Curriculum vitae

Born in Limburg an der Lahn as Carmen v. Samson-Himmelstjerna. Childhood and adolescence in India and the U.S. (German School, Washington D.C., High School Diploma). Bilingual. Studied German language and literature of the Middle Ages as well as Medieval European History in Bonn and Berlin, graduating as Ph.D. cum laude. Writer (in German).

Have been working as a translator and interpreter since 1987. Began working as a free-lance translator and interpreter after having passed various examinations:

• Interpreter for economics at the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (1992)
• State's examination for translators at the Staatliches Prüfungsamt für Übersetzer (State's Examination Authority for Translators) in 1993

Sworn in for the Berlin courts and notaries in 1993. 

Member of the examinations board for English of the Staatliches Prüfungsamt für Übersetzer from 1998 until 2011.

Active in various professional associations.