---
title: "Related Data dates are formatted differently based on profile language"
slug: "dates-stored-in-a-related-data-date-type-column-render-differently-depending-on-the-contacts-profile-language"
updated: 2026-01-28T12:39:56Z
published: 2026-01-28T12:39:56Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
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# Related Data dates are formatted differently based on profile language

## Problem

The same date from a Related Data table appears in different formats for different contacts when used in a message.

## Cause

Date values from Related Data are automatically formatted based on the contact’s profile language. Engage uses the `user.ISOLanguageCode` attribute to localize the date format for each recipient. As a result, the same stored date can be displayed differently depending on the user’s language settings.

## Resolution

To enforce a consistent date format for all recipients, format the date explicitly in the message content using the `ecx:fmtDateInTimezone` function.

1. Identify the Related Data date value used in the message.
2. Apply the `ecx:fmtDateInTimezone` function when rendering the date.
3. Define the desired timezone, date format, and locale explicitly.
4. Save and publish the message.

## Result

All recipients see the date in the same format, regardless of their profile language.

## Additional Information

- This behavior applies only to date formatting in message rendering, not to how dates are stored in Related Data.
- The `ecx:fmtDateInTimezone` function allows full control over locale, timezone, and output format.

*Knowledge Base reference ID:**hbppj*

## Related

- [Extract and Format Dates and Times](/extract-and-format-dates-and-times.md)