Kosovo Language: What Do They Speak in Kosovo?
The official languages of Kosovo are Albanian / Serbian. In Albanian, the country is called Kosovë / Косово. Kosovo is officially multilingual, with 2 recognised languages reflecting its diverse cultural and ethnic heritage.
🗣️ Language at a Glance
About the Albanian Language
Albanian is one of the last European languages to appear in writing: the first attested sentence is a baptismal formula from 1462. It has two main dialects, Gheg in the north (including Kosovo) and Tosk in the south, with the modern standard based on Tosk since 1972. It is official in Albania and Kosovo and co-official in North Macedonia. Albanian occupies its own branch of the Indo-European family, like Greek and Armenian: it has no close relatives at all. Centuries of contact layered it with Latin, Slavic, Turkish and Greek loanwords, but its core vocabulary and grammar are unique, the last survivor of the ancient languages of the western Balkans.
The Latin alphabet (Albanian variant): How Albanian is Written
Albanian is written in a 36-letter Latin alphabet that counts digraphs like dh, gj, nj, sh, th, xh and zh as single letters, alongside ç and ë (the most common letter in the language). The alphabet was fixed at the Congress of Manastir in 1908; before that, Albanian had been written variously in Latin, Greek and Arabic scripts.
Is Albanian a Tonal Language?
No, Albanian is not a tonal language. Stress most often falls on the second-to-last syllable, and the sound system holds few terrors beyond the frequent unstressed ë.
🗨️ Useful Albanian Phrases
A few everyday phrases in Albanian, written in a simple romanized pronunciation so you can read them aloud. Tones and exact sounds vary by region, so treat these as a starting point.
How Hard is Albanian to Learn?
Albanian is genuinely challenging for English speakers, in the region of 1,100 class hours: almost no recognisable vocabulary, a case system for nouns, and definite articles that attach to the end of the word (mal is mountain, mali is the mountain). The Latin alphabet and regular spelling are the welcome mat.
Multilingual Heritage of Kosovo
Kosovo officially recognises 2 languages: Albanian, Serbian. This multilingual status is a reflection of the country's history, ethnic diversity and cultural complexity. Different regions or communities may predominantly use one language over another, and all official languages are typically represented in government, education and public services. Multilingual countries often have rich cultural traditions that draw from each language community.
Language Tips for Visitors to Kosovo
The official language of Kosovo is Albanian, which may be unfamiliar to many international travellers. While English speakers can often be found in larger cities and tourist-heavy areas, it is advisable to learn a few basic phrases before your trip. Locals greatly appreciate any effort to use the local language, even if imperfect. Simple greetings, thank-yous and asking for directions in Albanian will go a long way. The country is officially known as Kosovë / Косово in Albanian, and the international dialling code is +383.
🌍 Other Countries Where Albanian is Spoken
Albanian is not exclusive to Kosovo; it is also spoken in these countries:
Frequently Asked Questions about Language in Kosovo
What language do they speak in Kosovo?
The official languages of Kosovo are Albanian / Serbian.
Is English spoken in Kosovo?
English is not an official language in Kosovo. The main language is Albanian. English may be spoken in tourist areas.
What is Kosovo called in its own language?
Kosovo is called "Kosovë / Косово" in Albanian.
What writing system does Albanian use?
Albanian is written in the Latin alphabet (Albanian variant). Albanian is written in a 36-letter Latin alphabet that counts digraphs like dh, gj, nj, sh, th, xh and zh as single letters, alongside ç and ë (the most common letter in the language). The alphabet was fixed at the Congress of Manastir in 1908; before that, Albanian had been written variously in Latin, Greek and Arabic scripts.
Is Albanian a tonal language?
No, Albanian is not a tonal language. Stress most often falls on the second-to-last syllable, and the sound system holds few terrors beyond the frequent unstressed ë.
How do you say hello in Albanian?
"Hello" in Albanian is "pershendetje (per-shen-DET-yeh)".
Is Albanian hard to learn?
Albanian is genuinely challenging for English speakers, in the region of 1,100 class hours: almost no recognisable vocabulary, a case system for nouns, and definite articles that attach to the end of the word (mal is mountain, mali is the mountain). The Latin alphabet and regular spelling are the welcome mat.
How many official languages does Kosovo have?
Kosovo has 2 official languages: Albanian, Serbian.
Do I need to speak Albanian to visit Kosovo?
It is not required but learning basic phrases in Albanian is strongly recommended and appreciated.
What is the calling code for Kosovo?
The international dialling code for Kosovo is +383.
What is the population of Kosovo?
Kosovo has a population of approximately 1.8M, all of whom use Albanian / Serbian as the official languages.