Are you looking for a Dutch to English translator who can boost your business or brand? Are you ready to open your doors to billions of people worldwide? We, at Translation Agency Style IT, are happy to turn the globalization of your website, company or product into reality. Let’s make those dreams come true. The below article will explain you a bit more about the differences between British and American English, about our philosophy and approach and will give you the possibility to request a free of charge English translation quote. If any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Enjoy the reading!
British-English or American-English: the differences
George Bernard Shaw once said: ‘The English and the Americans are two peoples separated by a common language.’ When translating into English, we always ask our clients whether a text should be translated into British English or American English. Often the client then asks about the exact differences. We do not have an unequivocal answer, because language is a dynamic aspect. In practice, language conventions are rarely rock solid. Nevertheless, there are a few salient differences between British English and American English. Let’s take a look at some of the most common differences. We will use examples to make it even more visible.
British English or American English: spelling
A number of words are spelled differently. Take a look at the two rows below with British English on the left and American English on the right. Do you see the pattern?
British English | American English |
Travelled | Traveled |
Modelling | Modeling |
Centre | Center |
Theatre | Theater |
Labour | Labor |
Catalogue | Catalog |
Realise | Realize |
Colour | Color |
British English or American English: unusual word pairs
There are also word pairs that you spell differently without following any particular pattern. Again, British English is on the left and American English on the right:
British English | American English |
Grey | Gray |
Tyre | Tire |
Sceptical | Skeptical |
British s-spelling or American z-spelling?
Is it ‘analyse’ or ‘analyze’, ‘appetiser’ or ‘appetizer’? You might think that the British always spell these words with an s, and the Americans always with a z. However, this is only partly true. The words mentioned above always have a z in American English, while both variants are allowed in British English. The authoritative Oxford English Dictionary, for instance, gives both spellings, with a slight preference for the z spelling. So above all, make a consistent choice, basing it on the target audience of your text or presentation and their preference.
British English or American English: vocabulary
Finally, this is sometimes forgotten but for some words the two languages have their own vocabulary. For example, a Brit might compliment you on his new ’trousers’, while an American would praise your new ‘pants’. Such differences are language-specific; there are no rules. It is a matter of learning to use them. Examples:
British English | American English |
Jumper | Sweater |
Postbox | Mailbox |
Biscuit | Cookie |
Flat | Apartment |
Aeroplane | Airplane |
Football | Soccer |
Translate to British English or American English?
When making a translation request, always consider the target group. Will you mainly target Britons or will you focus more on Americans? And if your target group is mainly British, will you choose s-spelling or z-spelling? Crucial questions for translating your text in the best possible way. We work with in-house native English translators from both the United Kingdom and the United States. As a result, our Dutch to English translator will always deliver a translation that perfectly matches your target audience.
What English translation services do we offer?
We offer translations from Dutch into American or British English, with separate proofreading by a 2nd native English translator. We involve a 2nd English translator to comply with the ISO-17100 standards. While other translation services only translate website content, we go the extra mile. We translate newsletters, leaflets, documents and so on. Our team includes some of the best English translators and editors in the world.
Why translate your website from Dutch to English?
You spent weeks, if not months, designing your website and developing a product or service. So why limit the impact by publishing it only in Dutch? The best way to reach the billions of people who do not speak Dutch is to translate your content into English. With a professional English translation from Dutch, you will increase not only your visitors, but your sales as well. It is clearly a win-win situation. With a minimal financial effort you reach a maximal revenue. Applying to a professional and native Dutch to English translator guarantees a high return in investment.
Why choose our Dutch to English translator?
At Translation Agency Style IT, we assign our translations to native translators, not general translators having English as their second or even third language. A skilled Dutch to English translator will go beyond literal translation. He or she tries to preserve the particular characteristics of your genre and convey the subtleties of your style of voice and writing. We also take into account the target audience and the objective of your content.
Our goal is to facilitate the connection between companies, websites and brands around the world and the best English translators and proofreaders. Whether you live in Amsterdam, Brussels, Johannesburg, Sydney or New York, our translation from Dutch to English with separate proofreading is an easy way to get more visitors to your website. We are committed to providing high quality translation services, fabulous customer service and affordable rates, and we guarantee your satisfaction with our work.
Let’s summarize why to choose a Dutch to English translator from Translation Agency Style IT:
- Possibility to add your translations directly into your CMS (WordPress, Joomla,…)
- Knowledge of SEO
- We offer both British and American English translations
- A native English translator
- 2nd Revision in line with ISO-17100 standards by a native English translator
- We will assign a dedicated project manager and contact point for your translation project.
- You only pay upon delivery of your translation. A professional relationship is built on trust and confidence. The Client is King!
Translator Wim Styleman
We are happy to introduce you to Wim. Dutch-speaking father and British mother…the result…a language bug. He graduated from the University of Antwerp in 2003 and specialised in American literature and culture during his studies. This gives him the best of both worlds and makes him the perfect Dutch to English translator.
Request your translation quote
Are you interested in our translation services? Use the below button to request a quote for your translation project. Let us know more about your personal demands, requirements and objectives. We will assign a dedicated project manager and contact you as soon as possible. Our English to Dutch translators are always at your service.
Interested in Creole translations? Read more about our native Creole-English translator Davidson.