Bucharest - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
In Bucharest, you can get by with English. Many people in the city speak English well, but not as fluent as in neighboring countries. Outside of Bucharest, you may run into issues with people not speaking English. Helps to know numbers, at a minimum. The embassy offers language classes to employees and family members. Using Romanian with locals gets reactions ranging from surprise and patience to annoyance of using your not-great Romanian when you can use English instead. - Jun 2023
In Bucharest, you can easily get by with English. Many people in the city speak English fluently, including children. That's less the case outside of Bucharest. I learned some Romanian, but I rarely use it. It's nice to have it when I need it, however. The embassy offers classes to employees and family members. - Mar 2019
Practically none. In Bucharest nearly everyone speaks English. - Jun 2018
Learning a language is ALWAYS a good thing! But since you asked, Bucharest speaks a lot of English and you ought to have little trouble navigating around the city. I used my Romanian to get me directions and make small chat with the locals whereas my husband utilized it everyday for his job. It's a versatile and worthwhile tool but not required. - Feb 2014
Numbers, directions, anything to help you argue. - Jan 2013
Helps to know numbers, at a minimum. Not everyone speaks English. - Aug 2012
Little. - May 2011
You can get by with English, but Romanian helps quite a bit. - Jul 2010
It would be helpful to know Romanian. Many people do know English, but when it counts, like getting gas or at markets, it would be helpful to know how to speak some Romanian. - Dec 2009
Not much - most people speak some English. - Dec 2009
Not very much since so many Romanians know at least a little English and some a lot. Some taxi Romanian will help and people here appreciate it if you make an effort. - Dec 2008
Not much. - Feb 2008
Some would help but is not required. Romanians do crack a smile when you at least try to speak their language. Most will try and help you whether you speak Romanian or not. - Jan 2008
It's good to know Romanian. I've read several reports that people know English here but for us it's been the opposite. Romanians appreciate if you even try to speak their language and they understand it's difficult. - Jan 2008
