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DeepSeekTranslation & localisation

DeepSeek for translation & localisation

Open-weight (MIT) Chinese language model with a 1M context window and a built-in reasoning mode, at very low API costs.

Not specifically recommended

DeepSeek isn't on our list for translation & localisation. Usable for general work, but first look at the options we recommend for translation & localisation.

GDPR profileOur summary of what the provider itself publishes about your data: EU hosting possible, no training on your data for business use, and self-hosting available. Caution applies to a model with a documented problem, such as an investigation by a regulator. How we measure
GDPR: Caution
QualityQuality from blind duels on LMArena: users choose between two anonymous answers. A difference of about 20 points is noticeable, a few points is noise. How we measure
1475Elo, independent
Editorial scoreOur own assessment on 10 of suitability for professional work, price and privacy. This is a judgement, not a measurement; that is why it always sits alongside the Elo. How we measure
7,4
Entry price
Free
Full GDPR check

What DeepSeek does in translation & localisation

Core tasks in translation & localisation
Where DeepSeek is strong
  • Very low API costs
  • Open weights (MIT), self-hostable
  • Strong at reasoning, maths and code
  • Large context window (1M tokens)

DeepSeek has a specific GDPR concern. The DeepSeek service stores personal data in China and was blocked in January 2025 by the Italian regulator. Not recommended for regulated sectors unless you host the model yourself within the EU. Weigh this heavily before using it for translation & localisation.

Confidentiality and GDPR

GDPR: Caution

Client source documents often contain personal data or trade secrets: never use the free consumer version of a translation tool for client material. Require a data processing agreement, check that your texts are deleted after translation and not used for training, and choose EU hosting where possible. Many translation contracts and NDAs with end clients prohibit passing texts to third parties without consent, so document which MT engine you use. And stay responsible for the content: AI translations read fluently but can reverse figures, negations and legal nuances.

The DeepSeek service stores data in China and uses it for training by default (with an opt-out). Only an EU self-hosted variant of the open weights is defensible for sensitive data.

Rule of thumb Use the business variant with a data processing agreement, and keep a human in the loop for decisions that matter.
Caution the DeepSeek service stores personal data in China and was blocked in January 2025 by the Italian regulator. Advised against for regulated sectors, unless you host the model yourself within the EU.

Prices

Chat / appFreeOn chat.deepseek.com
Self-hostingFreeOpen weights, your own compute costs
API (V4.1-Flash)$0.15 / 1M in$0.60 / 1M out (off-peak rate); peak hours (Mon–Fri 01–04 and 06–10 UTC) at double the price; cache-hit input $0.003 per 1M
API (V4-Pro)$0.66 / 1M in$1.98 / 1M out (off-peak rate); peak hours at double the price; cache-hit input $0.022 per 1M

Other models for translation & localisation

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All options for translation & localisation
Professional tools on DeepSeek

We don't know of a professional tool for translation & localisation that publicly runs on DeepSeek.

Questions about DeepSeek for translation & localisation

Is DeepSeek suitable for translation & localisation?
Not specific. DeepSeek isn't on our list for translation & localisation; it's broadly usable, but first look at the options we recommend for translation & localisation. Keep a professional in the loop for every use.
May I put confidential data into DeepSeek?
Client source documents often contain personal data or trade secrets: never use the free consumer version of a translation tool for client material. Require a data processing agreement, check that your texts are deleted after translation and not used for training, and choose EU hosting where possible. Many translation contracts and NDAs with end clients prohibit passing texts to third parties without consent, record which MT engine you use. And remain responsible for the content: AI translations read fluently but can reverse figures, negations and legal nuances. The DeepSeek service stores data in China and uses it for training by default (with opt-out). Only a self-hosted EU variant of the open weights is defensible for sensitive data.
What does DeepSeek cost?
There is Chat / app (Free), Self-hosted (Free), API (V4.1-Flash) ($0.15 / 1M in), API (V4-Pro) ($0.66 / 1M in). Check current prices on the official site.
Next stepAll 31 options for translation & localisationProfessional tools and general assistants side by side, on GDPR profile, price and quality.

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