This paper contrasts the requirements of conference and community interpreting on different levels using a prototypical approach. On one level a comparison of the semiotic status of languages is being presented. On a second preferences of mode of interpreting, i.e. simultaneous, consecutive and sight interpreting, are being discussed. At times, community interpreters face numerous difficult challenges. Not only do they have to overcome cognitive and cultural barriers and cope with difficult access to texts and background information but they also have to interpret in unpredictable setting where they cannot be in control of the conversation. Further this article argues that conference and community interpreting differ primarily in the necessary prerequisites for interpreting action and the given configuration of power. Finally, the discussion of individual roles attributed to imposed upon community interpreters are understood as element of the discourse of power dominated by the monopolization of the right to interpretation by institutional actors.