Looking for expert Hungarian translation services? Since 2003, Green Crescent has been providing professional translation services between English and Hungarian to clients worldwide. We specialize in a range of industries, including legal, technical, business, and marketing. Our experienced team ensures accurate, high-quality translations tailored to your unique needs. Get a fast, free Hungarian translation quote today!
Our Comprehensive Hungarian Translation Services
Green Crescent’s experienced team of Hungarian translators includes subject matter experts for specialized industry needs. We provide translations that cater to various Hungarian dialects and regional variations, ensuring precision and cultural relevance.
- Standard Hungarian (Hungary)
- Transylvanian Hungarian (Romania)
- Slovakian Hungarian
- Ukrainian Hungarian
- Serbian Hungarian
We specialize in both English to Hungarian and Hungarian to English translations, offering the following services:
Simple Translation
Our simple translations in the English/Hungarian language pair are designed for basic communication needs. These translations are completed by a single Hungarian translator without the involvement of an editor or proofreader, and therefore should not be considered final or polished work for most professional or formal use cases. While typically of high quality, simple translations are essentially "rough drafts" that do not undergo additional editing, proofreading, or quality control processes. These translations are ideal for personal letters, informal communications, initial drafts, or situations where you need to quickly understand the general meaning or "gist" of a Hungarian text.
Standard Translation (TEP)
Our Standard Hungarian Translation service is designed to provide high-quality translations for everyday use, including business correspondence, websites, reports, presentations, and similar content. This service includes translation, editing, and proofreading (TEP) to ensure the highest level of accuracy and clarity in your Hungarian communications.
Organization Critical Translation (TEP+)
Our Organization Critical Hungarian Translation service is designed for situations where perfection is essential. This option is recommended for texts intended for large-scale printing, technical documents, legal contracts, patents, medical documents, or any case where an error could be critical or costly. Each translated line is reviewed by a minimum of three linguists, with multiple rounds of proofreading. Subject matter experts (SMEs) may be involved as needed throughout the Hungarian translation, editing, and proofreading (TEP) process.
Bilingual Editing
Bilingual Editing for Hungarian Translation involves editing a translated text by comparing both the source and target texts in the English/Hungarian language pair. The editor, fluent in the source language and a native speaker of Hungarian, ensures that the translation is accurate, consistent, and faithful to the source text while maintaining clarity and fluency in Hungarian. This step occurs after the initial translation in our TEP (Translation, Editing, Proofreading) Organization Critical and Standard Translation services. We also offer this service as a standalone option for translations completed by individuals or organizations not affiliated with Green Crescent.
Proofreading
With each additional round of editing and proofreading, the error rate of a document approaches perfection. Our proofreading service for English to Hungarian and Hungarian to English translations involves reviewing a single-language text to identify and correct surface-level errors, such as spelling mistakes, grammar issues, punctuation errors, and formatting inconsistencies. This step is the final phase in our TEP (Translation, Editing, Proofreading) Organization Critical and Standard translation services. We also offer proofreading as a standalone service for translations completed by individuals or organizations not affiliated with Green Crescent.
Legal Translation
Green Crescent's elite team of linguists, each with subject matter expertise in specialized legal fields, is ready to assist you with the translation of a wide range of judicial, administrative, and private legal documents between Hungarian and English. Nearly all countries recognize that submitting documents for translation does not compromise attorney-client privilege. Furthermore, we can implement enhanced security measures to ensure strict confidentiality upon request.
Technical Translation
Technical translations involve any text featuring specialized vocabulary or language registers, necessitating additional research and terminology verification. Common technical subject matter includes legal, medical, scientific, engineering, and IT topics. Any text utilizing industry-specific terminology or neologisms may be considered technical in nature. These translations require the expertise of linguists with in-depth knowledge of the relevant technical field in both Hungarian and English.
Medical Translation
Green Crescent has established protocols to ensure compliance with relevant privacy and healthcare regulations. Our Hungarian medical translations are treated as "organization critical" unless otherwise specified, and we are committed to implementing the necessary digital security measures and legal safeguards for every project subject to healthcare requirements. Our team of skilled linguists, specialized in medical terminology, ensures that your translations are both accurate and secure.
Localization
Our translation services are tailored for specific target markets that require localized varieties or dialects of the Hungarian language. Green Crescent is equipped to accommodate requests for localized Hungarian translation, ensuring that your content resonates with the intended audience. Our experienced linguists are well-versed in regional nuances, allowing us to provide translations that are not only accurate but also culturally relevant and engaging. By focusing on the unique linguistic characteristics of Hungarian, we help you effectively connect with your audience and enhance the impact of your message.
Website, App, and Software Localization for Hungarian
At Green Crescent, we leverage our extensive experience in software development to provide specialized Hungarian localization services. We excel in adapting your website, app, or software’s content, design, and functionality for Hungarian-speaking audiences. Whether you need a fully multilingual solution or specific adaptations for Hungarian, our services encompass translating text, adjusting images, and modifying layouts. We also adapt and program code for both mobile and desktop applications, ensuring that your app functions seamlessly across Hungarian-speaking regions while adhering to platform-specific guidelines. Let us help you create an engaging and culturally relevant experience for your Hungarian-speaking users.
Back-translation
Back-translation is often a crucial component of the quality control process, particularly when translating highly technical documents or critical translations in the Hungarian/English language pair where an error could have significant consequences. This process involves an independent linguist translating a previously translated text back into its original source language—either Hungarian or English—without reference to the original document. The resulting text is then compared to the original translation to verify its intelligibility, accuracy, and suitability for its intended use. Back-translation is also relevant in situations such as the translation of legal documents, medical texts, and marketing materials, where precise wording is essential. It can be particularly beneficial when adapting content for different cultural contexts, ensuring that the intended message is preserved and resonates appropriately with the target audience in both Hungarian and English.
Peer Review
Green Crescent offers professional focus group services that include a comprehensive "read-through" conducted by one or more linguists who were not involved in the original translation process. This approach allows for an unbiased assessment of the translation's quality, style, and overall fitness for its intended purpose. The focus group can evaluate various aspects of the text, including linguistic accuracy, cultural relevance, and the effectiveness of the messaging in reaching the target audience. Feedback is provided on how well the translation conveys the original intent and nuances of the source material, ensuring that it resonates with readers in both Hungarian and English contexts.
SME Review
Subject Matter Expert (SME) review is a specialized form of peer review conducted by non-linguist professionals with deep expertise in specific fields. This process is particularly important for Hungarian to English or English to Hungarian translations of highly technical texts, ensuring that the content is both linguistically accurate and technically precise. In fields such as legal, medical, scientific, and engineering, SMEs help verify the correct use of industry-specific terminology, adherence to regulatory or technical standards, and the contextual relevance of the translated material. By incorporating SME review into the translation process, we ensure that your final product is not only fluent and culturally appropriate but also technically sound and ready for professional use in both Hungarian- and English-speaking markets.
Transcreation
Our Hungarian Transcreation Service goes beyond simple translation by creatively adapting your content to resonate with Hungarian-speaking audiences. At Green Crescent, we ensure that your brand’s messages, campaigns, and communications maintain their original intent, emotional impact, and tone, while aligning with the cultural and linguistic nuances of the target market. Whether it’s marketing, branding, or advertising, we reimagine your content to feel authentic and compelling in Hungarian, helping your brand connect meaningfully and effectively with Hungarian-speaking audiences.
MTPE-Full (Machine Translation Post-Editing - Full)
MTPE-Full (Machine Translation Post-Editing - Full) refers to the comprehensive post-editing of a machine-translated text between Hungarian and English, ensuring the final product meets the highest standards of linguistic quality. In this process, once the machine generates the translation, a skilled human editor thoroughly reviews the entire content, ensuring that it is not only accurate in meaning but also flows naturally and fluently in the target language. This detailed editing process includes correcting grammar, syntax, and terminology, adapting the text for the intended audience, and ensuring it adheres to any stylistic preferences or regulatory requirements. MTPE-Full is suitable for business-critical texts where precision and quality are paramount.
MTPE-Light (Machine Translation Post-Editing - Light)
MTPE-Light (Machine Translation Post-Editing - Light) is a more streamlined version of post-editing, designed for situations where speed and cost-efficiency are prioritized over linguistic perfection. In this process, the human editor focuses primarily on fixing major errors and ensuring that the overall meaning of the machine-translated text is clear and understandable in the target language (Hungarian or English). While MTPE-Light may not deliver a translation that is fully polished or ready for publication, it provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for internal documents, reports, and communications where basic comprehension is sufficient.
Additional Language Services and Options for Hungarian
Certified Translation
Green Crescent provides certified translations for a wide range of legal documents, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, diplomas, school transcripts, passports, and much more, in both Hungarian and English. Our certified translations are recognized for their accuracy and compliance with legal standards, making them suitable for official use. You can receive hard copies of our standard certificate of translation mailed directly to your home or business.
Rush Service
If you require expedited service, Green Crescent can usually accommodate urgent Hungarian translation requests. However, please note that rushing translations often involves trade-offs, which may affect both price and consistency. Consult with a project manager for more details on the best solutions for your needs.
Discounts
We offer volume discounts for large projects, long-term clients, and organizations such as non-profits, charities, NGOs, and government bodies.
Minimum Fee
There is a minimum project fee of $75.00 USD per language for Hungarian translation services. This fee may be reduced or waived for regular clients depending on the scope and nature of the project.
Additional Language Services
In addition to translation, Green Crescent offers a variety of other Hungarian language services, including interpretation, transcription, website design and development, and desktop publishing.
About the Hungarian Language
Hungarian, spoken by approximately 13 million people, is the official language of Hungary and is also recognized in Hungarian-speaking communities across Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, and Ukraine. As a member of the Uralic language family, Hungarian stands out with its unique structure, vocabulary, and grammar, setting it apart from neighboring Indo-European languages. This linguistic uniqueness plays a critical role in preserving Hungary’s cultural and historical identity.
History and Legacy of the Hungarian Language
The Hungarian language, part of the Uralic language family, has been evolving for over a millennium in the Carpathian Basin. Its earliest written records date back to the 11th century, but it underwent significant development over the centuries as it came into contact with Slavic, German, and Turkish languages.
In the 18th century, Hungarian intellectuals initiated a language reform aimed at modernizing and standardizing the language. Writers such as Ferenc Kazinczy and poets like Mihály Vörösmarty played key roles in shaping modern Hungarian. Over time, the works of great Hungarian authors such as Sándor Petőfi, Mór Jókai, and Nobel laureate Imre Kertész have contributed to Hungary’s rich literary tradition. Today, Hungarian remains deeply connected to the country’s artistic and cultural identity.
The Hungarian Alphabet and Writing System
The Hungarian language uses the Latin alphabet with several additional letters to represent specific Hungarian sounds. The alphabet consists of 44 letters, including single letters and digraphs that are unique to Hungarian.
- Single Letters: A, Á, B, C, Cs, D, Dz, Dzs, E, É, F, G, Gy, H, I, Í, J, K, L, Ly, M, N, Ny, O, Ó, Ö, Ő, P, Q, R, S, Sz, T, Ty, U, Ú, Ü, Ű, V, W, X, Y, Z, Zs
Accented Vowels:
Hungarian uses accented vowels to indicate different sounds and vowel lengths. These accents are essential for correct pronunciation and meaning. For example:
- á vs a: "áll" means "to stand," while "al" means "under."
- é vs e: "vér" means "blood," while "ver" means "beats."
These vowel distinctions are crucial in translation, as even a single accent can change the meaning of a word.
Key Linguistic Differences Between Hungarian and English for Translation
Translating between Hungarian and English presents unique challenges due to significant structural and grammatical differences. Below are some of the key linguistic considerations:
Word Order:
Hungarian is more flexible with word order than English. While English predominantly follows a subject-verb-object (SVO) structure, Hungarian often uses subject-object-verb (SOV) order. For example, "I love you" in English translates to "Szeretlek téged," with the verb appearing at the end. Translators need to ensure that this flexibility is accurately reflected in the translated text to maintain the original emphasis and meaning.
Agglutinative Grammar:
Hungarian is an agglutinative language, meaning that it uses numerous suffixes attached to root words to express tense, possession, and direction. For instance, the root word "ház" (house) can become "házban" (in the house) by adding the "-ban" suffix. This makes Hungarian highly compact, but it requires careful attention in translation to ensure clarity in English, which typically uses separate prepositions to convey these relationships.
Vowel Harmony:
A critical feature of Hungarian is its vowel harmony, where words are formed with either front or back vowels, and suffixes adjust accordingly to maintain harmony. For example, in words like "szépen" (nicely), all vowels harmonize as front vowels. Vowel harmony can have significant implications for translation, especially when conjugating verbs or using possessive forms.
Cases and Suffixes:
Hungarian uses 18 grammatical cases, each of which is indicated by a suffix attached to the noun. These cases express a variety of relationships, such as location, direction, and possession. For example, "kutya" (dog) can change to "kutyával" (with a dog) or "kutyához" (to a dog) depending on the suffix. This rich system of suffixes allows Hungarian to express complex ideas concisely, and accurate translation requires careful handling to match English’s more limited case system.
Verb Conjugation and Definiteness:
Hungarian verbs are conjugated based on tense, mood, and definiteness. A unique feature of Hungarian is the use of different verb forms depending on whether the object is definite or indefinite. For example, "I see a dog" (indefinite) would be "látok egy kutyát," while "I see the dog" (definite) would be "látom a kutyát." This distinction does not exist in English, so translators must ensure that definiteness is conveyed accurately in the target text.
Idiomatic Expressions:
Like many languages, Hungarian is rich in idiomatic expressions. For instance, "eszi, nem eszi, nem kap mást" (literally "eat it or not, you won’t get anything else") means "take it or leave it." These expressions often have no direct translation into English, requiring creative adaptation to preserve their meaning.
Effective Translation for Hungarian Audiences
When translating for Hungarian-speaking audiences, it is essential to recognize the linguistic complexity and cultural nuances of the language. Green Crescent’s professional Hungarian translators are experts in capturing these subtleties, ensuring that your message is not only accurate but also resonates with the target audience.
Whether translating legal documents, technical manuals, marketing materials, or literary works, we deliver high-quality Hungarian translations tailored to your specific needs. Green Crescent’s comprehensive approach to translation ensures that the cultural and linguistic richness of Hungarian is preserved in every project.
An Insight into Hungarian Wit and Expression
This passage is from Fatelessness by Imre Kertész, first published in 1975. The novel is one of the most influential works in 20th-century Hungarian literature, renowned for its profound exploration of fate, identity, and survival during the Holocaust.
- Hungarian: "Még most sem tudom, mit jelent tulajdonképpen a sors, mert nem érzem úgy, hogy megismertem volna."
- English Translation: "Even now, I do not know what fate truly means, because I do not feel that I have experienced it."