Official education path
Entry is through a Bachelor or Master degree at a university of applied sciences or university.
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Übersetzer/in FH/UNI
You translate texts precisely and culturally appropriately from one language to another.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You translate professional and everyday texts between languages. You often work independently and guide projects from preparation to delivery.
As a translator, you convert texts precisely from a foreign language into your native language. You clarify technical details with authors. You use modern tools and pay attention to cultural nuances. Whether at international organisations, government offices, or as a freelancer: you ensure messages are understood worldwide and culturally appropriate.
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryTranslation & Interpreting
Swissdoc 0.811.15.0 - 0.811.20.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Übersetzer/in FH/UNI.
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Bachelor/Master of Arts
- ⏱ Bachelor: 6 Semester Master: 3-4 Semester
Typical training path
Bachelor/Master of Arts
Prerequisites
- Berufs-, Fach- oder gymnasiale Maturität or equivalent qualification
- Aptitude test
- Proof of specific language skills
Requirements
- Strong communication skills
- Above-average language skills
- Interest in mediation work
- Organisational and planning skills
- Independent working style
- Careful working style
Where this can lead
Career changers are possible if you have an equivalent academic degree and proven language skills.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Language proficiency
- Communication skills
- Self-organisation
- Analytical thinking
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit at your desk and check a complex technical text for linguistic nuances. You exchange emails with the author to clear up any last doubts before submission.
- You carefully prepare translation assignments with clients and commissioners.
- You research technical terms and check relevant reference works.
- You clarify open questions directly with the author of the original text.
- You use computer-assisted tools and terminology databases strategically.
- You translate the content completely and consider cultural nuances.
- You deliver the finished translation to the client on time.
- You maintain a network of experts and update professional databases.
Working conditions
You usually work in offices of international organisations, government offices, or media companies. Many work independently and design their workspace flexibly.
Where to learn
- Schweizerischer Verband für Übersetzen, Terminologie und Dolmetschen ASTTIZeughausgasse 18, 3001 Bern
- Association d'interprètes et de traducteurs diplômés (AIT)postale 5550, 1200 Genf
Strengths
- Language proficiency
- Communication skills
- Self-organisation
- Analytical thinking
Trade-offs
- Irregular hours
- Isolation
- Deadline stress
- Network building
06 · Similar
