How To Fix BS238 - Foreign language and maintenance language must be different

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BS - Status Management

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Foreign language and maintenance language must be different

What causes this issue?

User status are first entered in the maintenance language of the
status profile and can then be translated into other languages.

How to fix this error?

Enter a foreign language other than the maintenance language of the
status profile.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BS238 - Foreign language and maintenance language must be different ?

  The SAP error message BS238 indicates that there is a conflict between the foreign language and the maintenance language settings in the system. This error typically arises when you are trying to create or modify a text in a language that is the same as the maintenance language, which is not allowed in SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Language Settings: The error occurs when the foreign language (the language in which you are trying to create or edit text) is set to be the same as the maintenance language (the language in which the user is working).
  Configuration Issues: It may also arise from incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system regarding language management.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the BS238 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Change the Language:
  
  Ensure that the foreign language you are trying to use is different from the maintenance language. For example, if your maintenance language is set to English (EN), you should use a different language like German (DE) or French (FR) for the foreign language.
  
  
  
  Check User Settings:
  
  Go to the user profile settings and verify the language settings. You can do this by navigating to the transaction code SU01 (User Maintenance) and checking the language settings for the user.
  
  
  
  Adjust Text Maintenance:
  
  If you are working with text maintenance (e.g., in transaction codes like SE63 for translation), ensure that you are selecting the correct languages for both the source and target texts.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review the SAP documentation or help files related to language settings and text maintenance for further guidance.
  
  
  
  System Configuration:
  
  If the issue persists, it may require a review of the system configuration by an SAP Basis administrator to ensure that language settings are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE63 (Translation) and SU01 (User Maintenance) for managing language settings.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to language handling that may address this issue.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to properly set and manage language preferences in SAP to avoid similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BS238 error and continue with your tasks in SAP.