AudiovisuAL TRANSLATIONS
This is a new service of mine, which is split into two main areas: subtitling with translation into another language, and the creation of subtitles for a specific target group as a form of inclusion/accessibility (see SDH).
- Audiovisual translation (AVT) means the translation of spoken film content into another language: I create and translate subtitles from English into German. The translation is shown in the form of on-screen subtitles. This means that a film that has not been dubbed can be watched in the original, even if viewers don't understand the original language.
- Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH), sometimes also called Captioning/Closed Captions (CC). Here too, subtitles are created and displayed on screen. The difference is that, on top of the dialogue, they also include additional information such as sounds, speaker identification, music, etc. The target group for SDH are people with impaired or no hearing. SDH are provided to help them get full access to the film. This is now a legal requirement in the EU: find out more.
- Voice-Over: Voice-over is used, for example, for videos in which the original language remains audible but is overlaid with a spoken translation. I create the translation of the original text, which then serves as a script for a professional speaker. I can also do the time-coding. I only offer voice-over translations from English into German.
From corporate and training videos
to Hollywood blockbusters
Hollywood?! Who knows, maybe one day?
But what is even more important: the number of films, videos, documentaries, training materials and news programmes that are getting subtitled is constantly increasing these days.
There are various reasons for this. It is not only limited hearing or loss of hearing that causes people to switch on subtitles. Consuming film material on the move, without sound, can also be a reason.
In many cases, it is also simply a habit to display subtitles, even if they might not be absolutely necessary. What's more, films today have a faster pace than in the past, and actors are often more difficult to understand, for various reasons.
In all these cases, subtitles help viewers to get full access to the audiovisual content.
Accessibility Through Subtitles: BFSG and EAA
As of 28 June 2025, the German Accessibility Enhancement Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz – BFSG), which transposes the
European Accessibility Act (EAA), will require many businesses to make their digital content accessible – including videos, streaming services, e-learning formats, and other audiovisual media.
Anyone making audiovisual content publicly available will need to ensure that people with hearing impairments can fully understand and engage with it.
Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH) play a key role in this effort: they provide access not only to spoken language, but also to sounds, music, moods – everything that is essential for understanding but not spoken aloud.
I’ll help you subtitle your video content in a legally compliant and high-quality manner – following established industry standards, with clarity, readability, and tailored to your specific format.
This is how you create true accessibility – and demonstrate your commitment.
