Types of interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting is the ultimate form of interpreting, as it requires the highest level of concentration. Interpreters working in this mode work in teams of two, switching every 20–30 minutes. This ensures the best possible quality for the client.


The interpreters sit in a booth to block out any background noise while they work and to avoid background noise for the listeners. Speech is transmitted using a headset.

common settings: Conferences, congresses, conventions. 

It is always worthwhile using simultaneous interpreters if more than two languages are being spoken at your event, if what is being said is addressed to a large audience, and/or if there are longer passages of text, possibly from several speakers. Given the various factors involved, simultaneous interpreting allows you to avoid unnecessarily prolonging the event. 


Whispered interpreting is a variant of simultaneous interpreting and involves interpreting (almost) in real time without a booth. The interpreter is positioned next to the recipient and interprets what is being said for them, for example in court. 

It is also possible to work with a tour guide system, consisting of a mobile headset with a limited range. This type of interpreting is very useful for short, mobile events such as guided tours or site visits, but the constant whispering into the microphone places a lot of strain on the interpreter's voice. Whispered interpreting also requires a high level of concentration from the recipients, as they have to block out background noise from their surroundings.

Consecutive interpreting

In consecutive interpreting, the speaker and the interpreter take turns. The interpreter usually stands next to the speaker and takes notes during the speech. This requires the interpreter to have an excellent memory and to have developed a sophisticated note-taking technique that supports their memory. Each section of speech should not exceed five to eight minutes. The consecutive nature of the interpreting means that events of this kind can easily take twice as long as originally planned.

Common settings: Dinner speeches, addresses. This type of interpreting is suitable when no more than two languages are involved and when there is only one or a maximum of two speakers. Otherwise, the event would drag on too long for all those taking part.

A variant of consecutive interpreting is liaison interpreting, or interpreting for negotiations. Here, the interpreter sits at the negotiating table between the negotiating partners. In this scenario, there is not just one speaker addressing several listeners, but rather several people talking to each other, with the interpreter ensuring that the speakers of both languages can communicate with one another.

Common settings: Interviews, short meetings, hearings, negotiations.