“Translation is more than transferring words from one language to another.
Elisabeth Freund Ducatez
It is about conveying meaning, intention and nuance — so your message resonates fully in another cultural setting.”
Your message, carefully crafted
Would you like to enter the German-speaking market or strengthen your presence with clear, well-written content?
Are you looking for a translator who understands your message and conveys every nuance with care and precision?
Welcome to Freund Translations.
With 30 years of experience and a trusted network of colleagues, I deliver high-quality translations into German. My work combines accuracy, research, and a genuine curiosity for the subjects entrusted to me.
I use modern tools — including selected AI-assisted technologies — as support, never as a substitute for human judgment. Every text is written and refined by hand, ensuring a 100% human, natural and meaningful translation.
I value clarity, reliability and honest collaboration, and I invest fully in the relationships I build with my clients.
My aim is simple: to be a trustworthy, valued partner who is willing to go the extra mile. Passion and commitment are, in my experience, the surest paths to good work.
Understanding your field is essential to conveying your message faithfully. Every profession has its own terminology and tone — I take the time to learn them so your communication reaches its audience convincingly.
For large or sensitive projects, I coordinate teams of experienced translators.
A collaborative approach — including a rigorous four-eyes review — ensures that no nuance is overlooked and that the final text is accurate, coherent and elegant.
Strong client relationships, reliable deadlines and flexibility form the backbone of my work. My aim is always to create tangible added value for my clients.
A good translation is not only terminologically accurate: it must also be well written. Tone, rhythm and clarity matter — and I refine them carefully.
Digital tools and AI can support consistency and research, but they cannot replace human sensitivity to context, nuance and style.
I work with SDL Trados Studio, my own carefully maintained translation memories and terminology databases, supported by modern tools that help — without ever taking over.
I was born in Vienna, Austria.
At the age of six, I had already decided I would one day live in France.
At sixteen, I knew I wanted to become a translator — and that conviction stayed with me.
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Translation Studies in Vienna, I graduated from ESIT Paris in 1995 and began working as a freelance translator in France in 1996.
Reliability, professionalism and a genuine enjoyment of working with people quickly helped me build a loyal client base. A few years later, I returned to ESIT as a lecturer and have also taught at EDHEC and ESTICE in Lille.
Over the years, I have increasingly collaborated with public institutions, European agencies, think tanks and international civil society groups. Recent clients include the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), La Fabrique de la Cité, the Civil Society Financing for Development Group and nearly two years with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
I also completed a six-month on-site interpreting assignment for Tereos, which deepened my understanding of industrial settings.
30 years on, my enthusiasm for language remains as strong as ever. I am driven by the search for the right wording, the pleasure of clear expression and the satisfaction of thoughtful, well-crafted work.
I work with companies, public institutions, think tanks and organisations targeting the German, Austrian or Swiss markets.
I translate a wide range of materials, including:
• French / English → German translation
• German / French / English translation & four-eyes proofreading
• Project management & team coordination
I do not offer post-editing of machine translations, standalone editing, literary or medical translation.
“A big thank you to Elisabeth for the French-German translation of a large document of about 40 pages that she completed in record time and in an accurate and meticulous way… a high-quality job.”
Janine Ruf, ADEUS
“I just wanted to let you know that the German marketing manager just informed me that the translation of the press release was perfect, she did not have to modify anything, so thank you for making sure we got a perfect translation and please send our regards to the translator.”
Havaianas
“Thanks so much for doing this so quickly, much appreciated.”
Caroline Bishop, Michelangelo Foundation
“I have known Elisabeth for several years now. We work together on various subjects that are sometimes complex in terms of technicality/subtlety of language and her precision, professionalism and expertise are always reflected in her work. With her, I know that the work delivered will be high quality, accompanied by pertinent remarks and always delivered on time. My clients’ feedback is always very positive and I know that I can trust her completely. Availability, reactivity, control of deadlines, quality of translation and a friendly personality – I highly recommend Elisabeth!”
Raphaële Pecheur, 19Douze
“Our teams in German-speaking Switzerland and Austria were delighted with the quality of your service. They hardly changed anything.”
Candice Champon, MND
My work spans numerous fields — from industry and technology to policy, research and the public sector.
Recent references include MEAE, EFSA, La Fabrique de la Cité, Civil Society FfD Group, Tereos, and various European organisations and companies.
Elisabeth Freund Ducatez
t. +33 622 783 767
elisabeth@freundtranslations.com
