Manuscript transcription prices – old handwriting (Sütterlin, Kurrent, Latin)

Manuscript transcription prices cannot be quoted on a flat-rate basis, as each manuscript has its own unique characteristics. Factors such as legibility, font (Kurrent, Sütterlin or Latin), text length and the number of proper names or technical terms influence the amount of work involved.

Based on sample pages sent to me, I will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for a faithful transcription.

Manuscript Transcription Prices: Factors and Composition

The price is based on the actual amount of work involved. The following factors influence manuscript transcription prices:

    • Condition and legibility of the handwriting

    • Font (Kurrent, Sütterlin, Latin)

    • Length of the text

    • Frequency of proper names, place names or historical terms

Handwriting is considered more difficult to read if:

    • the handwriting is unusual and difficult to decipher

    • the ink is smudged, letters are irregular or difficult to distinguish

    • there are many proper names, abbreviations or historical terms

    • the document is damaged, folded or faded

The aim is to produce a precise transcription in the original wording.

Manuscript Transcription Prices:
hourly rate, price per page and fixed price

The calculation is based on the actual amount of work involved. A standard hourly rate of €45 is used as a guide.

The price per page varies depending on the amount of text and the difficulty of the handwriting.

For larger orders or extensive documents, I am happy to offer a fixed price. Based on sample pages sent to me, I will provide a free, no-obligation quote, which can be either hourly or a fixed price.

💡 Your advantages: Transparent pricing based on time and effort or as a fixed price – for maximum predictability and security. 

Practical examples: Transcriptions of old manuscripts & prices

Example 1: Transcription of old handwriting (family register entry, 1890, Kurrent)

Manuscript transcription, German forms of cursive, Kurrentschrift

 

Ein frohes Herz, ein Herz voll R̶̶u̶̶h̶̶e̶ \Frieden/

Kann uns die Gottheit nicht verleihn

Der Mensch soll selber – soll allein

Der Schöpfer seiner Seelenruhe

Der Gott in seinem Himmel sein

Processing time & price: approx. 10 minutes, €7

Example 2: Transcription of old handwriting (letter from 1907, Kurrent)

Manuscript transcription, German forms of cursive, old letter, Kurrent, 1907

Also meine Freude ist ungeheuer, mein

Dank ebenfalls. Morgen früh gehe ich nicht

in’s Kolleg, sondern zum Schneider, denn am

Sonntag muß ich in der neuen Weste einherstolziren.

Was werden meine Freunde staunen und sich

ebenso ein freundliches Bäschen wünschen, wie

ich es habe! Womit vergelte ich Dir dies köstliche

Geschenk? Ich kann nicht zeichnen, malen, dichten,

stricken, häkeln, stopfen, Kuchen backen. Ich kann

rein garnichts und komme mir als ein ganz dämlicher

Mensch vor. Ich werde wohl immer in Deiner Schuld bleiben.

Processing time & price: Due to the difficult-to-read handwriting, this page requires careful induction period and takes about 30 minutes. Price: €22

Services & type of transcription

  • Transcription in the exact, original wording

  • Translations available on request (e.g. Latin → English, English → German)

  • Notes on unclear passages or historical terms

  • Delivery as Word or PDF file

  • Transcription is usually line-by-line according to the original; on request, the text can also be delivered as continuous text

In accordance with § 19 UStG (small business regulation), no VAT is charged.

Frequently asked questions
about transcribing old manuscripts

I transcribe historical manuscripts, especially Kurrent script, Sütterlin script and other older scripts. Latin texts can also be transcribed or translated.

The transcription is made in the exact wording of the original. Spelling, abbreviations and special features are retained.

Please send me one or two sample pages (scan or photo). I will then provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.

Prices are based on the actual amount of work involved.
The hourly rate is €45.
For larger orders, a fixed price can also be agreed upon request.

Delivery as a Word or PDF file, line by line according to the original template or, if desired, as continuous text.

No. In accordance with Section 19 of the German Value Added Tax Act (UStG) (small business regulation), no value added tax is shown.

Request transcription

Please do not hesitate to contact me for a free quote for a verbatim transcription – either at an hourly rate or a fixed price, as you prefer.

Contact me