Hi there, nice to meet you!
I’m Kristal. Berlin transplant, California expat.
I hold the Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists and I’ve been in Berlin for over 10 years. That’s long enough that I can explain the difference between a Pfannkuchen, a Berliner, and an Eierkuchen. (Hint: there may or may not be one at all.)
Oh, and I can almost pronounce Oachkatzlschwoaf. Just in case you were wondering.
But enough about me. What you really want to know is… how can I help you?
You need to reach your English-speaking customers in a way that is clear, attention-grabbing, and easy to read? I’ll take care of it for you.
Maybe you’ve started writing your service description a dozen times already, and you’re ready to throw in the towel? We’ll talk in detail about what you need, and I’ll get the words down on paper for you (or into the computer, as the case may be).
Maybe you’ve got the words down already, but… that nagging voice in the back of your head tells you it could still be better? I’ll go through and make your words sparkle.
Maybe you’ve translated something from your native language into English, but you’re worried that some parts might not sound quite right? No problem, I’m an expert at this type of thing.
Or do you have a website, marketing materials, or blog posts that need to be translated from German into English? I can translate it and adapt it as needed to make sure it impacts your target group in English just like it did in German.
Why me?
I’ve spent a lot of time on both sides of the coin.
I’ve worked for US companies and German businesses. I’ve learned to create, edit, and translate in collaboration with multiple departments, and I’ve also learned to work with small businesses who need me to guide them through the process. No matter what your situation is, I’m eager to help.
The one thing that stays the same, no matter what country I’m in or what company I’m working with? Communication is key. The words we use are crucial, whether they are directed at a customer or a coworker. And finding the right ones—well, that’s exactly what I do.
I take the time to talk with you in detail about your project, to ask questions when something is unclear, and to make sure that the final result is exactly what you need to reach your goals. You deserve first-class treatment, and so does your text.
I don’t believe in resting on my laurels, either. I learn continuously so that I can improve the services I offer to my customers. Here are some of the professional development activities I’ve undertaken recently:
- 3-month in-person advanced translation training (Berlin, 2017)
- Ongoing training in copywriting, content development, branding, and writing for the web
- Ongoing training in multi-lingual SEO and keyword research
- Advanced grammar and proofreading training and certification (Poynter News University, 2018)
When you work with me, you can expect exceptional service, timely communication, and a finished product that you are proud to show the world.
My values
I try to live by the motto “leave things a little bit better than you found them,” and I carry that over to my business, too. I love working with companies and entrepreneurs who share the goal of making the world a better place: companies who help people, who ethically source their products, who keep the next generations in mind in everything they do. I am a proud volunteer for Translator’s Without Borders, and my laptop and coffee machine (and the rest of the office) are powered by 100% renewable energy. If your company has a message it needs to share with the world, I’ll help you amplify it.
