Do They Speak English In Albania? Should You Know Albanian?
Planning a trip and wondering if they speak English in Albania?
Then you’ve come to the right post! After spending over a month traveling around Albania, I can help you determine whether they speak English there.
Albania is an incredible country in Europe’s Balkan region. Its growing popularity is due to its stunning beaches, historical cities and sites, and versatile landscape. Don’t pass up the opportunity to experience this country!
My first visit to Albania was spontaneous, and I had no idea what to expect. Aside from knowing Albanian was the national language, I had no clue if there would be a significant language barrier.
Most Albanians do not speak English fluently, but you will still encounter English speakers around the country. Learning basic Albanian phrases for your trip will help you a lot.
This post will be your complete guide to the country’s most commonly spoken languages and other tips you should know before your Albania trip.
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Do They Speak English in Albania?
Yes, English is spoken in Albania!
However, note that the majority of Albanians are not fully proficient in the English language. Despite that, the country has made year-over-year improvements in its overall proficiency among the population.
Fortunately, you’ll run into more English speakers in larger cities and destinations with more tourists.
Based on the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index, Albania is categorized as a moderately English-speaking country. Out of 113 countries, Albania holds the 39th position globally. Albania ranks in spot 28 within Europe, slightly behind Italy in proficiency.
Nonetheless, this ranking still renders it a welcoming destination for travelers, particularly those who speak English.
Although most Albanians do not speak English, those who do are more prevalent in the younger population and major urban areas. Among the youth, around 65% of Albanian children can speak English as it is taught in schools.
Considering this, is fluency in Albanian necessary during your visit to Albania? No, fluency in Albanian is unnecessary, but knowing basic greetings and phrases demonstrates respect for their culture. Similar considerations apply when conversing in Spanish while in Spain.
While the country is not widely proficient, you should still encounter locals who speak English during your travels.
What Languages Do They Speak in Albania?
Albanian is the official language of Albania, spoken by around 98% of the population.
There are numerous dialects within the Albanian language, but the most commonly spoken ones are Gheg and Tosk. The two dialects have numerous differences, such as the vowels, but they are still intelligible.
The Tosk dialect is spoken in the south, with the country’s geographical split being the Shkumbin River. Standard Albanian derives from the Tosk dialect, further divided into subdialects spoken within Albanian diaspora areas in countries like Greece and Italy.
Meanwhile, Gheg is the most common language north of the Shkumbin River. Kosovo Albanians speak Gheg, and those in Albanian-speaking regions in Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia also speak this dialect.
Additionally, Albania has common minority languages. The most frequent minority language is Greek, with a more significant concentration in the country’s south. Other minority languages in Albania include Romani, Aromanian, and Macedonian.
When viewing the most common foreign languages, Italian is the most common foreign language spoken in the country. This stems from the Italian protectorate over Albania that began during World War I.
English is the second most common foreign language in Albania after Italian. The language is becoming more proficient in the country, particularly among the younger generations, as it is now taught in school.
How Hard Is Albanian for English Speakers?
Albanian can be hard to learn for English speakers due to its unique grammar, unfamiliar vocabulary, and distinct pronunciation. It currently ranks around spot 4 in the hardest languages for English speakers to learn.
Albanian is an Indo-European language, but it is incomparable to other languages. Its grammar is complex and can be difficult for learners to master. To complicate things further, there are differences between Albania’s two main dialects, Gheg and Tosk.
Another notable difference between Albanian and English is that Albanian nouns have a gender. This is similar to Spanish, but in addition to masculine and feminine nouns, there are gender-neutral nouns too.
Furthermore, Albanian pronunciation can be challenging for English speakers, including sounds not found in English, such as the nasal vowels “ë” and “y.”
Despite these challenges, with practice and exposure to the language, English speakers can certainly achieve proficiency in Albanian.
Can You Visit Albania if You Only Speak English?
Certainly! You can travel to Albania even if you only speak English fluently.
While exploring Albania, you’ll find that speaking Albanian is not mandatory, especially in dense tourist areas where you’ll meet more English speakers.
These regions include destinations such as Tirana and Saranda. There is a broader understanding of English, especially within the hospitality and tourism industries.
👉TRAVEL TIP: Google Translate is a great resource when you have a language barrier. Its remarkable feature is that it downloads languages even when not using Wi-Fi.
Remember that if you visit off-the-beaten-path locations in Albania, you will face more significant language barriers. While this shouldn’t deter you from visiting, knowing some Albanian will help a lot.
Although encounters with non-English speakers are possible, there’s still a probability of encountering individuals who are proficient in English.
Yet, while traveling abroad, it’s always courteous to familiarize yourself with some of the most prevalent phrases of the national language. Not only will locals be grateful, but it can also be beneficial when communicating with someone who doesn’t speak English, especially in less touristy Albanian destinations.
General Albanian Phrases To Use During Your Visit
If you’re getting ready for your Albania trip, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some standard greetings and phrases. These phrases will enhance your interactions with the local community and help your overall experience.
A few of the most challenging traits of learning Albanian as an English speaker will be the grammar, pronunciation, and extensive vocabulary.
Despite the challenges of learning Albanian, it’s possible to understand it with practice!
Below are some greetings and phrases that will help you during your Albania vacation.
1. Hello- Përshëndetje!
One of the fundamental expressions to know when journeying to another country is “hello.” While an initial look at the spelling of this word may be intimidating, you should nail it down after some practice.
The pronunciation for “hello” in Albanian is per-shen-DYE-tye. There are multiple ways to say “hello” in Albanian, but this is one of the most common.
2. Bye- Mirupafshim!
Like “hello,” “goodbye” is another simple yet crucial term to understand as it signifies a polite farewell in social situations.
The formal way to pronounce “bye” in Albanian is mee-roo-PAHF-sheem. Again, with practice, this term will become easier.
3. Thank You- Faleminderit
“Faleminderit” is one of the finest expressions of gratitude. When I used it during my trips to Albania, locals appreciated that I took the initiative to engage with their culture.
To say “faleminderit” in Albanian, pronounce it as fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet. This one has several syllables for a single word but will flow smoothly with time.
4. Please- Ju lutem
“Please” is an additional polite term when engaging with service workers or asking for assistance.
To express “please” in Albanian, say it as yoo LOO-tehm.
5. Yes- Po
Undoubtedly, one frequently used phrase throughout your journey in Albania will be “po.” This word is valuable for restaurant visits, sightseeing, or general chats.
Mastering it is also relatively simple. In Albanian, the pronunciation of “yes” is as straightforward as poh.
6. No- Jo
In addition to “yes,” grasping “no” in Albanian is just as important.
Fortunately, the Albanian word for “no” is reasonably simple and has the pronunciation of yoh.
7. Do you speak English?- A flisni Anglisht?
When conversing with individuals in Albania in English, it’s polite to ask about their proficiency in the language. You can achieve this by asking, “A flisni Anglisht?”
In Albanian, the pronunciation for “Do you speak English?” is ah FLEES-nee ahn-GLEESHT. Mastering this phrase is quite manageable before your vacation in Albania.
Where Do They Speak English in Albania?
English proficiency is not found in the majority of Albania’s population. However, among younger individuals, proficiency tends to be higher due to greater exposure in schools and the hospitality sector.
When it comes to where you’ll find the most English speakers in Albania, this will be in popular cities and tourist destinations.
Do They Speak English in Tirana?
Tirana, Albania’s capital, attracts millions of tourists annually, resulting in a higher prevalence of English spoken in the city.
This popularity, combined with Tirana’s overall development, makes Tirana a preferred destination for English speakers considering a move to Albania.
English is commonly used at tourist sites, shopping areas, and by hotel staff. Moreover, many restaurants and cafes offer English menus or translations, simplifying dining for English-speaking visitors.
Despite the degree of English speakers in Tirana, it’s still courteous to communicate basic Albanian when interacting with locals.
Do They Speak Engish in Saranda?
Saranda has a considerable English-speaking population. As one of Albania’s most popular coastal cities, it attracts many tourists due to its remarkable beaches, landscape, and entertainment options.
Saranda is also a favorite place for English-speaking expats to settle in.
If you’re considering a move to Saranda, learning Albanian will greatly enhance your integration into the city.
FAQs: Do They Speak English in Albania?
I trust you’re now aware that the answer to “Do they speak English in Albania?” is a resounding yes! Keep reading to dive into other questions about this subject.
Is English Spoken in Albania?
Indeed, English is spoken in Albania, but it is spoken by less than half of the population.
Efforts to enhance proficiency among the younger generation are ongoing, and the country is showing year-over-year increases in proficiency. While the prevalence of English speakers may not match that of a country like Austria, you should still visit Albania!
If you plan to visit destinations such as Tirana, Berart, or Saranda, you’ll find a higher concentration of English speakers than in other regions. Major attractions and hospitality establishments in cities are also more likely to have staff proficient in English.
Can You Speak English in Tirana?
Yes, you can speak English in Tirana. You need not be fluent in Albanian to visit the popular capital.
While English isn’t as widely spoken in Tirana as in other European capitals, you can still find English speakers, particularly among the younger population and those working in the tourism industry.
In tourist areas, such as hotels, restaurants, and major attractions, you’re more likely to encounter individuals who can communicate in English. However, outside of these areas, proficiency in English may vary, and it’s advisable to have some basic Albanian phrases at your disposal to communicate.
Are Albanian and Russian Similar?
No, Albanian and Russian belong to entirely different language families and share few similarities in grammar and vocabulary.
Albanian is an Indo-European language, while Russian is a member of the Slavic language group. As a result, their structures and linguistic features differ significantly.
Albanian itself isn’t closely similar to any language.
Do People Speak English in Kosovo?
Yes, they speak English in Kosovo, but like Albania, not by the majority of its citizens.
English proficiency in Kosovo tends to be higher among the younger demographic, those in the hospitality industry, and areas such as the capital, Pristina. has two national languages: Albanian and Serbian.
To Sum Up: Do They Speak English in Albania?
So, do they speak English in Albania? I hope this post has helped you know that English is spoken in Albania, just not by most people.
Still, that should not cause you to be worried about planning an Albania trip.
While not knowing the national language can feel intimidating, learning basic Albanian phrases can greatly help you. Albanian can be hard to grasp for native English speakers, but you can nail it down with practice!
There are also more English speakers around high-tourist destinations such as Tirana and Saranda. However, knowing some Albanian will be very appreciated by the locals.
Have a fantastic time in Albania!
