Construction projects involve a variety of professionals and workers from different countries, who often speak various languages – translation issues on construction sites are nothing new. 24.2% of employees in the construction sector have a foreign passport – a rising trend. In 2023, 94,000 construction workers were sent from abroad to Germany. (Main Association of the German Construction Industry e.V. 2024) This linguistic diversity can act as both a bridge and a barrier. Insufficient communication can lead to translation problems on-site that not only result in misunderstandings, but also significantly prolong the entire project duration. The high proportion of international workers highlights the need to overcome language barriers to ensure efficiency and safety at construction sites.
In this blog post, we will explore the challenges of communicating with subcontractors and employees from various linguistic backgrounds, and explain how modern tools can effectively solve these issues.
Communication Challenges on Construction Sites
The construction industry is a sector where many players – project managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and workers – come together. Often, not everyone speaks the same language, which complicates clear communication.
Language Barriers on Construction Sites
Language barriers occur when people communicate in different languages. On construction sites, misinterpretation of plans or safety guidelines can lead to budget strains and delays.
Communication Problems with Subcontractors
When subcontractors speak different languages or dialects, misunderstandings can lead to the following:
- Technical terminology: Difficult to translate, can misrepresent construction plans.
- Safety regulations: Misunderstandings can cause accidents.
- Delays: Work may need to be redone.
- Faulty planning: Unclear terminologies disrupt processes.
- Extra time: More time is required for translations and clarifications.
- Lack of standards: Inconsistent terminology weakens communication.
Solutions for Translation Problems on Construction Sites
Three effective methods:
1. Translation apps and tools
- Google Translate: Many languages, real-time text and image translation.
- DeepL: High translation accuracy for complex texts.
- Valoon: Real-time translation in 50+ languages in WhatsApp – construction-specific vocabulary. (Learn more)
2. Multilingual training and documentation
Make construction plans and safety instructions available in multiple languages.
3. Common language
Introduce English + technical terms as the construction site language.
Conclusion: Effectively Solving Translation Problems
Language barriers delay projects and increase costs. A combination of translation tools, multilingual training, and clear standards ensures efficient and safe processes. With Valoon , time-consuming clarifications are a thing of the past.
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