Greek translation agency

Are you visiting Greece or do you only need a Greek translation?

What do you want to achieve with your translation? Are you traveling to Greece or Cyprus, or do you want to reach a Greek-speaking target group within the Netherlands? In short: what is your goal? If you have a text or document that you want to use in Greece or Cyprus, you can generally have a standard Greek translation made. Still, it is wise to be think about what dialect, if any, is used in the region where the recipient is situated. The various dialects are: Tsakonian (about 1,200 speakers), Cappadocian (in danger of extinction), Cretan Greek (about 500,000 speakers including the inhabitants of Crete), Maniot (about 100,000 speakers), Pontic Greek (about 500,000 speakers), and Yevanic Greek (in danger of extinction). Despite some (minority) dialects not differing much from Standard Greek, it is advisable to consider the target dialect of your translation. You will avoid misunderstandings by having a native speaker translator make the correct translation into the correct dialect.

Choose a translator who knows both the language and the country. By having a native speaker translator translate your document, we guarantee you a translation that always serves its purpose. Whether it’s an official document or a running text for a specific target audience, you will benefit by default from the guarantee that it will be done right.

Greek translation agency that knows the country

Every country has its own culture, history, customs and habits. Greece, of course, is the embodiment of history, from the gods to the origins of the Olympic Games. Take advantage of this knowledge when communicating with people from Greece or Cyprus or when visiting one of these countries yourself; it shows that you have prepared well. The kafeneion, or café, is a place where many Greek men can be found on a daily basis. They have a quick cup of coffee and exchange the latest news. In addition, they function as a networking spot, where you might make an appointment with the local plumber or another person who provides services. Women are allowed in, but it is common for mainly men to be there. The color of the kafeneion indicates the political affiliation of visitors: blue for conservatives and green for socialists. If you are invited to a Greek’s home, bring a present. Chocolate, cake or flowers are appropriate for this purpose. If you give a gift on a birthday or name day, don’t be surprised if people don’t unwrap it right away. Greeks unwrap gifts only after the guests have gone home, out of courtesy and to show that they are paying attention to the visitors rather than the gifts they have brought.
A heartfelt kalimera (good morning) is allowed until 1 pm. Then say kalispera (during the day) and at bedtime kalinichta (good night).

Greek greetings include many kisses, both men and women, which is accompanied by a handshake. However, there are no kisses exchanged on the day before Good Friday, due to Judas’ kiss being a sign of betrayal. Greeks get physically closer to each other than Western Europeans are used to. They are very physical, easily putting a hand on another’s shoulder and even pulling on your arm when they think the attention of the conversation is waning. It is not intrusiveness, just a habit. Conversely, they do not have the habit of smiling during conversation; this is perceived as silly. Eye contact is not used much during conversations, people look in all directions except into other people’s eyes.

As in Bulgaria and certain other areas, shaking the head means ‘yes’ and nodding means ‘no’. The word ‘né’ means yes, and a so-called ‘oxi’ – where people nod and make a ‘tss’ sound – means no. The topics of conversation vary; Greeks talk about everything. Just observe the rule that criticism is not wanted. This is offensive and when one party is offended, it becomes difficult to fix the relationship. Good decency is an important part of social culture. People make an effort to look nice. When you visit a public building or a church or monastery, make sure you look presentable and proper. Bare shoulders and knees are not desired here, for both ladies and gentlemen. Never disturb a Greek’s afternoon nap; this is absolutely not done. On the other hand, it is not a problem when someone calls them late at night. In this respect, Greeks handle time differently; a terrace is just as full during the week as on the weekend. Greeks are proud people who value their culture and way of dealing with each other. Stick to the customs, and you’ll have a great time.

We as a Dutch-Greek translation agency provide, among other things, translations of brochures, resumes, letters and manuals on a daily basis. These are always carefully translated by one of our Greek native speaker translators. Not only are we specialised in translations from Dutch into Greek. Other language combinations, such as Spanish into Greek and French into Greek, are also commonplace at our translation agency in The Hague.