception, are experienced and familiar with the digital technologies. Irrespective of the videoconferencing tool you decide to use, we can support you confidently in the digital world. Stable internet connections and technical support for participants make sure your online events runs perfectly.
Hybrid events and Voiceover
Hybrid events – simultaneous interpretation for the best of both worlds!
Ever since the Covid pandemic, we know that video conferences work well. We also know that we can reach significantly more people with an online event than with a regular face-to-face event. Online meetings save time and money on travel, and make meetings enable meeting others even when travelling to a venue is simply not possible. Simultaneous interpreters are an essential success factor for this type of event.
But in online settings, we miss personal interaction and exchange over a cup of coffee during coffee breaks. So why not go for the best of both worlds? We can organise professional simultaneous interpreters for a simultaneous translation of your hybrid event, plus the required technical solutions – in state-of-the-art quality, of course.
Recorded simultaneous interpretation or voice-overs by interpreters or voice artists: our value-adding service!
Add value to your event by extending it to several languages: increasingly, clients approach us because they would like to use their video material to promote their products or services internationally or share knowledge and ideas with team members from all over the world.
Make use of our voice recording services, provided as subsequent simultaneous interpretation by excellent interpreters to give your videos a live feel or as a professional voice-over in sound studio quality.
By the way: Of course, we also offer the full range of interpreting modes, not just simultaneous interpretation. We can provide consecutive interpreting, whispered interpreting with tour guide systems, dialogue interpreting etc.
What our customers say
"simultando fully convinced us with their service at our congress. Providing an accurate interpretation of lectures on chiropractic requires a high level of expert knowledge. Getting this right while delivering a lively presentation is an art."
"We have worked with simultando for a long time now, and have always enjoyed the cooperation. The truly outstanding quality of their work and their high level of flexibility are absolutely convincing!"
"The participants in our digital event were full of praise. Despite the difficult subject, the interpretation was accurate and fluent. The interpreting service you provide encourages diversity at our events. Cooperation with you was highly professional and made our lives easy from the start ..."
"As IT service providers in the finance sector, we attach great importance to precision and flexibility. That is why we cooperate with simultando when we need interpreters or a translation. simultando is a reliable partner who never fails to meet our demanding standards. "
"Your online technology for the simultaneous interpretation of our digital event convinced us completely – truly professional."
"Dear Ms. Schu,
Thank you very much for the pleasant cooperation for our event "Forced Labour in political detention in the GDR." Such a complex issue requires more than the smooth and professional organisation of interpreting teams and technology. It also required great sensitivity from the interpreters when it came to hitting the right tone and wording. You mastered both of these excellently."
Simultaneous interpreters and translators for all your interpreting needs
We know how to bring your message across!
Our simultaneous interpreters will translate your message – into any language! Apart from the standard "English-German" language combination, our interpreters master simultaneous translations into other European languages including Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch or even Russian, and into Asian languages. We even have excellent simultaneous interpreters for combinations with other languages than German, such as English-Chinese or English-Spanish and vice versa. In other words: we know how to say it.
Thirty years of experience for your event: simultando's simultaneous interpreters
We have been organising interpreters for all types of events for almost 30 years now: physical events at a local venue, online events such as video conferences, and hybrid events. We can support you with interpreting services, whatever the nature of your international event. And, of course, we also supply the required interpreting technology – be it online or on site.
Our industries at a glance - a selection
Our Expertise:
Industry: Automotive and suppliers, construction machinery, chemicals, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction industry, logistics, energy sector, consumer goods industry
Business: Retail, IT and digital economy, banking and financial services Technology: Pump and plant engineering, building technology, ventilation and air conditioning technology, automation technology, sensor technology, industrial measurement technology, drive technology, process engineering
Medicine: Pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, medical technology, chiropractic, TCM, laser acupuncture, biotechnology, dentistry, medical research, patient associations, veterinary medicine
Politics and Associations: European Works Council, trade unions, ministries and government agencies, trade associations, NGOs, international organizations, local politics, EU institutions, diplomacy, interest groups
Media and TV: Television, streaming, video production
Conference Interpreters: How We Work
Why conference interpreters always work in teams
Simultaneous interpreting at conferences (conference interpreting) demands full concentration, minute by minute. To keep that concentration high for the full length of a conference day, interpreters take turns about every 20 to 30 minutes, or often every 15 minutes online. This keeps quality consistently high throughout the whole event, an industry standard that simultando follows consistently. The two-person team helps in another way, too: interpreters jot down numbers for each other and help their colleague out with terminology.
The exception that proves the rule: for very short, one-off assignments, up to about 35 minutes online or about 45 minutes on-site, a single conference interpreter can handle the interpreting alone.
Conference interpreters: a clear focus
Our conference interpreters are your experts for:
- Conferences, congresses, and meetings of all kinds
- Business negotiations around the table
- Delegations and factory tours
Not our field:
- Police investigations and visits to correctional facilities
- Court hearings
- Medical consultations
- Civil wedding ceremonies
- Certification of documents (birth certificates, driver's licenses, police clearance certificates, etc.)
That requires different qualifications and certifications, which we deliberately don't offer. We're happy to refer you to specialized colleagues who focus on exactly that.
What is simultaneous interpreting?
Simultaneous means: almost at the same time
In simultaneous interpreting, the spoken word is transferred into another language while the speaker is still talking. Only a few seconds lie between the original and the interpretation.
For the interpreters this means listening, understanding and speaking at the same time, while sensing where a sentence is going that has not finished yet. That is why they work in teams and take turns regularly.
For you it means your event runs on without interruption. Nobody waits for a translation, and your programme does not need twice the time.
The difference from consecutive and whispered interpreting
There are several ways to interpret, and not every one suits every occasion:
- Simultaneous: almost in real time, from an interpreting booth or via a mobile system. For conferences, conventions and anything with a programme and a schedule.
- Consecutive: the interpreter speaks once a passage has ended. This doubles the speaking time but needs hardly any equipment. For welcome addresses, speeches and small groups.
- Whispered interpreting: simultaneous, but without a booth and for just a few listeners, usually via a mobile tour guide system.
Which form suits your event is something we clarify beforehand. Often it is a combination of several.
Interpreter, conference interpreter, translator: who does what?
The terms are often mixed up in everyday use, but they mean different things:
- Interpreting is spoken, translating is written. Whoever transfers a document is not interpreting, and the other way round.
- Simultaneous interpreters work almost in real time, usually from a booth.
- Conference interpreters specialise in events, master both simultaneous and consecutive technique and work their way into your subject in advance.
We work with trained conference interpreters. We also offer written translations, for which we use native-speaker specialist translators.
How does simultaneous interpreting work?
Before the event
The work begins long before the first word. We clarify languages, programme, number of participants and venue with you and put together the right team from that.
The interpreters then prepare the content: presentations, scripts, participant lists, technical terms, abbreviations, proper names. The more material we receive in advance, the more precise the interpretation. All of it is treated confidentially, of course.
At the same time we plan the equipment: booths, receivers, microphones and sound reinforcement, and for online formats the link to your platform.
On the day
Our technicians set up before the first guests arrive and test every language individually. Then it runs like this:
- The interpreters sit in pairs in a soundproof booth with a view of the stage and the screen.
- They hear the original through headphones and speak the interpretation into the microphone.
- Your guests simply select their language on the receiver.
- Every 20 to 30 minutes the two take turns, more often at online events.
Our technical team stays on site throughout the event, so that you do not have to worry about anything.
Online and hybrid
It works the same way without a hall, only the routes are different. The interpreters work from our technical studio or are linked directly into your platform, for instance Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Your participants choose the language channel in the tool or via a link in the browser. At hybrid events both run side by side: receivers in the room, a language channel for everyone joining remotely.
More on our pages about on-site events, online events and hybrid formats.
AI-powered simultaneous translation for your event
More and more platforms now offer AI-powered simultaneous translation: fast, available around the clock, and at first glance sometimes cheaper than human interpreters. But when it comes to complex terminology or cultural nuance, real-time translation by AI still reaches its limits, confidentiality and time delay play a role too. Whether AI interpreters, our conference interpreters, or a combination of both is the best fit for your event, we'll work it out with you together with an open mind and no fixed agenda. We now offer the AI solution ourselves as well, technology included.
Software and technology from a single source: AI simultaneous translation has two parts: the software that translates, and the technology that brings the translation to your participants. We supply both. Reliable AI-powered simultaneous translation requires:
- Clear audio technology
- Stable signal routing
- Multi-channel output
- The right reception solution for your participants, on-site as well as online
That's exactly what we deliver from a single source: from advising you on which system fits your event, to the technical setup and support throughout it. Find out more on our page about AI interpreters.
Where we work for you
Cologne
For nearly 30 years, we've organized conference interpreters for the Rhineland and Ruhr region from right here.
More about Cologne
Berlin
For politics, associations, and international business: our conference interpreters are there for you on-site, online, and hybrid.
More about Berlin
Frankfurt
For the finance and banking sector as well as for mid-sized companies and corporations in the Rhine-Main region.
More about Frankfurt
FAQ
Which industries does simultando work in?
simultando works across industries in the B2B sector, supporting international events, associations, companies, and conference organizers from business, industry, and the events sector. We specialise in full-service support for conference, online, and hybrid events, but does not offer services in court interpreting or for government agencies, police, and hospitals.
What is simultaneous interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting is the transfer of the spoken word into another language, in near real time. Interpreters listen and render what's being said in the target language almost the same moment, with only a few seconds' delay. This is what sets simultaneous interpreting apart from consecutive interpreting, where translation only happens after a speech segment has ended. Because listening, understanding, and speaking all happen at once, it demands the highest level of concentration.
How does simultaneous interpretation work?
In simultaneous interpreting, the spoken word is transferred into another language in near real time, with only a few seconds' delay.
Process during an on-site event:
- Interpreters work in pairs or teams of three in a soundproof booth
- They listen to the speaker through headphones and speak the translation directly into a microphone
- The audience also listens to the interpretation through headphones
- Given the intense concentration this work requires, interpreters alternate every 20 to 30 minutes on-site, or every 15 to 20 minutes if they work remotely.
A variant of simultaneous interpreting:
Portable interpreting system: A portable setup for smaller groups or guided tours without a fixed booth, today usually replacing classic whispered interpreting, where the interpretation is whispered directly into one or two listeners' ears
What do you need for simultaneous interpreting?
Professional simultaneous interpreting at on-site events requires at least two interpreters per language, a soundproof booth, and the right equipment: headphones and a microphone for the interpreters, receivers and headphones for the audience. For smaller groups or guided tours, portable systems without a fixed booth are also sufficient.
How long can an interpreter work at a stretch?
Given the intense concentration this work requires, interpreters alternate every 20 to 30 minutes on-site, or every 15 to 20 minutes if they work remotely. Only for very short, one-off assignments (up to about 35 minutes online, or about 45 minutes on-site) can a single person handle the interpreting alone.
How much does a simultaneous interpreter cost per hour?
The costs for an interpreter are not calculated by the hour. Professional conference and simultaneous interpreters are generally booked for a flat-rate fee. The price depends on various factors, including:
- Area of specialisation and thematic complexity (expected time needed to familiarise themselves with the subject matter)
- Language combination (e.g. German-English or English-Chinese)
- Travel time to and from event venue
- Duration of event
To give you a rough idea: qualified simultaneous interpreters belong to the professional market segment because it is work that involves highly specialised training, extensive preparation and a high degree of concentration.
We would be happy to provide you with a transparent individual offer for your event.
What is online interpreting?
Online interperting happens when a fully digital event is interpreted via digital media. In online events, neither the participants nor the (simultaneous) interpreters are in the same physical location. The interpretation is provided via the the internet using suitable technology. Online interpreting is a type of remote interpreting.
What is remote interpreting?
We speak of remote interpreting or, when referring to simultaneous interpreting specifically, of Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI), when the interpreters are not in the same physical location as the participants, but work from a remote hub. This may be the case for a fully digital event, where the participants are not in the same location (online interpreting); for a hybrid event, where some participants attend physically and others connect online; or even for an in-person event if, for example, there isn't enough space for an interpreting booth. Whatever the scenario, simultando can provide you with qualified interpreters for your event.
What is a hybrid event and does it require specialised interpreters?
A hybrid event is one where some of the participants attend physically, others connect digitally. simultando can provide you with the right skilled interpreters for your specific needs.
How does simultaneous interpretation through qualified interpeters in hybrid events work?
Interpreters are usually present on site and use an interpreting console. The interpretation is transmitted via the console to the participants both on site off site. In another scenario, the interpreters themselves also work from an off-site location and connect online, and the interpretation is transmitted to all participants via digital technology. Simultando can provide the suitable technical solution for any hybrid scenario.
Benefit from our experience of almost 30 years in the organisation of interpreting teams and interpreting/conferencing technology in combination with our competence in remote interpreting, one of the most demanding terrains for simultaneous translations.
Simultaneous interpreting - perfectly organised
An outstanding performance by our simultaneous interpreters and perfect organisation are the yardstick we measure ourselves by. We will provide the required technical equipment and coordination. Quickly and reliably.
Benefit from our vast experience in interpreting with top interpreters – and make your congress, live event or video conference a success!