VS-NfD Translations

VS-NfD stands for "Verschlusssache - Nur für den Dienstgebrauch" (Classified Information - For Official Use Only) and is the lowest classification level for classified information in Germany. This classification is used for information whose unauthorized disclosure could be disadvantageous to the interests or reputation of the Federal Republic of Germany or one of its states. The handling of such documents is subject to special security requirements according to the Classified Information Directive (VSA).

Typical VS-NfD documents include:

• Technical documentation for defense systems
• Tender documents for defense projects
• Security concepts for critical infrastructure
• Certain contract documents with security relevance
• Project reports with security-relevant content
• Internal analyses and studies on security-relevant topics

These documents contain information that should not be publicly accessible but do not require a higher classification level.

VS-NfD translations differ from standard translations in several important ways:

• Security environment: The translation takes place in specially secured premises with access restrictions.
• Digital security: All digital data is encrypted and processed in secure networks.
• Personnel requirements: Only specially instructed and often security-cleared translators are allowed to process VS-NfD material.
• Documentation: The entire translation process is comprehensively documented (chain-of-custody).
• Post-processing: After completion of the translation, all working documents are securely destroyed or returned.

These measures ensure that the confidentiality of the material is maintained at all times.

The secure exchange of VS-NfD documents takes place across multiple security levels:

1. Physical handover: When possible, documents are handed over in person to ensure maximum security.
2. Secured transport routes: When shipping, special courier services with identity verification and handover protocols are used.
3. Digital transmission: Takes place exclusively via secure, end-to-end encrypted channels with two-factor authentication.
4. Document tracking: Each document is continuously tracked throughout the entire process.
5. Access logging: Every access to the documents is automatically logged.

These measures comply with the requirements of the Classified Information Directive (VSA) and ensure the continuous confidentiality of the documents.

The use of Machine Translation (MT) for VS-NfD documents is possible under certain conditions, but with strict limitations:

• Only local, ISO 27001-certified MT systems that do not send data to external servers may be used.
• Public MT services such as Google Translate or DeepL are strictly prohibited due to data protection concerns.
• The machine pre-translation must always be reviewed and edited by a security-briefed professional translator (post-editing).
• The entire process takes place in closed, secure networks without internet connection.

We are happy to advise you individually on whether machine translation is an option for your specific VS-NfD documents and which security measures need to be considered.