Quick Answer
To implement app router i18n in Next.js with next-intl, you need to install the package, configure your language providers, and use the translation hooks/components. next-intl is a standard choice for Next.js developers in 2026 offering robust features for language switching, pluralization, and formatting.
Introduction
Building a global application with Next.js requires a solid strategy for App Router i18n. In this guide, we'll walk through how to set up next-intl from scratch, handle common challenges, and optimize your workflow for 2026.
Why next-intl?
- Popularity: Widely adopted in the Next.js ecosystem.
- Features: Supports plurals, context, and interpolation.
- Community: extensive documentation and examples.
Step 1: Installation
First, add the dependency to your project:
Terminalnpm install next-intl
Step 2: Configuration
Set up the provider at the root of your application.
JavaScript// Example configuration for next-intl // See official docs for exact syntax as versions vary import { Provider } from 'next-intl';
Step 3: Usage
How to translate a string in a component:
JavaScript// Next.js component example
Managing Translations with IntlPull
As your app grows, managing JSON files becomes difficult. IntlPull automates this workflow:
- Extract: Pull keys from your Next.js code.
- Translate: Use AI to translate to 50+ languages.
- Sync: Push updates back to your repo.
Terminalnpx @intlpullhq/cli push
Frequently Asked Questions
Is next-intl free to use?
Yes, next-intl is open source. It is free to use in commercial projects.
How does next-intl compare to alternatives?
next-intl is optimized for Next.js. While generic libraries exist, next-intl provides specific bindings that make integration smoother with Next.js's reactivity system.
Can I use next-intl with TypeScript?
Yes, modern versions support TypeScript. You can get type safety for your translation keys to prevent missing phrases.
Does it support Server Side Rendering (SSR)?
Most modern setups support SSR. Check the specific documentation for next-intl regarding hydration and server-side data fetching requirements.
Summary
Implementing App Router i18n in Next.js is straightforward with next-intl.
- Install the package
- Wrap your app in the provider
- Extract your strings
- Use IntlPull to manage your translations efficiently.
