It is pretty common that we as PR consultants receive German translations of English-language PR content with the expectation to use it as it is - because what's working in the US or in the UK will work in Germany as well - right? Well, more often than not it doesn't - at least not as a pure translation.
There is always a certain level of adaption needed - be it local stats, a more objective language (i.e. in press releases) a different, more local hook...
Hence, I really enjoyed reading this article as it speaks directly out of my heart.
I would add to more thoughts though:
- I actually do think that stats i.e. by IDC or the likes do work in Germany as well, simply to add relevance (however the more local the better)
- Sometimes case studies don't need to be highly relevant - there are these very rare cases when it is simply the "fun" fact, the odd things that make a case study work although it might not be too relevant
Localization Is Key Having a simple translation done is therefore a waste of time and money. If you are translating English content into German, you have to rework it in such a way as to fulfill the expectations of the German reader, thereby adding more facts and taking away personal assessments. A good content marketing agency will be aware of these differences and will let the American customer know that a translation alone is not enough, and that additional work is required.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-us-content-does-work-germany-michael-bernau
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