German Localization

In order to attract German-speaking customers and clients, you will have to familiarize yourself with the idea of German localization. German localization is the process of adapting the language, appearance, and functionality of a product or Web site for German-speaking markets. German presents a variety of unique challenges to German-speaking localization professionals.

To ensure a positive reception of your software, Web site, and documentation, it is a good idea to work with an experienced localization company. Your localization service provider should employ native German-speaking teams of localization specialists who understand how to anticipate and solve the myriad of potential German localization issues.

Some examples of localization issues:

German Localization: Web site Issues

German Localization Requirements

Color scheme

Inoffensive colors for example

Date, time, currency formats

Change to standard German formats

E-commerce payments

Enable various payment methods such as bank transfers

German Localization: Software Issues

German Localization Requirements

Time-to-market

Translation memory tools help speed translation

High user expectations

Testers should be German speakers

German Localization: Documentation Issues

German Localization Requirements

Text length

Accommodate possible text expansion/contraction

Printing German fonts

Embed fonts in PDF file for printer

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