Right-to-left script
The document structure, tables, stamps and handwritten additions must all be captured in full during translation.
Semitic language
Request an Arabic translation
العربية
For Arabic documents, the country of origin, script, dialect and any existing Latin-script spelling of names are crucial. ABBA-Sprachendienste therefore assesses the specific document, not just the language.
Arabic is spoken as a first language by more than 300 million people; many more use it as an official, educational or religious language.
Geographical distribution of Arabic
- Main areas of use
- Other regional use
- Selected diaspora communities
Algeria
Egypt
Iraq
Jordan
Lebanon
Morocco
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
Palestinian Territories
Sudan
Germany
France
A schematic selection of the main areas where the language is used. Language use does not always follow national borders, and the map does not show complete population statistics.
Language profile
Arabic at a glance
- Native name
- العربية
- Language family
- Semitic language
- Script
- Arabic script, written from right to left
- Language code
- ar
Documents and areas of use
Common uses for this language combination
It is not just about the language. ABBA-Sprachendienste also takes into account the document type, recipient, subject area, certification requirements and the language combination you need.
Have your document checked- Birth, marriage and divorce certificates
- Residence and civil-status documents
- School and university certificates
- Court and family documents
- Powers of attorney and contracts
Origin and development
How the language developed
Arabic is a Semitic language. Classical Arabic is preserved in sources including early poetry and the Quran; Modern Standard Arabic builds on this tradition and is used in the media, education and official contexts.
Many regional varieties are spoken in everyday life. Despite sharing a written language, a document from Morocco, Egypt or Iraq may therefore use distinct terminology, forms and naming conventions.
Good to know
What makes this language distinctive
No single standard for transliterating names
Arabic names may appear in different forms in Latin script. Existing official spellings take precedence.
Country context matters
Document types and official terminology vary considerably across the Arabic-speaking world.
A glimpse of the language
Three phrases to start with
The transliteration is only a rough guide. Pronunciation and regional forms may differ.
| Original | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| مرحبًا | marhaban | Hello |
| شكرًا | shukran | Thank you |
| من فضلك | min fadlik / min fadlak | Please |
Sources and classification
Further information
Speaker numbers are rounded guide figures and may vary depending on the definition, the year of the survey and whether second-language speakers are included.
- Arabic language
Wikipedia · language-specific overview
- Codes for the Representation of Names of Languages
Library of Congress / ISO 639-2 Registration Authority · Language codes and standardised language names
- Language and Locale Names
Unicode Common Locale Data Repository · Language, script and territory names and variants
- Glottolog 5.3
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology · Language families, classification and linguistic literature
Editorial sources as of 14 July 2026. The information will be cross-checked by subject experts before the website goes live.
Arabic FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Arabic
Can I have documents translated from Arabic into German and from German into Arabic?
You can request either direction. We give a binding commitment once we have checked the document type, subject area, certification, appointment and intended use.
Which documents are commonly relevant for Arabic?
Birth, marriage and divorce certificates, residence and civil-status documents, school and university certificates, and court and family documents are common examples. Other types of documents can also be assessed from a clear photo or PDF.
What does ABBA-Sprachendienste check in Arabic documents?
The review covers the language direction, document type, right-to-left Arabic script, names, stamps, subject area, intended use and any potential need for certification.
Do I need a certified translation of my Arabic document?
That is decided by the authority, court or notary receiving the document, or by whichever other office has requested it. Tell ABBA-Sprachendienste where the document will be submitted, so that your requirements can be assessed properly.
Is a photo enough for the initial check?
Yes. A complete, sharp and clearly legible photo or PDF is usually enough for us to check your request and prepare a quote. Depending on the job, the original may also be needed later, when the work is carried out.
Request a specific review of Arabic ↔ German
Send a clear photo or PDF. ABBA-Sprachendienste will personally check the language combination, document, intended use and whether certification is needed.
