A translation memory (TM) is a database in which translated sentences, paragraphs or text segments are saved. However, it should not be mistaken for a machine translation in which the translation is automatically generated by a tool.
Each entry in the translation memory (“segment”) contains the “source text” in the original language and the corresponding translation, the “target text”. If a translator uses a translation memory system when translating, he or she automatically receives a corresponding translation suggestion if the text matches identical or similar segments every time he or she translates new or similar documents.
Specifically, this means that sentences, paragraphs or text segments that have already been translated once do not need to be translated again and instead the translator can take over the existing translation simply by clicking on the mouse.
Text sections, sentences, partial sentences and all terminology from earlier translations can thus be used as a basis for future translations of similar texts. Therefore, with each new translation order, the translation speed can be increased and at the same time the consistency of sentences and terms guaranteed.
The use of translation memory systems is particularly expedient with texts that are regularly updated, are characterised by numerous repetitions or are very similar to other texts.
A translation memory is frequently used with translations of the following texts:
A translation memory system can only be used if the texts to be translated are available in electronic form and in an editable file format. If you provide us with your documents to be translated, we will be happy to check for you whether a processing with a translation memory system is worthwhile and feasible. If necessary, we will also be pleased to prepare the documents for corresponding further processing with a translation memory system.
Please contact us if you would like to find out whether the use of a translation memory system would also be worthwhile for your company. We will gladly assist you in optimising your translation processes!
If you want to transfer translations that are in electronic form but have not been created with a translation memory system to a translation memory, we will be pleased to carry out an alignment for you. You can thus build up a database step by step for all your future translation projects with the best possible consistency.
If you have any other questions regarding the topic of translation memories, please contact us in person! We will be glad to assist you!
