Interview: Turning a passion for language into an international business

Simultaneous interpreters are swopped out every 15 minutes. Not for convenience, but because maintaining peak concentration for hours at a time is physically impossible. Managing directors Sandra Robitsch and Matthias Robitsch share this and many other insights in an interview with marketing expert Patrick Mitter.

They talk about how a one-woman idea grew into a company with offices in Austria and South Africa. Today, Sprachen Koll stands for quality, speed, and a deep understanding of language as a bridge between people and cultures.

From an idea as a student to an international agency

Mag. Sandra Robitsch knew early on that she wanted to work with languages. Today, she is a certified interpreter and translator for English, Spanish, and French. Matthias Robitsch, who previously worked in the public sector, brought organisational skills, structure, and entrepreneurial thinking to the business as a career changer. Together, they now lead an international team of around 20 employees.

What many people don’t know: translating and interpreting are not the same

Many clients are unsure whether they need a translation or an interpreting service. The difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting is also often unclear. This is where the team’s expertise comes in. They advise and guide clients, explain the options, and do far more than simply deliver a translation. They support the entire process, both professionally and personally.

Artificial intelligence helps, but does not replace

The question is unavoidable: how is AI changing everyday translation work? The answer in the podcast is clear. AI can support certain tasks, but it is not suitable for sensitive texts such as contracts, medical reports, or legal documents. These require not only linguistic accuracy, but also cultural and legal understanding. An AI system, for example, is unlikely to recognise that “Herr Kurz” in an Austrian text should not be translated as “Mr. Short.”

Language remains a matter of trust

Whether in Gramastetten, Vienna, or Cape Town, Sprachen Koll demonstrates how modern language services work today. With expertise, attention to detail, and a clear goal: translations that are not only linguistically accurate, but also culturally precise and easy to understand.

Take a look behind the scenes of a professional translation agency here.