This article aims to show how translation theory may be based on hermeneutic language philosophy. It discusses the problem of translation – a dynamic task from the translators’ perspective. Translation means presenting a message from a given text as understood by the translator, to other readers. The theoretical view switches from the analysis of source- and target-text structures and cultures to the translators’ approach as experts who motivate their own decision processes. The modern hermeneutic approach sheds light on the translator’s cognitive activity in understanding written texts, which also requires critical reflection of one’s own knowledge base. Subsequent text production in translation is seen as a problem-solving process coordinating various dimensions. Aspects of holistic text understanding based on linguistics and the application of assessment categories for writing and revision are described.