Translating a German Commercial Register Extract for Due Diligence

What a German Commercial Register Extract Contains

Legal forms you will encounter (GmbH, UG, AG, etc.)

A Handelsregisterauszug (commercial register extract) is the official snapshot of a German company’s legal identity. It records the company’s registered office, legal form, share capital, managing directors, representation rules, and any registered changes. The extract is maintained by the local Amtsgericht (register court) and is the primary source for verifying a company’s existence and authority to act. Legal forms you commonly see include GmbH (limited liability company), UG (entrepreneurial company with limited liability), AG (stock corporation), KG (limited partnership), and OHG (general partnership). Each form has distinct capital and liability rules, clearly stated in the extract under the heading Rechtsform.

Common German Terms in a Handelsregisterauszug

German Term	English Equivalent
Firma	Company name
Rechtsform	Legal form
Sitz	Registered office
Stammkapital	Share capital
Geschäftsführer	Managing directors
Prokura	Procuration (commercial power of attorney)
Vertretungsregelung	Representation rule (e.g., single or joint)
Gesellschaftsvertrag	Articles of association
Gegenstand des Unternehmens	Object of the company (business purpose)
Bekanntmachung	Notice/publication

Why Translate a German Commercial Register Extract?

When conducting due diligence on a German company, the extract is the authoritative document proving the company’s existence and legal structure. Banks, investors, and foreign registries often require an English translation to verify a company’s name, directors, and authorised signatories. A translated extract supports cross-border transactions, company formations, and legal proceedings. Without a reliable translation, misunderstandings about signing authority or capital can delay deals or expose parties to risk. Translating the extract also allows the reader to search for key terms such as Prokura or Geschäftsführer in English, enabling faster review.

AI Translation vs Human-Certified Translation for Due Diligence

For internal review, preliminary checks, or compiling a working draft, instant AI translation delivers an accurate English version in minutes at a fraction of traditional costs. An AI-translated DOCX preserves the original layout and terminology, making it searchable and easy to share. However, when the translation is submitted to a German court, a foreign company registry, or a bank requiring a certificate of accuracy, an official certified translation is the appropriate choice. Lekhak provides both paths: the self-serve AI tool for speed and one-off checks, and certified translation on-demand for official submissions. Always confirm with the receiving authority which format they accept.

What Lekhak’s AI Translation of a Commercial Register Extract Produces

Upload a scanned PDF, image, or text file of the German commercial register extract to Lekhak’s self-serve platform. Within minutes, you receive a formatted DOCX that mirrors the original document’s structure. The AI preserves headings, tables, and numbered sections, converting the German text into natural English. Key elements such as company name, legal form, share capital, directors’ names, and representation rules are translated and placed in the corresponding positions. The output is a clear, editable English document that you can use for internal due diligence, attach to emails, or provide to colleagues. No layout is broken, and no data is omitted. For verification, you can compare the original extract side-by-side.

When You May Need an Apostille or Notarised Translation

For documents intended for use in countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention, a certified translation may require an apostille to be accepted. The apostille is a government authentication applied by the competent authority in the document’s country of origin (in Germany, usually the Landgericht). Notarisation is a separate step where a notary public attests the translator’s identity or signature. Lekhak can provide the certified translation, but the apostille and notarisation processes are government acts the applicant obtains through the relevant German authorities or their diplomatic mission. Verify with the recipient institution which steps are mandatory.

How to Obtain an Official Copy of a German Commercial Register Extract

Commercial register extracts are issued by the Amtsgericht (register court) where the company is registered. You can request an official copy online through the common register portal (Gemeinsames Registerportal der Länder) or directly from the local court. The extract may be a current extract (aktueller Auszug) or a historical extract (historischer Auszug) that shows all entries since incorporation. For due diligence purposes, a current extract is usually sufficient. The official extract carries a court stamp and may be required for certified translation and subsequent legalisation. Fees vary by court and format (electronic or printed).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to translate a German commercial register extract with AI?

Lekhak’s AI translation delivers the English DOCX within a few minutes after upload, depending on file size.

Is the AI output suitable for submission to a German court?

The AI output is a best-effort translation. For court submissions, request Lekhak’s certified translation on-demand instead.

Does Lekhak offer a signed certificate of accuracy for the AI translation?

No. The self-serve AI product does not include a signed certificate. Certified translation is available as a separate on-demand service.

Can Lekhak handle scanned images of the extract?

Yes. Lekhak accepts scanned PDFs and images (JPG, PNG, WebP) and converts them into a typed, translated DOCX.

What is the difference between a GmbH and a UG?

A GmbH requires a minimum share capital of €25,000, while a UG (entrepreneurial company) requires only €1 and must build up capital until it reaches the GmbH threshold.

Do I need an apostille if I use the translated extract in India?

India is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. A certified translation of the extract may need an apostille from the German competent authority before being recognised in India.

Will the AI translation preserve the extract’s numbering and headings?

Yes. The AI tool outputs a formatted DOCX that mirrors the original layout, including section numbers, tables, and headings.

How do I order an official extract from the German register?

You can order online via the common register portal or request it directly from the relevant local court (Amtsgericht) in Germany.

Can I edit the AI-translated DOCX afterward?

Yes. The DOCX is fully editable in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice, so you can make any adjustments.

What is the cost of translating a German commercial register extract?

For current rates, see lekhak.app/pricing. The self-serve tool charges per page, and certified translation is priced on request.