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DeepL's Language AI Report: A Wake-Up Call for Businesses

In a recent study released by DeepL, titled "Borderless Business: Transforming Translation in the Age of AI," a concerning trend has emerged in the realm of corporate translation practices. Despite an observable increase in investments in artificial intelligence (AI), it turns out that many companies are still clinging to traditional manual translation processes, which significantly hampers efficiency in their operations.

The report, which is based on a survey conducted among business leaders from major markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, outlines how companies currently handle multilingual workflows. The findings strongly suggest that the translation process is a critical yet often undervalued aspect of international business operations.

Key Findings

The study reveals several key statistics that illustrate the extent of reliance on outdated translation practices:

• - 35% of global businesses continue to rely solely on manual translation processes.
• - 33% use conventional translation automation tools, which often involve a combination of software and human review.
• - Alarmingly, only 17% of the surveyed companies have adopted advanced AI tools, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) or AI agents, for their translation needs, indicating that a significant 83% have yet to integrate these innovative technologies into their workflow.
• - Additionally, 33% of respondents cited global expansion as their primary reason for investing in linguistic AI technologies.

Jarek Kutylowski, the CEO and founder of DeepL, highlighted the paradox in today's corporate landscape, stating, "AI is everywhere, but efficiency is not. Most companies have implemented AI in some form, yet few achieve genuine large-scale productivity because their basic workflows remain designed around human processes rather than optimized systems. Therefore, correcting workflows is essential, not just the models."

Translation's Role in Business Operations

Interestingly, the role of translation within companies has expanded into various critical functions. The report pinpoints that the most pronounced operational impacts are seen in:

• - Sales and Marketing (26%)
• - Customer Support (23%)
• - Legal and Financial Affairs (22%)

This diversification shows that translation is no longer just a supplementary task but a fundamental component of many critical business functions. As a result, the necessity for transformation becomes increasingly clear, with 71% of business leaders highlighting that workflow transformation through AI is a top priority for 2026.

The Future of Translation in Business

Looking ahead, the respondents anticipate that AI-driven translation will yield significant benefits, including:

• - Enhanced customer satisfaction
• - Increased employee productivity
• - Improved sales performance
• - Shorter time-to-market for products

This underscores the immense pressure under which organizations operate to demonstrate a return on their investments in AI technology.

Harry Witzthum, the Director of Digital Transformation and AI at Caritas, echoed the need for a review of operational models, stating, "It is not only about the language, but also about the processes and structures in place. Organizations need to reconsider whether their operational models are genuinely designed to fulfill the promises that AI offers."

Conclusion

DeepL's 2026 Language AI Report presents a compelling case for businesses to reassess their approach to multilingual operations. In an era where AI technology holds immense potential, the reluctance to adopt these advancements in translation practices may result in lost opportunities and diminished organizational efficiency. The full report is available for further insights into this critical issue.

For more details about the research, visit DeepL's website.

About DeepL

DeepL is a global company devoted to AI research and product development, dedicated to creating safe and intelligent solutions to resolve complex business challenges. Trusted by over 200,000 business clients and millions of users in 228 global markets, DeepL continuously expands its offerings beyond linguistic realms, including developing a comprehensive AI assistant to transform how businesses and professionals operate. Founded in 2017 by Jarek Kutylowski, the company now employs over 1,000 passionate individuals and is backed by well-known global investors.