A sworn translation is one which fulfills the requirements in the country in question, enabling it to be used in formal procedures, with the translator accepting responsibility for its accuracy. These requirements vary widely from country to country. While some countries allow only state-appointed translators to produce such translations, others will accept those carried out by any competent bilingual individual. Between these two extremes are countries where a certified translation can be carried out by any professional translator with the correct credentials (which may include membership of specific translation associations or the holding of certain qualifications). 

Sworn translators must pass a public examination and may only translate into the languages for which they have been examined. They don’t necessarily have to be specialists in the type of document they are translating to certify them.

However, it brings a lot of responsibility. By guaranteeing the authenticity and reliability of the original (by means of a stamp), they can face criminal accountability for errors in the translation.

Legal Language (Legal Terminology)
Purpose: Legal validity, clarity, precision
• Field-specific: Many terms have a very specific legal meaning (e.g., “ownership,” “possession,” “proportionality”)
• Formulaic expressions: Repeated phrases such as “it is hereby established that…” or “thus it follows that…”
• Long sentences & passive constructions: e.g., “The defendant is prohibited from approaching the plaintiff’s residence.”
• Impersonal & distant tone
• Reference to norms: Frequently refers to laws, statutes, and legal definitions

Everyday Language (Plain Language)
Purpose: Comprehensibility, everyday usability, communication in a social context
• Generally understandable: Broader and often less precise terms (e.g., “homeowner” instead of “owner”)
• Simpler sentence structure: shorter, active voice, clear
• More personal & direct tone
• Use of imagery & informal language allowed
• No legal binding: No reference to laws or regulations