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Why This Website Transitioned from DeepL to Google Translate

Published on: November 24, 2024

Scientists explore the topic of lanugage learning.

Introduction

In this article, we explore the shift from DeepL to Google Translate for vocabulary learning and acquisition on this website. The transition was influenced by specific benefits and trade-offs each translation tool offers, as well as our own experiences. Here, we reflect on the impact of this change.


Advantages of DeepL

  1. 1. Context-aware Translations: DeepL excels in translating larger text blocks, offering nuanced interpretations by accounting for context. This feature is particularly useful for more complex texts, where accurate meaning often relies on understanding sentence structure and idiomatic expressions.
  2. 2. Customizable Tone: DeepL allows users to choose between formal and informal tones for select languages, offering an added layer of customization that’s valuable for translations requiring tone sensitivity, such as business or casual communication.
  3. 3. Contextual API for Single Words: DeepL’s API lets users add contextual hints when translating single words, making it a strong choice for industry-specific or complex terms where precise interpretation is essential.
  4. 4. Accurate Dictionary Functionality: DeepL’s web interface includes a robust dictionary feature, providing definitions, synonyms, and example sentences for single words. This feature significantly enhances vocabulary learning, though it is not accessible via DeepL’s API, limiting its use for automated or programmatic translation.

Advantages of Google Translate

  1. 1. Extensive Language Support: Google Translate covers over 100 languages, a significant advantage over DeepL’s 30 languages (as of November 2024).
  2. 2. Better General Translations for Single Words Without Context: Based on our experience, Google Translate often provides more accessible and accurate general translations for single words without context, making it an ideal tool for vocabulary acquisition.

Cost Comparison

As of November 2024, Google Translate and DeepL charge approximately the same rate per translated character (about $20 per million characters for Google Translate and €20 per million for DeepL). However, DeepL adds a monthly fee of €4.99, while Google Translate offers 500,000 free characters each month.


For a small service like VocabGenerator.com, this pricing structure makes Google Translate the more cost-effective choice. For instance, translating exactly 500,000 characters each month is free with Google Translate, whereas it would cost €14.99 with DeepL.