The work of a court interpreter in criminal cases in Germany is interesting, but can be very frustrating for beginners, because in most of the Laender (states), there are few possibilities available for learning or improving the skills actually needed. This paper will focus on the situation in the state of Hessen, i.e. the qualifications and the procedure for becoming a court interpreter, the criminal courts: the players, the status, selection and role of the court interpreter, working conditions, other employers of sworn interpreters, and last but not least, the role of the BDUE in providing forums for discussion, opportunities for further education and attempts at improving conditions for court interpreters and translators. A vocabulary list and a list of other useful references will be distributed during the session.