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    Language Check

    The language check in Microsoft Word is a feature that allows you to check and adjust the language of your document. Learn how to manage language settings and use automatic language detection.

    Published on January 12, 2026
    2 min read
    Documentaal knowledge center

    The language check in Microsoft Word is a feature that allows you to check and adjust the language of your document.

    Language Settings

    When you create a new document in Microsoft Word, a default language is automatically set. This is usually the language selected based on your computer's system settings. However, you can change the language settings at any time.

    Language Detection

    Microsoft Word has a built-in language detection feature. This means that the program automatically tries to detect the language of your text based on vocabulary and grammatical patterns. For example, if Word detects a large number of English words in your text, it will suggest setting English as the document language.

    Language Highlighting

    When Word detects a word that does not match the document's set language, it is highlighted as a potential language error. This can happen when you enter words in a different language or when you make a typo. Language errors are usually indicated by a green underline.

    Language Changes

    You can change the language of a specific selection, a paragraph, or the entire document. This can be useful, for example, if you want to write part of your document in a different language or if you have copied and pasted text in another language.

    Managing Language Settings

    Microsoft Word also offers the ability to manage language settings. You can view a list of available languages and select which languages you want to use for spelling and grammar checks. Additionally, you can create custom dictionaries for specific languages.

    Exceptions and Customizations

    If Word incorrectly flags a word as a language error, you can add the word to the custom dictionary. This will prevent Word from flagging it as an error in the future. You can also define rules and exceptions for specific grammatical structures or word usage in Word's language options.

    It is important to note that the language check in Word can be useful, but it is always advisable to consider the context of your text and make manual changes if necessary. Automatic language detection is not perfect, and it is possible that Word may sometimes make errors in determining the correct language.

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