Key Points:
- Introduction
- Languages of Romania
- Romania Official Languages
- Romanian Language History and Evolution
- Minority Languages Spoken in Romania
- Foreign Language Proficiency in Romania
- Language Rights and Education
Table of Contents
Introduction
Romania is a country shaped by centuries of history, migration, and cultural exchange, and its linguistic diversity reflects this rich background. Language is more than a means of communication; it plays a vital role in national identity, education, governance, and daily life. While Romanian is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population, the country is also home to numerous minority languages that are actively used within local communities. These languages reflect historical influences from neighboring regions and long-standing ethnic groups that continue to preserve their linguistic heritage. In many parts of Romania, multilingualism is a natural part of everyday interaction. Understanding the languages is essential for travelers, businesses, educators, and organizations working with Romanian communities. It also highlights the importance of accurate translation and interpretation when engaging with diverse audiences. As globalization increases cross-border communication, awareness of Romania’s linguistic landscape becomes increasingly valuable. This guide explores the primary language spoken in Romania, recognized minority languages, and how linguistic diversity shapes communication across the country today.
Languages of Romania
Romania, located in Southeastern Europe, is rich in linguistic and cultural diversity. While the official language of Romania is Romanian, the country is home to several minority and foreign languages. These languages reflect the country’s complex history, regional influences, and multicultural population. Together, they contribute to Romania’s national identity and highlight the country’s long-standing cultural connections with neighboring regions.
What languages are spoken in Romania
From Hungarian in Transylvania to Romani and German communities, the languages spoken in Romania reveal a deep historical and cultural blend. These languages are closely connected to Romania’s ethnic minorities and long-established communities. They play an important role in education, cultural traditions, and everyday communication. This linguistic diversity continues to shape social life across different regions of the country.
Romania Official Languages
If you’re wondering what language do they speak in Romania, the answer is Romanian. It’s a Romance language derived from Latin, sharing roots with Italian, French, and Spanish. Romanian is spoken by around 85–90% of the population, making it the main language in Romania.
Globally, about 24 million people speak Romanian, including in Moldova, where it’s also an official language. So, if you’re planning to translate from Romania to English, you’ll be dealing primarily with the Romanian language.
Romanian Language History and Evolution
The Romanian language history traces back to the Roman colonization of Dacia in the 2nd century AD, when Latin became the foundation of everyday communication. Over the centuries, Romanian absorbed strong influences from Slavic languages during medieval migrations, shaping its grammar and vocabulary. Greek and Turkish elements entered the language under long periods of Ottoman influence, especially in administrative and cultural terms. Hungarian and German also left a lasting mark in Transylvania due to historical coexistence with these communities. Later, during the 19th-century cultural renaissance, French and Italian influences enriched Romanian further, contributing to its modern vocabulary and refined expression. These diverse influences add depth to Romanian pronunciation and structure, clearly distinguishing it from other Romance languages.
Romanian Dialects and Regional Variations
Despite being relatively uniform compared to other languages, Romanian has notable regional dialects:
- Wallachian (Muntenian): Forms the basis of Standard Romanian; spoken around Bucharest and southern Romania.
- Moldavian: Spoken in northeastern Romania and Moldova; includes archaic Slavic elements.
- Transylvanian: Influenced by German and Hungarian, spoken in central Romania.
- Banat: Incorporates Serbian loanwords, spoken in western Romania.
These dialects of the Romanian language illustrate how geography and history shape communication.
Minority Languages Spoken in Romania
While Romanian dominates, several other languages are spoken in Romania, protected under national laws ensuring linguistic rights for minority groups.
Hungarian – The Largest Minority Language
Hungarian is the most spoken minority language in Romania, particularly in Transylvania. About 6.5% of the population (approximately 1.2 million people) speak Hungarian. Hungarian-language schools, media outlets, and administrative services operate in regions with significant Hungarian populations.
Romani – Language of the Roma Community
The Romani language belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of languages and is spoken by many Roma people in Romania. Despite historical challenges, efforts to preserve and promote Romani culture and language are ongoing through education and cultural initiatives.
German – A Historical Community
German-speaking communities, especially in Transylvania, descend from Saxon settlers who arrived in the Middle Ages. Though fewer in number today, German continues to be used in religious, educational, and cultural contexts. Cities like Sibiu and Brașov showcase this heritage.
Ukrainian, Russian, and Other Minority Languages
Other minority languages include:
- Ukrainian: Concentrated in Maramureș and Bukovina, with cultural and educational institutions.
- Russian (Lipovans): Found primarily in the Danube Delta region.
- Serbian, Bulgarian, Turkish, and Tatar: Spoken in various border and coastal areas like Dobruja.
Romania’s laws ensure that in communities where minorities exceed 20% of the population, native language use is guaranteed in education, signage, and public administration.
Related: The World’s Oldest Languages
Foreign Language Proficiency in Romania
What language do they speak in Romania besides the official one? Thanks to globalization and EU membership, many Romanians are multilingual.
- English is the most widely spoken foreign language, especially among younger generations and in urban centers.
- French has strong historical ties and remains popular in education.
- Italian and Spanish are also common, reflecting Romania’s diaspora communities.
- German is taught in schools, especially in Transylvania.
Is English an official language in Romania?
No, English is not an official language, but its presence in business, education, and tourism is strong.
Related: Relationship between Language & Culture
Language Rights and Education
Romania actively promotes language rights within its education system and recognizes the importance of protecting minority linguistic communities. The country allows students from minority backgrounds to receive education in languages such as Hungarian, German, and Romani, alongside learning Romanian as the official language. This multilingual approach helps preserve cultural identity while ensuring students can participate fully in national life. Schools and universities support bilingual and minority-language programs to encourage inclusion and equal opportunities. By balancing cultural preservation with integration, Romania’s education system strengthens social cohesion and respects linguistic diversity.
FAQs
Q1: What language is spoken in Romania?
A1: Romanian is the main language spoken in Romania and is used in government, education, media, and daily communication across the country.
Q2: What is the language of Romania officially?
A2: The official language of Romania is Romanian, making it the primary language used for legal, administrative, and public services nationwide.
Q3: How many people speak Romanian in Romania?
A3: Approximately 90% of Romania’s population speaks Romanian as their first language, while others use it as a second language.
Q4: What are the main languages spoken in Romania besides Romanian?
A4: In addition to Romanian, the languages spoken in Romania include Hungarian, Romani, German, Ukrainian, and Serbian, reflecting its ethnic diversity.
Q5: Does Romania have more than one official language?
A5: Romania has one official language—Romanian—but minority languages are protected and widely used in education and local communities as part of the broader languages of Romania.
Call to Action
At Translation Excellence, we specialize in breaking language barriers for individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide. Whether you need Romanian language translation, interpretation in Hungarian, Romani, German, or any other minority language, our experienced team delivers accuracy and cultural sensitivity. We support clear communication for documents, meetings, events, and multilingual projects of all sizes. Our services are designed to help you communicate confidently across borders and cultures. Contact us today to find out how we can make your next international venture a success.
Conclusion
From Romanian—the official language of Romania—to Hungarian, Romani, and German, the languages spoken in Romania reflect centuries of coexistence shaped by history, migration, and cultural exchange. These languages represent the country’s diverse communities and their long-standing presence across different regions. Whether you’re learning Romanian to English translation, traveling, or working in Romania, language plays a key role in everyday communication and cultural understanding. Knowing about this linguistic diversity helps you navigate social, professional, and cultural settings more confidently. Understanding its linguistic richness helps you connect more deeply with the people and culture, creating more meaningful interactions and experiences.
