Can’t you just use Google Translate or ChatGPT when translating texts? Many companies ask themselves that very question. It seems fast, cheap – and often “good enough”.
But according to Diane and Erik from OnLine Translation, it’s a dangerous shortcut that can be costly – both in credibility, legal errors and lost impact in communication.
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1. Machines translate – but do they really understand the message?
ChatGPT and Google Translate can give you a quick result. But they struggle to handle context, technical language and tone of voice. This means that even small errors can change the meaning – and in the worst case, lead to serious misunderstandings.
One example is from Randers Municipality, where Google Translate was used in a case of forced removal of children. The result went completely wrong – with major human consequences.
2. The art of professional translation
A professional translator doesn’t translate sentence by sentence. They capture the message, nuances and mood of the text – and recreate it in the target language. This is often where the difference between “good enough” and “just right” becomes clear.
3. When do machines make sense?
Machines can be useful for internal texts, research or inspiration – especially when you’re working in your native language and can correct afterwards. But when it comes to important texts for customers, business partners or legal bodies, you should always use a professional translator.
4. So… is ChatGPT ready for those tricky texts?
We actually let ChatGPT answer that question itself – and it admits:
*”When it comes to critical texts (contracts, medicine, marketing, courts, etc.), a professional translator should always step in.
If it’s internal documents, research or inspiration, I can be a great help – often with high enough quality for the purpose.
In short: I can provide a strong starting point and save you time and money. But if you don’t want to take any risks – it’s still people you need to bet on.”*
So the question is: Do you want to take the risk – or do you want to make sure your message hits the mark?