Thank you for the message, Moira.
I think your answer is in your last sentence. When I set English as default, a user in germany will see website the first time in English unless I use a language detaction app. Is my understanding correct?
Thank you
Topic summary
Main issue: Whether setting English as the store’s default will automatically show other languages to visitors based on location or system preferences.
Key points and clarifications:
- Default language = the primary/fallback language shown when no translation or detection is applied. With English as default, all visitors see English unless another mechanism intervenes.
- Shopify supports localization via the Translate & Adapt app, CSV export/import of translations, or compatible third‑party translation apps. If a translation is missing, content falls back to the default language. Product URLs remain in their original language.
- Shopify does not auto-detect a visitor’s language by default. Automatic language selection based on browser/language or location requires a third‑party language detection app plus provided translations.
Updates/outcomes:
- Confirmation that auto language switching is not built-in; a detection app is needed.
- A video resource was shared to further explain default language behavior.
- The original poster notes they can set different default languages per country while keeping English as the base language (not detailed by staff in-thread).
Open item:
- A request for recommended third‑party automatic language detection apps remains unanswered. The discussion is ongoing.