What language is spoken in Hungary? Top 3 languages
People in Hungary speak Hungarian (Magyar), the official language and the native language of almost the entire population. The three most widely spoken languages are Hungarian, English and German. English is the most common foreign language, especially among younger people and in Budapest's tourist areas, and German is widely understood, particularly among older generations and in the west of the country near Austria.
Hungarian
Hungarian is a Uralic language, related distantly to Finnish and Estonian, and not to the Germanic or Slavic languages around it. That makes it hard for visitors to guess words, so a few basics help:
- Szia — hi (informal)
- Köszönöm — thank you
- Kérem — please
- Igen / Nem — yes / no
- Elnézést — excuse me
English in Hungary
In Budapest you can get by in English at hotels, restaurants in the center, museums and on public transport ticket machines. Outside the capital and with older people, English is less common, so a translation app with an offline Hungarian pack is useful.
German in Hungary
German was the main foreign language taught for many years, and Hungary has long-standing historical ties with Austria and German-speaking regions. Many people in western Hungary, at Lake Balaton and in the tourism industry speak some German. There is also a German-speaking minority.
Other languages
Hungary has several recognized minority languages, including Romani, German, Slovak, Croatian, Romanian and Serbian. Russian was compulsory in schools before 1990, so some older people know it, but it is not commonly used today.
FAQ
Can I survive with English in Budapest?
Yes. In the city center and tourist areas English is widely spoken. Learn a few Hungarian phrases and use a translation app for smaller towns.
What is the second most spoken language in Hungary?
English is the most commonly known foreign language, especially among people under about 40. German comes next and is more common among older people and in western Hungary.
Is German spoken in Hungary?
Yes, fairly widely in tourist areas, around Lake Balaton and near the Austrian border, and Hungary has a German-speaking minority. Don't expect everyone to speak it, though.
Is Hungarian similar to any other language?
It is distantly related to Finnish and Estonian, but they are not mutually intelligible.