Werner
Patels
Translator, Editor, Writer, Language Consultant & Thinker
Hi! I’m Werner—a translator, editor, writer, language coach and consultant, and all-around word wrangler with nearly 40 years of experience turning multilingual chaos into crisp, compelling communication.I translate from German, French, and Spanish into English (UK flavour preferred, but I speak fluent Canadian and American too). I also translate from English into German—high register, casual tone, technical jargon? Bring it on. And for Canadian and Quebec clients, I also translate into French, happily crafting French texts that actually sound like they were written in French (not just tossed into a translation app and left to fend for themselves).I’ve lived and worked on both sides of the Atlantic, picking up languages, life lessons, and an occasionally alarming number of library cards. These days, I’m lucky enough to call Quebec City home—a place where good times thrive, and the croissants, as well as the poutines, are dangerously good.My career spans a wide variety of sectors—legal, political, technical, cultural—and I bring the same dedication to every sentence, whether it’s an EU directive or a restaurant menu. My editing style is supportive but surgical. I won’t just fix your commas—I’ll help your text stand up straighter, speak more clearly, and maybe even dance a little.In addition to translating and editing, I also offer language instruction and consulting. Want to finally conquer French subjunctives or figure out why German verbs keep showing up at the end of sentences like party guests who didn’t get the memo? I can help with that. And if your organization is wrestling with multilingual communication or needs training in linguistic tone and nuance, I’m your guy.When I’m not playing with words professionally, I’m playing with sound—remastering old music recordings just for fun (and occasional profit). I’m a science fiction buff, history nerd, food lover (especially the eating part), and a devoted fan of Canadian and British TV shows. I also love reading in multiple languages—because why settle for just one universe when you can explore three or four?And here’s a fun fact that shaped me in ways grammar never could: I’m a cancer survivor—fully cured. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for clarity, connection, and doing work that matters. It also taught me that life’s too short for bad writing and poorly subtitled shows.So if you’re looking for a language professional who combines precision with personality, insight with experience—and who genuinely enjoys helping ideas cross borders—I’d love to connect. Whether you need translation, editing, writing, teaching, or just someone who won’t wince at Oxford commas, I’m here.For further details on my background and story, see my CV and cover letter.