Use Different Language Then Default Language As Fallback

This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
You are developing a website with multiple languages and want to use English as the fallback language without changing the default language, which is German.
Solution:
Currently, WPML sets the fallback language to the default language automatically. To use English as the fallback language without changing the default language, custom coding would be required. However, this falls outside the scope of our support policy. Unfortunately, there are no alternatives or workarounds available through WPML for this specific request.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we recommend opening a new support ticket. We also highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. For further assistance, please visit our support forum at WPML Support Forum.

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Tagged: Exception

This topic contains 1 reply, has 0 voices.

Last updated by janK-52 1 month, 3 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Mihai Apetrei.

Author	Posts
May 28, 2025 at 2:17 am #17081020
janK-52	Background of the issue: I am developing a website with the following languages: German (default), English, French, Italian, and Spanish. WPML offers options to "only show translated items" or "use translation if available or fallback to the default language". I want to use English as the fallback language. Symptoms: I am unsure if it's possible to use English as a fallback language without changing the default language. Questions: Is it possible to use English as a fallback language without changing the default language? Can this be achieved with a code snippet?
May 28, 2025 at 7:58 am #17081758
Mihai Apetrei WPML Supporter since 03/2018 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Bucharest (GMT+03:00)	Hi there. As explained in this existing public ticket, the fallback is automatically set to the current default language: https://wpml.org/forums/topic/change-fall-back-language/ This might be accomplishable with custom coding, but that falls outside the scope of our Support Policy. I wish I had at least an alternative or workaround, but there's none in this case. I appreciate your understanding. Mihai Apetrei
May 31, 2025 at 9:56 am #17093944
janK-52	Thank you for your quick reply. Have a great day! 🙂