snapshot: preserve bilingual core UI and gettext workflow state

README.md

@@ -20,6 +20,21 @@ This is the standalone dockerized web application for the TUBCO onboarding and o
 5. Open test mailbox:
    - `http://localhost:8025`
 
+## Translations
+This project now uses Django's standard i18n workflow for long-term maintainability.
+
+- Extract/update message catalogs:
+  - `docker compose exec -T web django-admin makemessages -l en`
+- Compile translations:
+  - `docker compose exec -T web django-admin compilemessages`
+- Add more languages the same way:
+  - `docker compose exec -T web django-admin makemessages -l de`
+
+Notes:
+- `gettext` is installed in the Docker image, so `compilemessages` works inside the container.
+- Translation files live under `backend/locale/`.
+- Core fixed UI is bilingual now; dynamic builder content and most PDF/email business text are not fully bilingual yet.
+
 ## Current implemented scope
 - Onboarding form with labels mapped from your CSV schema.
 - Stores requests in PostgreSQL.