If, in accordance with the modern methodologies, the object of translation is a transfer of the signification of the message toward another language, it is important to understand the prime text. In this paper, the author discusses the importance of this competence in the translation process. The author focuses this on the importance of economic knowledge for understanding economic texts. He presents methods for the acquisition of the elements permitting the comprehension of the subject domain (specific vocabulary, economic phenomena, analysis of documentation and principal theories) and translational activities developing this competence.