Translation apps and Letrin
Translation gives you the words. Letrin tells you what to do.
Google Translate and DeepL translate well. With an official letter the problem is not the translation: the translated text still does not tell you how much, by when, and what happens if you do not pay.
It explains, not just translates.
Sender, request, amount, deadline and what happens if you are late, on one screen.
The photo stays on your phone.
Name, BSN and IBAN are covered before anything is sent. Camera translation sends the whole image to a server.
It writes the reply too.
A formal Dutch draft for instalments, an objection or more time, with the English next to it.
It reminds you of the deadline.
Your letters and their deadlines in one place; a notification a week before, two days before and on the last day.
The same letter, two results
We have assessed your 2025 tax return. You still have an amount to pay. Pay before the final payment date, otherwise we will charge collection interest.
A correct translation. How much, by when, what happens if you do not pay: unclear.
FromBelastingdienst, the tax office
Askedpay the rest of your 2025 income tax
Amount€ 214,00
Deadline29 August
If you are latecollection interest is added
To docheck the amount, pay, ask for instalments if you cannot
Draft reply and reminder with one tap.
Side by side
| Translation app | Letrin | |
|---|---|---|
| Word-for-word translation | Yes | Yes |
| The meaning of the letter and what is asked | No | Yes |
| Amount and deadline shown separately | No | Yes |
| To-do list | No | Yes |
| Formal Dutch draft reply | No | Yes |
| Reminders and calendar | No | Yes |
| The photo stays on your phone | Usually not | Yes |
| Personal details covered before sending | No | Yes |
| No account needed | Varies | Yes |
The rows about translation apps summarise how common products generally behave; this can differ by service and by your settings.
Which one, when
A translation app is enough
- A sign, a menu, a label
- A short message
- Text with no personal details
Letrin
- Letters from official organisations
- Letters with a deadline and an amount
- Letters that need a reply
Try it on your next letter.
The first three letters are free. No account needed.