Chapter 03 · Live translationUpdated 4 min read

AI translation or event interpreters: a decision guide

AI subtitles can support an event. Learn when that is enough and when professional interpreters should be part of the plan.

An audience at a library talk, with one person checking a smartphone.

Compare AI translation and interpreting

AI processes the microphone signal and generates translated text for the audience to read. Professional interpreters use human judgement and can prepare for subject matter and context. Spoken translation is not part of the Klausi flow described here.

The key question is whether guests need readable support or spoken interpretation with specific quality requirements. A low price per minute cannot answer that on its own.

CriterionAI subtitles with KlausiProfessional interpreting
OutputText on a projector or guest deviceSpoken interpretation as commissioned
Language scopeOne selected pair, both directionsLanguages and team as agreed
QualityDepends on audio, language and content; errors possibleBriefing, expertise and agreed service
PreparationMicrophone, internet, display and operatorAdditional planning for format and equipment
Output
AI subtitles with KlausiText on a projector or guest device
Professional interpretingSpoken interpretation as commissioned
Language scope
AI subtitles with KlausiOne selected pair, both directions
Professional interpretingLanguages and team as agreed
Quality
AI subtitles with KlausiDepends on audio, language and content; errors possible
Professional interpretingBriefing, expertise and agreed service
Preparation
AI subtitles with KlausiMicrophone, internet, display and operator
Professional interpretingAdditional planning for format and equipment

When AI subtitles can help

A structured talk, moderated reading or recurring community meeting can be rehearsed effectively. Guests must be able and willing to read. Prepare realistic sample sentences, names and questions beforehand.

Klausi currently offers 13 selectable languages. Choose a pair for each event. Translation switches direction within that pair when the spoken language changes. If you need several target languages at once, assess that requirement separately.

When professional support is needed

For legal, medical, diplomatic or otherwise binding content, automatically generated translation is not enough as the sole basis. Overlapping dialogue, wordplay or hard-to-understand audio may also make an AI-only setup unsuitable.

If guests expect spoken translation or cannot reliably read a display, arrange appropriate interpreting and access support. Agree scope, qualifications, equipment and responsibilities before commissioning the service.

Combine AI and people

You can plan human interpreting alongside additional AI subtitles. Decide which audio feed enters recognition and which language guests should read. Check whether the timing of both outputs remains understandable.

This is an event setup, not automatic correction of AI by an interpreter inside Klausi. Define who notices incorrect or missing content and how the moderator responds.

Calculate costs transparently

Klausi offers 3 free minutes per month for testing. Longer events use minute packs bought as a one-time purchase. Purchased minutes do not expire. Current prices and pack sizes are on the pricing page.

Include rehearsal time, microphone, display, internet and on-site operation. Request an interpreting quote for the same duration, languages and desired output. Generic daily rates and percentage savings claims do not make a fair comparison.

Prepare the first event

Start with a manageable format. Tell participants about AI processing and possible errors. Test the language combination first, then the complete setup at the venue.

  • Keep the microphone close to the current speaker.
  • Agree clear speaker changes and an understandable pace.
  • Test projector and smartphone access with real sample sentences.
  • Plan for interruptions and audience questions.
  • Collect feedback in both languages after the event.

Make the decision around the format

The cultural event guide provides a starting point. The product page shows the Klausi flow. Test the output with your audience before planning a larger event.

Compare services for your actual format

For tours and travel groups, an interpreter search often means personal spoken support. At a book launch, an approved literary translation may matter more than spontaneous text. Clarify these differences before comparing prices.

Describe duration, language pair, audience, output and quality needs in your enquiry. This applies to offers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland alike. Several required target languages are a different service from a single pair.

Does Klausi translate into many languages at once?

Currently, you select one language pair per event. Translation works in both directions within that pair. A list of available languages is not simultaneous output into all of them.

Does Klausi read the translation aloud?

The live flow described here provides text to read on a projector or in the guest viewer. Arrange another suitable solution if you need spoken interpretation.

Can I use AI subtitles alongside interpreters?

Yes, as a planned combination of outputs. Agree the audio feed, direction, timing and responsibilities. Klausi does not provide automatic human quality assurance in that setup.

Relevant product pages

These product pages match the article

If you want to continue the topic inside the product, start with the most relevant Klausi pages here.

Your event. In two languages.

Choose one pair from 13 languages. Test your microphone, projector and guest access before the event.