Blog @ Formifyr

How to Translate Google Forms to Multiple Languages Easily

Google Forms is a versatile tool for creating surveys, quizzes, and assessments. However, its default language settings can limit its reach to a global audience. Translating Google Forms into multiple languages allows creators to engage with respondents worldwide, breaking down language barriers and expanding the form’s accessibility.

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A computer screen with Google Forms open, a mouse hovering over the translate button, a globe in the background

Fortunately, Google has incorporated translation features directly into the Forms platform. Users can now easily translate their forms into numerous languages without the need for external tools or creating separate versions for each language. This built-in functionality streamlines the process, saving time and effort for form creators.

While Google’s native translation options are convenient, third-party solutions like Formifyr can offer additional features for multilingual form creation. These tools often provide more customization options and support for a wider range of languages, giving form creators even more flexibility in reaching their target audience.

Setting Up a Multilingual Google Form

A computer screen with Google Forms open, showing the language settings menu and a dropdown menu for selecting different languages

Creating a multilingual Google Form allows you to reach a broader audience and improve accessibility. This process involves setting up the form structure, selecting a default language, and incorporating translation features.

Creating a New Google Form

To begin, open Google Forms and click “Blank” to create a new form. Give your form a title and add questions as needed. Consider using a mix of question types like multiple choice, short answer, and checkboxes to gather diverse information. Remember to keep questions clear and concise for easier translation.

Add section breaks to organize related questions together. This structure helps respondents navigate the form more easily, regardless of their chosen language. Include any necessary images or videos, as these visual elements can transcend language barriers.

Choosing the Default Language

Set your form’s default language in the form settings. Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select the “Presentation” tab. Under “Language,” choose your preferred default from the available options. Common choices include English, Spanish, French, or German.

The default language determines how Google Forms displays interface elements like buttons and system messages. It also affects the language of auto-generated response options for certain question types. Choose a default that best represents your primary audience or the language in which you’re most comfortable creating the form.

Adding Translation Features

Incorporate translation features to make your form accessible in multiple languages. One method is to use Formifyr, a tool that simplifies the translation process for Google Forms. Alternatively, create a language selection dropdown at the beginning of your form.

Add a multiple-choice question asking users to select their preferred language. Include options like English, Spanish, French, and German. Use the “Go to section based on answer” feature to direct users to translated versions of your questions. Create separate sections for each language, duplicating your questions and translating them manually or with the help of translation tools.

For automatic translations, consider using Google Sheets with the GOOGLETRANSLATE function. Create a sheet with your questions, then use the function to translate them into multiple languages. Copy the translated text back into your form sections.

Managing and Collaborating on Translated Forms

A person uses a computer to manage and collaborate on translated Google Forms. Multiple language options are visible on the screen

Effective management and collaboration are crucial when working with translated Google Forms. Streamlined processes ensure accurate multilingual surveys and assessments.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Google Forms supports real-time collaboration for translated forms. Multiple team members can work simultaneously on different language versions. This feature enhances efficiency and accuracy in the translation process.

To invite collaborators, users can share the form via email or Google Account. Each team member can focus on specific languages or sections. Changes sync automatically, allowing for seamless teamwork.

It’s important to establish clear roles and responsibilities. Assign language experts to review translations for accuracy and cultural relevance. Regular team meetings can help address any challenges or inconsistencies across language versions.

Collecting and Interpreting Multilingual Responses

When collecting responses from translated forms, it’s crucial to organize data effectively. Google Forms automatically compiles responses from all language versions into a single spreadsheet.

To analyze multilingual data:

  1. Use filters to sort responses by language
  2. Create separate sheets for each language if needed
  3. Utilize Google Sheets’ translation features for quick comprehension

Consider privacy concerns when handling multilingual data. Ensure all team members understand data protection policies, especially when dealing with sensitive information across different cultures.

For complex surveys, third-party tools like Formifyr can offer advanced features for creating and managing multilingual forms. These tools often provide specialized analytics for cross-language comparisons and insights.