Kerry Gilchrist

Additional Information:

Karl Lagerfeld famously said, “One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a Little Black Dress.” But you wouldn’t wear the same outfit to the supermarket as you would to a cocktail party … and not everyone can whip up the perfect little black dress for their figure.

Language is the same. You wouldn’t address your grandmother in the same way you would your boss, and not everyone has the time or skills to find the perfect words to convey their message. And that’s where I come in. Translating is about communicating meaning and I relish the challenge of taking a text in Dutch or German and crafting its message in English. I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues, either to edit or proofread a fellow translator’s work or to brainstorm potential solutions to linguistic challenges.

I’m a freelance translator from Dutch and German into English, as well as an editor, proofreader, and writer. I spent part of my childhood in the Netherlands and worked as an in-house translator in Germany. I have close friends in both countries, so I understand the culture and people. I have a BA in German and Russian, an MA in Translation Studies and I’m a Qualified Member of the ITI, but I also have 7 years of experience working in retail management, customer service, and international transport. So I understand how language is used to communicate in the real world.

I’m also a parent and a spouse. I understand what it’s like to work to tight timescales and to have plenty of balls in the air at the same time. I’m flexible and responsive, proactive and passionate about what I do. I’m happy working on my own, but I also enjoy being part of a wider collaborative network. Either way, I always have time to talk to my clients and find out how I can make their life easier.

Working as a freelance translator can be a solitary profession, so I enjoy getting out of the office and interacting with other people. I regularly meet up with other translators to share ideas and sharpen my professional skills, as well as for social events.

Outside work, I enjoy baking, reading, crafts, wild swimming, paddleboarding and hiking – I have come up with many a perfect phrase on our local hills and in the sea or local river.