In translation studies it is sometimes assumed that bilinguals take a specific approach to translations and/or are in possession of a special competence for translating. In my research project aspects of bilingualism and translation are investigated. The main question is whether and to what extent the two languages of bilinguals favour or hinder translation. To answer this question two approaches are pursued. First, the relevant literature on bilingualism and translation is reviewed. One focus of interest is the mental representation of the two languages in bilinguals. Second, an empirical investigation is carried out with bilingual subjects. By means of a special methodology data are gathered that should give important hints as to how the subjects make use of their two languages in translation. The results of the research project should not only yield relevant insights for the description and improvement of bilingual translation processes but also for a theory of the development of translation competence in general.