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How to Use DeepL for AI-Powered Translations

This tool aims to provide context-aware translations -- including an interactive AI companion that helps you understand cultural references and idioms.

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Headshot of Carly Quellman
Carly Quellman Contributor
Carly Quellman, aka Carly Que, is a multimedia strategist and storyteller at the intersection of technology and the humanities, investigating how perspective can enhance, rather than overstimulate, the world. She can be found online and near the closest south-facing window in Los Angeles.
Carly Quellman
3 min read
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I recently had an incredibly designed site shared with me, but when I navigated to the landing page, the copy was written in a different language -- with no translation button to be found. For some reason, Google Chrome didn't pick up the need to translate the German page, either.

That's how I ended up on DeepL using its Pro version, an artificial intelligence translation platform that offers context-sensitive translations. It uses advanced neural networks to understand language nuances.

AI Atlas

In addition to basic translation, DeepL can translate entire documents for you, and you can customize its tone, with an API for businesses to integrate it into their systems. 

The platform has a free version for basic translation work, while its paid subscription ranges from $9–$58/month. While it was initially created for its translation capabilities -- which is where most people will likely find benefit -- it includes new features like Clarify, an interactive AI companion and language expert that addresses cultural references, idioms and dual-meaning words. 

I began learning how to navigate the platform to help me understand the language used to describe a design company's compelling visual story. And some philosophy work that I want to translate and understand, too. 

How to use DeepL for AI-powered translations

A screenshot of an AI-generated German translation using DeepL
DeepL / Screenshot by CNET

DeepL has a few uses, including AI-powered translation and writing. Here's now to navigate its functions: 

  1. Head to the DeepL Pro website and choose a subscription plan, or continue with the free version. Complete the registration process by providing the required information and payment details.
  2. Once you've created an account, log into your DeepL Pro account. You can also download the desktop application for Windows or macOS.
  3. Head to the Translate Text tab and paste what you wish to translate into the input field. Select the country for the source and target text, and the translation will be generated. 
  4. To translate entire documents, click on Translate files. You can then upload the document and DeepL Pro will translate the text for you. The platform accepts various types of documents, including PDF, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  5. There's also a glossaries section to translate more specific terms. I used this to get the proper translation when I removed the company name from a sentence -- apparently there are two ways to say "redacted" in German. It can also be useful for terminology consistency across larger projects.

If you are looking for more resources about how to use the site or want to read more about the company on its blog, head to Resources at the bottom of the page.

Should you use DeepL for AI translations?

DeepL could be particularly useful for professional translators, because there's an option to integrate DeepL Pro with your preferred Computer-Assisted-Translation (CAT) tools. 

In my case, I found it useful for navigating a website that didn't have translation integrated. I was easily able to plop my text in and generate translations. In comparison to competitors like Google Translate, the functionality is similar, but it contrasts in quality and features.

DeepL follows strict data protection rules under GDPR (a law that protects personal data in Europe), so with a focus on quality and data security, the company also has certifications like ISO27001 and SOC 2 Type II. It meets high standards for keeping data secure and managing information safely. 

This gives DeepL the ability to focus on creating more accurate translation safely, rather than storing user data for analysis. Alongside these features, its API functionality makes it a useful tool for business owners and developers alike. 

If you work with international teams or need long amounts of information translated instantly, this is an efficient way to help yourself without being bogged down in the process -- adding researchers to the list of potential users of DeepL for this reason. I also see it being a great resource for multilingual families or educators who need to make documentation accessible for their students or students' parents. 

With reasonable capabilities in its free version, and multiple capabilities throughout its paid version, I believe DeepL can be a quick and easy solution for a one-off project or task, or upgrading to Pro as a reputable choice for integrating within your industry and using it for specific daily tasks.