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Tip 41.  Translating contracts - clarity

Here are three 'correct' translations of the following sentence. Which one is written in 'client-friendly' English?

W sprawach nieuregulowanych w niniejszej umowie zastosowanie mają obowiązujące przepisy kodeksu cywilnego.

A. Matters not regulated herein shall be subject to the provisions of the Civil Code.

Wrong answer, try again!

B. In matters not regulated by this Agreement the Civil Code shall apply.

Correct answer!

Comment:

When drafting contracts – or any other document – follow the KISS principle - "Keep It Short and Simple".

Option C most closely resembles a direct translation. The sentence is more complex than necessary - and the wording 'binding provisions of' is unnecessary.

Options A and C contain language that is unnecessarily sophisticated – 'herein', 'subject to' and 'provided for'.

C. To all matters not provided for herein the binding provisions of the Civil Code shall apply.

Wrong answer, try again!