The quick answer
Add the translation on the account’s Localization subtab, save it, then change your personal Language under Home > Set Preferences > General. Rerun the same Balance Sheet with the same report filters. User language usually selects the localized name; accounting context and report configuration can also affect the display.
A German subsidiary can still show English account names. This walkthrough translates 1170 Cash Clearing to Geldverrechnung and compares English, German, and English again. In this illustrative replay, the displayed balance stays 13,200.00.
Person and operating-company names in the screenshots are fictional example data. Use your own records and values.
Before you start
Multi-Language must already be enabled, and German must be available in the company language list. You need permission to edit the account’s localization and view the Balance Sheet for the selected subsidiary. Have an approved translation ready. Keep the subsidiary, period, and other report filters fixed. This example uses Bayview Germany and Sep 2026; it demonstrates the Balance Sheet, without establishing how exports, printed forms, saved searches, or other reports handle translations. If Accounting Contexts are enabled, check the intended context and language combination. Keep the accounting book, column setting, and custom filters fixed too. Changing your personal language does not repost transactions.
01. Check the language setup
Open Setup > Company > Enable Features and verify Multi-Language. Then check Setup > Company > General Preferences, then open the Languages subtab for German. If the feature or language is missing, have an administrator configure it before continuing.
02. Read the original English name
With your personal language set to English, open Reports > Financial > Balance Sheet. Select the intended subsidiary and period, then refresh. Note the target account’s name and balance. The example shows 1170 Cash Clearing, 13,200.00, Bayview Germany, and Sep 2026.
03. Save the account translation
Go to Lists > Accounting > Accounts and open the same account. Click Edit, open Localization, and add or update the German row with Geldverrechnung. Review the translation and click Save. Return to the same Balance Sheet and refresh with the original filters. The English preference still displays 1170 Cash Clearing.
04. Switch your personal language
Open Home > Set Preferences > General, set Language to German (shown as Deutsch in this example), and click Save. Refresh or reopen the same Balance Sheet with the same subsidiary and period. The translated name appears as 1170 Geldverrechnung while the balance remains 13,200.00. Accounts without a German translation may retain their original names.
05. Restore English and verify the result
Return to Home > Set Preferences > General, change Language back to English, and click Save. Refresh the same report. 1170 Cash Clearing returns; the German translation remains saved on the account.
Check all three report states against the same subsidiary and period: English shows Cash Clearing, German shows Geldverrechnung, and restored English shows Cash Clearing again. The account and its 13,200.00 balance are unchanged. If the translation does not appear, check the saved localization row, personal language, features, permissions, and report surface.
Common questions
Where do I enter a translated account name?
Open the account, click Edit, and use the Localization subtab. Add or update the row for German with the approved translated account name, then save. Available controls can depend on features, role permissions, and accounting context.
Why does a German subsidiary still show English account names?
Subsidiary selection sets the report context. Check your personal Language preference and whether the account has a matching German localization. Keep the same report filters when testing the translated name.
Does translating an account name change transactions or balances?
Saving a name translation does not repost transactions or create a duplicate account. In this example, the same Balance Sheet amount remains 13,200.00. Compare your own report with the same subsidiary, period, accounting book, and filters.
Does changing my language affect other users?
The personal Language preference applies to your user. It does not change another user’s language preference. The saved account translation is available where the account and report support that localization.
How do I restore the English name?
Go to Home > Set Preferences > General, change Language back to English, and save. Rerun the Balance Sheet. The example returns to 1170 Cash Clearing while keeping the German translation on the account.
Will every report and PDF use the same translation?
This walkthrough compares the Balance Sheet only. Printed forms, exports, saved searches, and other reports may handle localization differently. Check the output surface you need.