Welcome back to “The Voices Behind the Words: Member Spotlight” – our interview series shining a light on the diverse stories and experiences of our members.
Our next interview is with Ursula Steigerwald, Founder and Owner of Rheinschrift Language Services:
- Please can you share three interesting facts about your company?
Rheinschrift is a play on words for “Reinschrift” meaning “clear copy” and Rhein, the river in Germany where our headquarter is located. So you get the highest quality translation work coming from one of the busiest and fast-paced regions in Germany. What adds a funny twist to our story is how the Spanish colleagues have become experts at spelling “Rheinschrift”, whether it’s discussing their workplace or handling deliveries to the office.
Rheinschrift is located in Cologne, Germany as well as in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. We are combining the German direct, clear and solution-oriented thinking with the Spanish happy, open and welcoming attitude.
The majority of Rheinschrift’s employees have been with the company for 5-25 years. Although we are always happy to welcome new and motivated team members, our core team has been with us for decades and we can trust in their loyalty and expertise.
Rheinschrift’s employees at our last Christmas party at one of Cologne’s Christmas Markets enjoying some Glühwein
- What aspect of your company do you believe sets it apart from others in the industry?
We still believe in the value of an in-house translation team that can assist and support client demands and expectations, alongside our ongoing goal of fostering efficient communication between departments, ensuring that everyone feels like part of one team.
- What’s the most interesting or unusual client request you’ve ever received?
We were asked to translate a touristic guide for our region as part of a Marketing campaign and could learn about a lot of places and activities we were totally unfamiliar with – needless to say that everyone in our team was under the impression to be the best fitting translator for this project.
- If you were 18 now and thinking about going to university, what would you study? Would you choose a different field, knowing what you know now?
That’s a tough one! I believe that everything turns out the way it should be in the end. If I had to pick, I’d definitely choose Sociology and Politics. It was actually my first choice originally, but I ended up going a different route because I worried about finding a job afterward. Who knows, I might even end up in the localization industry anyway.
- If you could translate or interpret for any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Frida Kahlo – she was ahead of her time and had a lot to say, also, I have always been fascinated by her paintings.
- What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the language industry?
The language industry is often underestimated. Crafting translations that blend into the target language demands more than just avoiding a translated feel; it requires experience, awareness, creativity, language skills, and cultural understanding. It’s a craft that often goes unrecognized, yet its impact on effective communication is invaluable.
Company name: Rheinschrift Language Services
Company website: www.rheinschrift.de
Name: Ursula Steigerwald
Job title: Founder and Owner
