German Car Websites Guide: Where to Search & Which Documents Need Translation

Importing cars from Germany has enjoyed enduring popularity for years. German cars are considered reliable, well-equipped, and often available at attractive prices. The key to a successful purchase is finding the right vehicle on a reliable portal and efficiently completing formalities, including certified translation of necessary documents. We present a review of popular German car websites and discuss documentation-related issues.

Why consider importing a car from Germany?

Importing cars from Germany has many advantages that attract drivers:

• Wide selection: The German market offers a huge range of models and equipment versions, often unavailable or rare in other countries.
• Good technical condition: Cars from Germany are usually regularly serviced and well-maintained, resulting from technical culture and rigorous inspections (TÜV).
• Attractive prices: Despite import costs, prices of many models can be more favorable than on the domestic market, especially for several-year-old cars.
• Reliable vehicle history: German documents (Fahrzeugbrief, Fahrzeugschein) and access to vehicle history databases often allow for more accurate verification of the car's past.

Of course, importing a car involves additional formalities, such as translating car documents for registration, excise duties and registration fees, but for many people the benefits outweigh these inconveniences.

Popular German car websites – overview

Searching for a car in Germany is most conveniently started online. There are several large and reputable automotive portals that aggregate thousands of offers from dealers and private individuals. Most of them offer interfaces in Polish or English.

Mobile.de

This is probably the most popular and largest German vehicle sales platform in Europe. It offers a huge selection of new and used cars, motorcycles, campers, and commercial vehicles. The site is available in many languages, including Polish. It has an advanced search engine with numerous filters (brand, model, year, mileage, equipment, location, etc.), detailed offer descriptions, photo galleries, and seller contact information.

AutoScout24.de

Another major player in the European automotive market, with a very large number of offers also from Germany. Like Mobile.de, AutoScout24 offers an intuitive interface (also in Polish), extensive search and filtering options, as well as the ability to compare offers. Users appreciate the wide reach and large number of listings from private individuals.

Other portals worth noting:

Although Mobile.de and AutoScout24 dominate the market, it's also worth checking smaller or more specialized sites, such as:

• eBay Kleinanzeigen (automotive section): The German equivalent of classified ads, where you can find many offers from private individuals, often at attractive prices. However, it requires greater caution and knowledge of German.
• Specialized premium brand sites: Official dealer sites BMW (Gebrauchtwagenbörse), Mercedes-Benz (Junge Sterne), Audi (Gebrauchtwagen :plus) often offer certified used cars with warranty.

Remember to pay attention to seller credibility, documentation completeness, and carefully analyze photos and vehicle descriptions when browsing offers.

Registering a car imported from Germany – step by step

After purchasing and importing a car from Germany, you face the process of registering it. This is more complex than for a car bought domestically and includes several stages:

1. Document translation: German vehicle documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II – formerly Fahrzeugschein and Fahrzeugbrief) and purchase agreement or VAT invoice, if in German, must be translated into the local language by a sworn translator.
2. Excise duty payment: Submit an excise declaration and pay excise tax. The amount depends on engine capacity and vehicle value.
3. Technical inspection: The car must pass local technical inspection if it doesn't have a current inspection honored in your country.
4. Visit to vehicle registration office: With complete documents (translated and original), proof of excise payment, technical inspection certificate, and proof of ownership, go to the appropriate vehicle registration office to register the vehicle.

After submitting the application, you'll receive a temporary registration certificate and license plates. The permanent registration certificate is usually ready for collection within 30 days.

Which German car documents require certified translation?

For registering a car imported from Germany, certified translation into the local language is primarily required for:

• Registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I / Fahrzeugschein): Often called "small Brief".
• Vehicle card part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II / Fahrzeugbrief): Called "large Brief".
• Purchase agreement (Kaufvertrag) or invoice (Rechnung): If prepared in German.
• Possibly other documents, e.g., vehicle deregistration certificate in Germany (Abmeldebescheinigung), if required.

Translation must be performed by a sworn German translator, registered on the list maintained by the Ministry of Justice. More about the specifics of certified German translations online can be found in the dedicated article.

How much can certified translation of German Brief cost?

The cost of certified translation of German car documents (Brief Teil I and Teil II) depends on several factors, such as text volume (number of characters with spaces), complexity level, completion deadline, and the specific sworn translator's pricing. Typically, complete translation of both parts of the German registration certificate can cost from several dozen to about 150-250 units in local currency.

Tip: To know the exact cost, it's best to send scans or photos of documents for quotes to several translation offices or online platforms like Sworny.com, where you'll quickly receive offers from different translators.

Where to professionally translate car documents online?

Importing a car is an investment, so it's worth ensuring that all formalities, including document translations, are performed reliably and professionally. Translation errors can lead to problems during vehicle registration.

The Sworny.com platform is an ideal place to order certified online translation of car documents from Germany. We work with experienced sworn German translators who specialize in this type of documentation. We guarantee:

• Accuracy and compliance with the original: Translations performed with the highest care.
• Quick quotes and completion: You'll receive offers from translators and choose the best one for you.
• Convenience: The entire ordering process takes place online, without leaving home.
• Security: Your documents are protected.