Community Interpreting in Germany - Interpreters’ working conditions and qualification

BACKGROUND: Community Interpreters (CI) play a crucial role in multilingual communication in health care and community services. Since CIs in Germany are mainly organized on a regional basis, there are no nationwide data available. The aim of this explorative cross-sectional study is to gain a better understanding of the work of CIs in Germany. METHODS: In cooperation with the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists and the Federal Association of Non-statutory Welfare, a nationwide online survey was conducted between June and August 2022. Interpreters’ working conditions and qualification were assessed. Interpreters were recruited primarily through interpreter pools and training institutions in Germany. RESULTS: Across all 16 federal states, n = 1199 people clicked on the survey, of which n = 873 responses were usable for analysis. Most of the participants are female (74%) and born abroad (77%). The average work experience as interpreters is MED = 6 years (IQR = 3-10). 44% reported interpreting every now and then in their leisure time. The median hours of interpreting per month is 10 hours (IQR = 5-30). Most often they interpret in person (MED = 90%, IQR = 80-100%). They work in MED = 4 different areas (e.g. health care, education, social services, authority, court or police). 27% stated interpreting in six or more different settings. 69% have attended interpreting training (MED = 20 hours, IQR = 10-70), 29% of them passed a final exam. Of those who have never attended any training, 69% consider themselves as rather/very competent in interpreting. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a first national data basis for the group of CIs in Germany. People who work as CIs work in various fields. A large percentage do not interpret on a full-time basis. Most interpreters lack formal training for interpreting. KEY MESSAGES: • Community Interpreters in Germany lack formal training and qualification for interpreting. • Interpreting in health and community services is primarily a job that is done on the side.