Purpose/ Activities

The VdÜ, established in 1954, is the professional association of literary and specialised translators and represents their interests in public, and among their contract partners (mostly publishers) and the respective associations.

The VDÜ

works towards improving the legal and economic position of translators

provides its members with relevant information, opportunities for further edu-cation, advice and, if needed, financial support

gives legal assistance to its members

The VdÜ is affiliated with the German Writers’ Association (Verband deutscher Schriftsteller, VS) organised in the media trade-union Ver.di.

VDÜ members are therefore trade-union members within the Federal Section of Translators of the VS, which supports translators and the work of their as-sociation.

The VDÜ is a founding member of the German Translator Fund which gives scholarships to literary translators.

Activities in detail:

designing model contracts

working towards reforming German copyright laws

publishing recommended fees

publishing a list of translators based in Germany

publishing the magazine Übersetzen (Translating)

mailing list Übersetzerforum

organising the annual ‘Bensberger Gespräche’ meetings