Default language "Dutch" cannot be mapped to supported WPML language (nl_NL)

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Last updated by Kor 4 months, 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Kor.

Author	Posts
September 16, 2025 at 2:29 pm #17406645
jacobT-13	Background of the issue: I am trying to resolve an issue with my WPML settings on my site hidden link. My default language is set to Dutch (code nl), but I am unable to map it to the supported WPML language Nederlands (nl_NL). This is preventing me from using automatic translation. I have checked the WPML → Languages section for an 'Edit languages' option but found no way to correct the code/locale of 'Dutch'. The dropdown for Language Mapping only shows other languages like English, French, and German, but not Dutch. Symptoms: I am seeing the following message in my WPML settings: 'Your default language, Dutch, must be mapped to a supported language in order to use automatic translation.' Questions: How can I make sure that my existing default language 'Dutch' is recognized as the official WPML language Nederlands (nl_NL)? Is there a way to adjust the locale of this language through the interface (e.g. to nl_NL)? If this can only be done through the database: which fields in the wp_icl_languages table should I modify to fix this mapping? Would it be better to add the official 'Nederlands (nl_NL)' language again and remove 'Dutch'? And if so, how can I do this without losing my existing content?
September 17, 2025 at 7:34 am #17408283
Kor WPML Supporter since 08/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)	Thanks for contacting us. I will require temporary access (WP-Admin and FTP) to a test site where the problem has been replicated, if possible. This will enable me to provide better assistance and determine if any configurations need to be modified. Please note that it is important to have a backup for security purposes and to prevent any potential data loss. You can use the UpdraftPlus plugin (https://wordpress.org/plugins/updraftplus/) to fulfill your backup requirements. Your upcoming reply will be treated with confidentiality and will only be visible to you and me. ✙ To resolve the issue, I may need your consent to deactivate and reactivate plugins and the theme, as well as make configuration changes on the site if necessary. This emphasizes the significance of having a backup.

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