Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change Microsoft Word Display Language from German to English

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to change the Microsoft Word interface display language from German to English and differentiate it from proofing and Windows language settings.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user is navigating a German interface in Microsoft Word and wants to switch the display language to English while ensuring spell-check works correctly.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft Word interface is currently displayed in German, requiring reconfiguration of both the display and proofing languages to English.

Before you start

Before changing the display language, make sure you have a stable internet connection, as you may need to download the English language accessory pack if it is not already installed on your system.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Display Language in Microsoft Word Options

This is the primary method to switch your Office interface language from German to English directly within the application settings.

Open Language Options

In Microsoft Word, click on 'Datei' (File) in the top-left corner and select 'Optionen' (Options) at the bottom. Then, navigate to the 'Sprache' (Language) tab on the left pane.

Select Preferred Language

Under the 'Office-Anzeigesprache' (Office display language) section, locate English from the list of available languages.

Set as Preferred

Select English and click the 'Als bevorzugt festlegen' (Set as Preferred) button. Click 'OK' and restart Microsoft Word to apply the English interface.

Solution 2

Download and Install the English Language Accessory Pack

Use this solution if English is not listed as an available display language in your Word settings.

Solution 3

Adjust the Proofing Language Separately

Display language and proofing language are separate in Word. You must change the proofing language to English to ensure your spell-check functions correctly.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Simpler Word Processor? Try WPS Office

If installing language accessory packs for Microsoft Word is too cumbersome, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, globally supported platform where switching your interface language is straightforward, free, and fast.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Select Your Language: During setup or within the application's global settings, easily select English as your primary display and proofing language.
3. Open Your Documents: Open your existing .docx files directly in WPS Writer without losing any formatting or data.

Easily switch interface and proofing languages without complex accessory pack installations.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Lightweight design ensures fast performance even on older devices.Familiar user interface requires no learning curve to master.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Word proofing language keep changing back to German?

Word sometimes detects the language of the text automatically or defaults to your Windows OS regional settings. To fix this, turn off the 'Detect language automatically' option in the Review > Language > Set Proofing Language menu.

Do I need to pay for Microsoft Office language accessory packs?

No, language accessory packs for Microsoft 365 are completely free to download and install from the official Microsoft support website.

Is the Office display language different from the Windows operating system language?

Yes. The Office display language controls the menus, ribbons, and buttons specifically inside Office applications like Word, while the Windows language controls your entire operating system. They can be configured independently of each other.

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