AI, post-editing, or Premium: which level of translation to choose
The most common question we hear isn't “how much does it cost?” but rather “will AI be enough for me?” The honest answer: sometimes yes, sometimes absolutely not, and you can decide with one simple rule. Below, you'll find this rule, along with examples and a table you can apply to your own content.
One rule: pay for risk, not prestige
The level of translation is chosen based on how much a mistake costs, not how important the text seems. A note for the team with a minor linguistic quirk or a typo? No one will be harmed. The same inaccuracy in a machine manual, a contract, or on a medical device label can lead to a complaint, a legal dispute, or a sales hold. So the question is: what happens if there's an error in my text?
Three levels in practice
AI Bridge translation, starting at €0.02 per word. A machine with automatic quality control, a glossary, and a style brief. Choose this option when the content is internal or a working document: a knowledge base, an old archive, or documents intended for comprehension rather than publication. At worst, a mistake will annoy someone.
AI + human post-editing, starting at €0.06 per word. AI translates, a human polishes. Choose this option when your customers read the content, but a single mistake has no legal consequences: product descriptions, information pages, help materials, and B2B communication. This is the most popular level and offers the best balance between price and safety.
Premium, starting at €0.12 per word. Only people, three pairs of eyes. Choose this when a mistake can be truly costly: contracts, regulated documentation, reports, and texts that define your brand. Also, wherever the text is meant to resonate, not just inform: campaigns, slogans, creative content.
Table for checking
| Content | Potential consequences of an error | Level |
|---|---|---|
| internal communication, working documents | slight annoyance | AI Bridge |
| knowledge base, archives, large reference volumes | false lead, easy to correct | AI Bridge |
| product descriptions, product sheets | lower conversion rate | Post-editing |
| websites, help centers, customer communication | loss of trust | Post-editing |
| instructions and technical documentation | complaints, user safety | Premium |
| medical device documentation, contracts, reports | legal and regulatory consequences | Premium |
| campaigns, slogans, brand texts | image in a new market | Premium |
Two tips that save money
Mix levels in one project. Your online store doesn't have to be entirely Premium: product descriptions can go to post-editing, the brand page and campaigns can be Premium, and an archival blog could, for example, use AI Bridge. This is how we break it down when pricing.
If you already have a translation and aren't sure what to do with it, have it checked. A quality audit will tell you if the content is ready for publication before you pay for a new translation. The automatic AI audit is free; a human audit starts at €47 per language, with the first selected language free.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, using the same file and translation memory, with an additional charge to cover the difference.
You receive a written recommendation with the quote, including justification. We will honestly recommend a lower level when it's sufficient. That's the difference between consulting and selling.
Send your document for a quote
Still unsure?
Send us your document, and we'll let you know which level is right for you and why.