Same ID, different version
Compare dates and source text before calling it a linguistic discrepancy.
In-depth practical guides
Document a source translation
Keep the original, language version and translated passage so a quotation can be checked.
Updated :
Multilingual keyboard on a research desk. Illustrative scene.
Document a source translation — method
Interface language does not determine document language. On EUR-Lex, language availability depends on the document and date. A working translation must remain distinct from the publisher’s text.
Fix the document
Record ID, title, date and version. Open the source-language document and note page, paragraph or article; a homepage link is insufficient.
Label the translation
State whether you cite a publisher-issued version or a working translation. For legal text, check the chosen version’s status instead of inferring it from language.
Compare the passage
Check negations, obligation versus possibility, dates, numbers and scope. Keep the original term where translations change interpretation. Mark omissions and additions.
Situations and decisions
Typical situations for preparing a check. They do not describe completed assignments or actual observations.
Ambiguous term
Add the original term and a short note explaining the translation choice.
Record to retain
- Document URL, ID, version and language.
- Original passage, location and quoted translation.
- Translation status, terminology choices and check date.
Official references
Related source profiles
Related protocols
Checks before reaching a conclusion
- Compare dates and source text before calling it a linguistic discrepancy.
- Add the original term and a short note explaining the translation choice.
Frequently asked questions
Should identifiers be translated?
No: retain exact IDs and references even when translating the title.
Does a translated interface guarantee the document?
No: check the opened text’s language and actually available versions.
TOOLS / REGISTERS
Write a record
Check negations, obligation versus possibility, dates, numbers and scope. Keep the original term where translations change interpretation. Mark omissions and additions.
- Access date and time zone
- Exact URL
- Document identifier
- Language / region
- Version / revision
- Article / paragraph
- Observed passage / value
- Quoted translation and terminology choices
- Observed status
- Limit / uncertainty
- Decision / next action
- Review owner
- Next review