Hi, I’m Maria Lingsminat
My passion for language began early – Latin was my first foreign language, and I’ve been fascinated ever since by the many layers of meaning that words can hold. This fascination has accompanied me throughout my academic and professional journey – as a speechwriter, doctoral researcher, and now as a freelance interpreter and translator working with Spanish, English and German.
What all of these roles have in common? For me, every word counts – and so do the subtleties in between. The things that are deliberately expressed but often overlooked deserve just as much attention.
As a state-certified and court-sworn translator and interpreter for Spanish-German, I offer officially recognised translations of documents such as certificates, contracts, legal or academic texts.
For English, my knowledge is certifed at a C2-level. I draw on many years of experience and have completed hundreds of interpreting and translation assignments – in hospitals, government and education entitities, conferences and at court (where I was sworn in for each individual proceeding).
Based in Berlin, I support private clients, companies and organisations across Germany and internationally.
Would you like to know how I can support you?
“Every language is a world.
Without translation, we would inhabit parishes bordering on silence.”
– George Steiner –
My values and working ethos
Language connects – across borders, life experiences and, at times, even deep divides. It is so much more than a mere tool: it is art, an expression of humanity, and a bridge to others. In my work as an interpreter and translator, I aim to honour this complexity with accuracy, respect and empathy – working precisely, multipartially, and with a deep sense of responsibility for the trust you place in my words.
Certified and accountable
In an unregulated market, professional qualifications matter. For Spanish-German I am a state-certified and sworn interpreter and translator – which means I am legally bound to provide accurate and complete translations and work in line with defined professional ethics. Your words are in safe hands – not only linguistically, but also legally. Important note: While my status for Spanish-German validates my professional qualifications, please note, that I’m NOT state-certified nor sworn for English yet. If you need a sworn interpreter for English, I recommend my colleague Christin Schachowski. If you need a sworn translator for English, I recommend my colleague Kate McCane.
A voice that carries responsibility
As an interpreter, I lend my voice to others – often in highly sensitive situations. I maintain professional distance without losing empathy. I interpret faithfully, multipartially and within the boundaries of my role as a linguistic mediator. Whether in court, at a hospital or during a multilingual conference, I carry responsibility – with heart, expertise and a clear understanding of my role.
Transparency, fairness and diligence
Reliable linguistic mediation depends on trust – in linguistic precision, in subject-matter expertise and in fair conditions. I offer clear pricing based on the JVEG (German Judicial Remuneration Act) or a previously agreed fixed fee, adhere to data protection regulations and treat every word with the care it deserves. There should be no shortcuts to quality – only a clear commitment.
