Sometimes it may be necessary to use the language in WordPress subsequently change, for example, if you downloaded WordPress in the original and English language. But changing the language of this program is quite simple if you know how to do it. In simple 3 steps it is possible to change WordPress afterwards also to German.
Step 1: Download the German language file
If you want to use a German-language WordPress, you have the option to install a German version (for example "WordPress-DE" edition) from the beginning. Setting the language is then not necessary, because it corresponds to the standard. But even if you install the original version, you do not need to despair, because you can change the language afterwards. To do this, you only need a German language file, which you can find on the official website Find "WordPress Germany". However, make sure that the language file you choose is compatible with your installed WordPress file, i.e. that the downloaded WordPress version on your device matches the language file you chose. The language file contains several files, which all have the extension "mo" and "po".
You can choose between 2 versions, a more personal "you" and a more formal "you" version. Previously, if you could only buy the informative format with the salutation "Du" and had to install the formal one separately, you can now choose and use the required version from the beginning.
Step 2: Unpacking the files
The downloaded ZIP file must now be unpacked on the local hard disk. In addition to the files you need for the language setting, you now have the themes "TwentyTen" and "TwentyEleven" as default. After opening the explorer you can unpack the ZIP file by simply clicking on it. After another double click on the folder you can now see the files. In particular, the language file contains the following contents:
- continents-cities-en_DE.mo
- admin-network-en_EN.mo
- admin-en_EN.mo
- en_en.mo
- continents-cities-en_EN.po
- admin-network-en_EN.po
- admin-en_EN.po
- en_en.po
Step 3: Uploading the files to the web server
The upload works via the FTP program. Open the folder "de_DE" in this program and then click on the file "wp-content" on the right side (web folder) once and then on the note "languages". Now copy all files of the language file with the extensions "mo" and "po" and drag them into the right field, i.e. the web folder. Do the same with the folders "plugins" and "themes„.
Now move the file "wp-config.php" from the web folder (on the right) to the left side to edit it. Open the file "wp-config.php" with your text editor. Edit the text line "define('WPLANG', ");" by adding the file name "de_DE". This will look like this: "define('WPLANG', 'de_DE');". Save the work step. So you have configured the file and told WordPress to use the German language file in the future. Move the file back to the web folder and then go to the WordPress page. At the moment you can see everything there in English language. But if you refresh the page now or just click on "HOME", the font appears in the desired language German.
Conclusion
In just a few steps and a maximum of 5 minutes you can change your WordPress program to German. Of course this can also be done in any other language you wish to work in in the future. You only need the respective language program.
