Add English Translation

Adding and Updating Translations on TMDB (The Movie DB)

Adding translations on The Movie Database (TMDB) helps make movies and TV shows accessible to users worldwide by providing localized titles, taglines, and overviews in multiple languages.

Unlike TVDB, where adding translations is simple and available directly through an edit button, TMDB handles translations differently the feature is tied to the language preferences set in your account.

This ensures that translations are provided by native speakers or users familiar with that language, maintaining better data quality and preventing automated or inaccurate translations.

TMDB - For Movies

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Understanding TMDB’s Translation System

TMDB doesn’t allow random users to edit every language. Your default language setting determines which translation you can create or edit.

This design ensures:

• Translations are human-verified, not automated.

• Users only edit languages they understand.

• Reduces the risk of errors caused by online translators or AI tools.

How to add new shows, missing episodes and movies to Simkl?

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How to Add a New Translation on TMD?

Once you’ve set your preferred language or adding URL Parameter:

Go to the Movie or TV Show Page Search for the title you want to translate on TMDB.org.

Open the Edit Menu From the top menu, click Overview → Edit.

Create Translation Page If a translation in your language doesn’t exist yet, you’ll see a message like:

“자백의 대가 has not yet been translated to de-DE (German - Germany). If you would like to continue and create this translation, please click the button below.” Click Create Translation.

Fill in the Fields for Translations

• Translated Name: The localized version (e.g., Le Chevalier Noir for The Dark Knight)

• Overview: Write the summary/description in your selected language.

Save Translation Click Save to submit. Once approved, your translation will appear on the TMDB page under that language.

Add New Movie

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Accessing Translation Options

There are three main ways to reach the “Create Translation” page on TMDB:

Option 1: Change Your Default Language (Quick Dropdown)

From the top-right corner of TMDB:

1. Click the language icon (EN).

2. Select your preferred translation language from the dropdown. (Example: Change English → Spanish or Japanese or the language for adding translations)

Option 2: Change Language from Account Settings

If you want to permanently translate in another language:

1. Click your profile icon → Settings.

2. Navigate to Account Settings.

3. Change Default Language to your target language (e.g., “French (fr-FR)”).

4. Save changes.

Option 3: Using URL Parameter (Best & Quick)

Add ?language=xx to the end of a title’s TMDB URL, where xx is your target language code. For example:

https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/12345?language=de

This opens the page for German (de-DE) translation.

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Why Adding Translations Matters on TMDB?

• Improves global accessibility for non-English speakers.

• Enhances discoverability of foreign films through localized names.

• Supports SIMKL and other linked platforms, ensuring accurate title syncing.

• Encourages accurate cultural representation by using real native terms, not AI translations.