— About Us
When your technical or medical documents need to be translated into Dutch, precision isn’t optional — it’s essential.
At Molenaar Translations, we understand the critical importance of clear, accurate, and reliable communication in high-stakes fields. That’s why our clients count on us for expert translations that protect their reputation, meet regulatory requirements, and serve their audiences effectively.
Hi — I’m Mery Molenaar, ATA-certified freelance translator and owner of Molenaar Translations LLC, based in beautiful Colorado, USA.
As the owner and lead translator, I am personally involved in every stage of your project. From the first message to the final delivery, you will work directly with me. Our clients value our direct, consistent, and reliable service. There are no intermediaries or surprises along the way.
Born and raised in the Netherlands and now longtime resident of the US, I combine fluency in both English and Dutch with a deep understanding of the cultural context behind each language. Drawing on my background in science, teaching, web development, and translation, we specialize in technical and scientific documents, educational materials, IT, and medical devices.
I believe in building long-term partnerships with our clients, offering personal attention, subject-matter expertise, and tailored solutions. In short, you get expertise you can rely on.
Let me know how I can help. I look forward to working with you!
Brief bio
Native Language: Dutch (the Netherlands)
Education:
- MS Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder
- BTr English<>Dutch Translation, Hogeschool West-Nederland, The Hague, the Netherlands
- BEd Mathematics and Physics Education, Hogeschool Holland, Diemen, the Netherlands
ATA-certified Translator: English into Dutch
Professional Memberships:
- American Translators Association (ATA)
- Colorado Association of Translators and Interpreters (CITA)
Additional Roles & Activities:
- Administrator of the ATA Science & Technology Division
- Dutch exam grader and Language Lead for the ATA Certification Program
- Volunteer translator at Translators without Borders
- Volunteer editor at Kiva
What's in a Name
The Dutch surname Molenaar is an occupational last name that means "miller" in English. It was traditionally given to people who operated or owned windmills or watermills, which were crucial to Dutch agriculture and industry.
During the Middle Ages and into the early modern period, milling was a vital trade in the Netherlands. Mills were used to grind grain into flour, pump water to reclaim land from the sea, and perform other industrial tasks. Because of the importance of mills in Dutch society, the occupation of a molenaar was highly respected, and many people working in this trade adopted the surname.
Surnames in the Netherlands became hereditary over time, but they were not universally required until 1811, when Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled the Netherlands at the time, mandated the official registration of surnames. Many families who had long been associated with milling formally adopted Molenaar as their family name during this period.
The surname Molenaar remains common in the Netherlands today, and is a reminder of the Netherlands' deep connection to windmills and water management, which have shaped the country's landscape and history for centuries.