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Languages of Romania – What Language Is Spoken in 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. From Hungarian in Transylvania to Romani and German communities, the languages spoken in Romania reveal a deep historical and cultural blend.
Romanian- The Official Language
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. Over the centuries, Romanian absorbed influences from:
- Slavic languages during medieval migrations.
- Greek and Turkish under Ottoman influence.
- Hungarian and German in Transylvania.
- French and Italian during the 19th-century cultural renaissance.
These diverse influences contribute to the richness of Romanian vocabulary and pronunciation, 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 promotes language in education and protects minority linguistic rights. Students can study in Hungarian, German, or Romani, alongside Romanian. This supports both cultural preservation and integration.
Conclusion
From Romanian—the official language of Romania—to Hungarian, Romani, and German, the languages spoken in Romania reflect centuries of coexistence. Whether you’re learning Romanian to English translation, traveling, or working in Romania, understanding its linguistic richness helps you connect more deeply with the people and culture.
Call to Action
At Translation Excellence, we specialize in breaking language barriers. Whether you need Romanian language translation, interpretation in Hungarian, Romani, German, or any other minority language, our team ensures smooth communication for your event, meeting, or project.
Contact us today to find out how we can make your next international venture a success.
FAQs
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