Chris Grosch
Your Trusted Language Partner
Language Services
Sworn translations
Sworn (certified) translations for high-intent individuals and corporate partners who need legal validity for official documents.
Interpret
I work remotely and in person, and frequently travel internationally for assignments and events.
Translate
I have translated well over 3 Million words in the past decade, mostly using memoQ and Trados Studio with my own licenses.
Voice Over
German is my native language and my voice is a warm Baritone. I also frequently work in French (Parisian French) and English (US)
Real-time interpretation in soundproof booths for conferences, summits, and large-scale events.
- Conference Settings
- Multi-language Events
- Professional Equipment
Interpretation after the speaker pauses, ideal for business meetings and smaller gatherings.
- Business Meetings
- Legal Proceedings
- Medical Appointments
Virtual interpretation services for online events via Zoom, Teams, or custom platforms.
- Virtual Events
- Webinars
- Hybrid Events
Specialized interpretation for press conferences, TV interviews, and media coverage.
- Press Conferences
- TV Interviews
- Media Coverage
Professional Journey
Made in Germany, I am schooled in German & English before moving to Paris.
In the course of a 30+-year international tourism career I have touched on may different aspects of hospitality from operations, music & events, art exhibitions, motor racing, cruise trains and many others.
Now I work between all 3 languages as an accredited interpreter, sworn translator and VO artist, with a proven track record as a language professional in French, English and German for over 13 years.
Having lived and worked in Germany, Japan, the US and France, I am now based in South Africa, from where I support international companies and NGOs in their activities.
What Drives My Work
Industries I've Worked With
FAQ'S: All You Need to Know
Where are you based? Are you available to travel?
I am based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Working for a variety of clients who are not based in my home town, I frequently travel. Around South Africa, regionally throughout all countries in Africa, and overseas to just about any destination in Europa, Asia and America.
What are your rates?
Interpreting services are paid by the day. Subject matter, degree of difficulty and the type and duration of the assignment determine the actual pricing. Provisions for travel will be made.
Translations are charged per word. The price per word depends on the degree of difficulty of the translation, the language combination and also on the volume and urgency of the order.
Due to this dynamic, it is not feasible to make a general statement on final prices here.
Voice Recordings are paid per minute.
Often, it is more appropriate to speak about “recording and broadcast” fees, depending on the intended usage. What’s the medium – online, radio, TV? Is it commercial, for profit?
Will it be used only inside the client organization?
Will access to it be free of charge or behind a paywall?
I am happy to establish an individual offer that is tailored to your needs.
What kind of project management do you undertake?
Individually, as a team member or a team leader, my work experience is broad and ever growing in the most diverse fields, cultures and languages.
Why should I / we work with you?
In addition to good looks and a charming personality?
My expertise and professional ethics build on years of business experience around the globe, in the most diverse fields of activity.
Thanks to my rapid grasp of changing environments I am able to act with flexibility and recognize opportunities in face of the unexpected.
I have come to experience the need for top quality engagement and absolute confidentiality first hand throughout my career.
I therefore take my assignments and their preparation very personal – also, because my only capital as a freelance language professional is my reputation.
Resulting repeats and referrals are what secures future contracts for me.
What’s the difference between interpretation and translation?
Spoken or Signed
Interpreters convert spoken or signed (SASL) expressions from one language into another
Written
Translators convert written expressions from one language into another
Real Time
Interpreters work in real time
they interpret at the same time as the original is spoken = simultaneous
or they speak in pauses in between = consecutive
Scheduled Delivery
Translation takes time to be completed
Both Languages
Interpreters are fluent in both languages
Target Language
Translators often specialize in one direction only
On The Spot
Interpreters work in real time without additional resources
Dictionaries
Translators use dictionaries
Example: Business Meeting
Interpreters ensure smooth communication flow
Example: Marketing Material
Includes brochures, website content etc.
Conference Equipment
Interpreters use headsets with microphones,
or speak freely
Computers
Translators use laptops and CAT software
Out there
Interpreters come to wherever they’re needed.
Conferences, hospitals, courts, meetings, factories etc
Home Office
Translators work mostly from home,
sometimes in an office environmen
Extrovert
Interpreters are more likely to be extroverts
Introvert
Translators are more likely to be introverts
Clients - Making A Difference
“Chris has the most important skill in our industry, a dominance in English, French & German, both as a simultaneous and consecutive interpreter. His experience ranges from infrastructure development, women’s rights and climate change to international corporate affairs and international relations.”
“Your knowledge of French and rapid grasp of project parameters has enabled our mission to the National Hydrocarbons Corporation of Cameroon to create a sustainable and beneficial partnership.”
“We would like to thank you once again for your support during the IndustriALL seminar.
We frequently have workshops with our colleagues in PE and will need your language support in future.”