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DeepL's 2026 Language AI Report: The Ongoing Challenges of Manual Translation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, businesses are increasingly investing in AI technologies. However, a recent report by DeepL titled "Borderless Business: Transforming Translation in the Age of AI" reveals a stark contrast between investment and implementation. Despite the increase in AI spending, many companies still rely heavily on manual translation processes, which proves to be a significant barrier to efficiency.

The Key Findings of the Report

The findings stem from a comprehensive survey conducted among business leaders in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. The report highlights several crucial statistics that paint a concerning picture:

• - 35% of global companies continue to rely on entirely manual translation workflows.
• - 33% utilize traditional automation tools, which typically involve a mix of human review and translation management systems.
• - A mere 17% have adopted next-generation AI tools for translation, indicating that 83% of businesses have yet to embrace AI-driven solutions.
• - The primary motivator for investment in Language AI is global expansion, cited by 33% of respondents.

Jarek Kutylowski, CEO and founder of DeepL, emphasizes the disconnect by stating, "AI is everywhere, but efficiency is not. While most companies have implemented some form of AI, very few achieve large-scale productivity because core workflows remain designed around people, not systems. It's crucial to address the workflow, not just the model."

The Role of Translation in Business Operations

Translation is not merely a language service; it plays a pivotal role in various business functions. According to the report, organizations report the most significant operational impacts from translation in:

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

These insights underscore the critical need for effective translation processes as businesses navigate increasingly multilingual environments.

The Shift Towards AI in Translation

As businesses look towards the future, the survey reveals a growing recognition of the importance of transforming workflows. A significant 71% of business leaders state that implementing AI-driven workflows will be a priority by 2026. Respondents expect substantial returns from AI translation in areas such as customer experience, employee productivity, sales performance, and reduced time-to-market. This reflects the growing pressure on organizations to demonstrate measurable ROI from AI investments.

Harry Witzthum, Chief of Digital Transformation and AI at Caritas, offers insight into the structural challenges, noting, "It's not just about language; it's about processes and structure. Organizations must rethink whether their operating models are truly designed to fulfill the promises that AI offers."

About the DeepL Language AI Report

The 2026 DeepL report combines quantitative data from surveys with insights from industry professionals to analyze how companies are addressing translation and multilingual operations in this AI era. For more in-depth findings, the full report can be accessed at DeepL Reports.

About DeepL

Founded in 2017, DeepL specializes in research and developing AI solutions tailored to solve complex business issues. With over 200,000 business customers and millions of users across 228 international markets, DeepL's language AI platform is trusted for its precise written and spoken translations, as well as its ability to enhance writing quality. The company is committed to innovation, quality, and security, with plans to expand its offerings with the upcoming launch of DeepL Agent, an autonomous AI assistant designed to transform business workflows. For more information, visit DeepL.