DeepL on DeepL: How we customize translations with DeepL and Phrase

Key Takeaways

• DeepL and Phrase TMS work together to streamline localization workflows while giving teams more control over translation quality, tone, and terminology.
• DeepL’s integration with Phrase lets enterprises choose the setup that fits their workflow, from direct MT engine access to fully managed machine translation profiles.
• Custom settings, including formality controls, language model selection, glossaries, and translation memories, help teams tailor output to brand voice and content type.
• DeepL uses this setup internally to automate Zendesk dynamic content localization, moving updated content through Phrase TMS in minutes.
• DeepL and Phrase create a scalable foundation for localization workflows that grow with your organization's Language AI strategy.

In the world of localization and translation, three terms have long been household names:

• Computer-assisted translation tools (CAT) 
• Translation management systems (TMS)
• Machine translation (MT) 

They’re the behind-the-scenes heroes that make global communication possible—and essential for any language service professional or strategist. 

But the game is changing. The functionality of these tools is constantly evolving, especially with the revolutionary possibilities that Language AI brings.

At DeepL, leveraging the power of AI-driven translation is at the heart of what we do. So what better way to share our insights than through firsthand experience?

How DeepL and Phrase automate global localization

In this installment of our DeepL on DeepL blog series, we’ve teamed up with our partner, Phrase. 

We’ll explore best practices for using DeepL’s Language AI within their platform and how our localization teams integrate both solutions to streamline workflows, elevate translation quality, and customize translations for their unique needs. 

By following a few simple steps, you too can achieve high-quality translations:

• That hit the perfect tone
• That leverage the best technology
• That reflect your corporate brand’s unique terminology 

And by combining these settings into customized MT profiles, you can easily cover all your use cases, from specific languages to unique content types.

Why integrate DeepL with Phrase TMS?

Connect DeepL’s Language AI with your TMS-based localization workflows to get effortless access to dependable translations, customized to your specific needs.

The seamless integration between DeepL and Phrase empowers you to enhance your productivity. And you can do it all without ever leaving your TMS interface, where you manage your content localization.

You can harness DeepL’s superior translation quality within Phrase TMS in two ways: 

• Integrate DeepL as a third-party MT engine by using the authentication key for CAT tool plugins from your eligible DeepL account. This connection gives you direct access to DeepL’s translation engine from any Phrase TMS translation project.
• Set up the integration through Phrase Language AI, a machine translation hub with enhanced features. This allows you to create fully managed MT profiles, letting you fine-tune MT output based on your unique use cases.

Once you've connected DeepL to Phrase TMS, the next step is customization. That’s where settings like tone, model choice, and glossaries help you shape translations around your exact use case.

How to customize DeepL translations in Phrase

We understand how important it is to customize your translation options. Whether you're trying to maintain a consistent tone of voice or ensure your translations align with your brand identity, DeepL has you covered. 

When you choose DeepL as your MT provider in Phrase Language AI, you have two key customization options. These options tailor your translations to perfection.

Adjust translation tone with formal and informal settings

DeepL’s formal/informal feature lets you adjust the tone of your translations. By default, it automatically detects the formality level of your source text and applies it to the translation.

You can also choose to always use a formal or informal tone, depending on your audience and your target market's cultural norms. This feature helps ensure you address your audience in a tone that matches their expectations and cultural standards.

Choose the right DeepL language model for your use case

DeepL offers two market-leading language models to suit your specific needs. You can choose a model powered by our classic AI neural network architecture, which delivers highly accurate and nuanced translations with exceptional speed and low latency.

Alternatively, you can choose our next-gen language model. Built on our highly specialized, in-house LLM technology, it produces more human-like and precise translations, significantly reduces the need for post-editing, and drives substantial productivity gains.

No matter which model you choose, you’ll have DeepL’s Language AI at your fingertips for all your translation needs. You’ll also have our enterprise-grade security, meeting top standards with ISO 27001, GDPR compliance, and SOC 2 Type 2 certification.

Visit the DeepL Data Security hub to learn how we protect your information.

How glossaries improve translation consistency

​​Want even more control over your MT output? DeepL’s glossary feature lets you take customization to the next level. 

By creating and attaching a glossary to your DeepL MT profile, your translations accurately mirror your company’s unique terminology. 

This feature is extremely helpful in a number of cases; these are a few standout ones:

• Maintaining consistency with corporate terminology across all target languages
• Ensuring localized content accurately references UI elements (like buttons, CTAs, and menus) 
• Defining terms that shouldn’t be translated by entering them identically in both the source and target columns

This level of precision is a game-changer for maintaining brand voice and ensuring your content feels polished and professional.

How translation memories work with DeepL in Phrase

We know how much effort you and your localization specialists put into building your translation memories (TMs) or your database of previously translated content. 

Don’t worry—they're not going anywhere.

When translating content in Phrase TMS, you can use pre-translation settings to continue leveraging your TM matches. 

For example, you can apply TM matches up to a specific threshold and have DeepL translate the remaining content. Thanks to customizable MT profile settings, DeepL’s translations blend seamlessly with your TM, ensuring consistency and quality.

DeepL use case: Automating Zendesk content localization

At DeepL, we’ve streamlined our processes by using dynamic content within our Zendesk instance. For those unfamiliar, “dynamic content” refers to pre-translated text modules that customer support and knowledge management teams can easily apply across parts of the system. 

After conducting a thorough content audit, we identify dynamic content that we can optimize with an MT-based workflow.

Here’s how that process works: 

• Use Phrase’s Automatic Project Creation (APC) feature to continuously monitor dynamic content in Zendesk.
• Detect new or updated content the moment it appears.
• Import that content into Phrase TMS automatically.
• Translate it using the right MT profiles, glossaries, and pre-translation settings.
• Send the completed content back to Zendesk right away.

This entire workflow takes just minutes, ensuring our localized dynamic content is always accurate, up to date, and ready to support our global customers.

Visit DeepL AI Labs to see how our Language AI innovations are shaping the future of localization.

Scale your localization with DeepL’s Language AI suite

DeepL and Phrase give your team more than better translations. They give you a smarter, more efficient localization workflow from end to end.

The DeepL Language AI suite—Translator, Write, Voice, API, and Integrations—covers every touchpoint where language matters for your global business.

Contact Sales to explore how DeepL's specialized Language AI can work for your localization workflows.

Watch the webinar: DeepL and Phrase in action

Want to see all of this in action? Watch our webinar: Using DeepL in Phrase TMS for seamless multilingual translation.

DeepL and Phrase localization experts share insights on how to optimize your workflows, boost productivity, and achieve top-notch translation quality.

Head to Phrase’s website for further insights on the additional features that help automating localization workflows beyond raw MT.