The honest answer: it depends. But that doesn't mean the pricing is opaque. Here is a straightforward guide to what conference interpreting costs, what factors drive the price, and why it is worth the investment.
How interpreters charge
Conference interpreters charge day rates, not hourly fees. A day rate typically covers up to eight hours of work, including preparation, travel to the venue, and the actual interpreting time. Half-day rates (up to four hours) are common for shorter events. The day rate also includes glossary work before the event: studying your slides, building terminology lists, and reading background material.
What affects the price
Four factors drive the cost: (1) Type of interpreting: simultaneous costs more than consecutive because it requires a team of at least two interpreters and technical equipment. (2) Language combination: common pairs like German-English are typically less expensive than rare combinations. (3) Subject complexity: a medical congress needs more preparation than a general AGM. (4) Location and travel: Berlin-based events save on travel and accommodation costs.
Equipment costs
Simultaneous interpreting requires sound-proof booths (ISO 2603 or ISO 4043), headsets, microphones, and receivers. This equipment is provided by specialized tech companies and billed separately. For a typical one-day conference with one language pair, expect equipment costs on top of the interpreter fees. Remote interpreting via Zoom, Interprefy, or KUDO eliminates equipment costs entirely.
Why two interpreters?
Simultaneous interpreting requires at least two interpreters per language combination. After 30 minutes of continuous output, concentration drops measurably, and errors creep in. That is not an opinion but a well-documented finding backed by AIIC professional standards. For events longer than six hours, three interpreters are recommended. This is not a luxury, it is quality assurance.
How to get a quote
Send me the date, duration, topic, and languages you need. If you have slides, a programme, or speaker names, include those too. The more context I have, the more precise the quote. I typically respond within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure.