The German abbreviations i.V., i.A. and ppa. often cause translators problems. There is no real English equivalent. But even if the terms can’t be translated without a footnote, and a footnote would be overkill, still, the translator may sometimes need to explain what the abbreviations mean, and in some rare cases this will be important.
Robin Stocks has a recent entry quoting a book on the subject.
I wanted this to be the solution to all my problems, but I’m not sure that it is. It’s the first time I’ve seen the use of two signatures at once discussed. I note i.V. is explained as in Vollmacht. It is usually given as in Vertretung, but the meaning of the two phrases is similar.
I have a feeling that no-one will be helped if I publish my latest notes on the subject, but here they are. Has anyone got examples, by the way? A few scans of ends of letters – real ones or from German books on commercial correspondence – would be very helpful.
Some abbreviations used by people in Germany signing letters
i.V. in Vertretung (as agent for)
i.A. im Auftrag (on the instructions of)
ppa. per procura (as a Prokurist)
(gezeichnet)These abbreviations have legal meanings. They have no equivalent in international correspondence
Normally their legal meaning is not important in a translation
pp.
by
forSomeone suggested on a mailing list:
ppa. Power of attorney (ppa. = per Prokura the signatory is a Prokurist) [this is too weak though]
i.A. Power of representation
i.V. Authorized signatorySo i.A. could be (but never is!) written:
pp. [name] (authorized representative)and i.V.
pp. [name] (authorized to sign)
