Ljubljana - 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?
Many Slovenians speak English so well that it's kind of embarrassing to keep asking, Do you speak English? As everywhere, it's important to learn at least some basic phrases and use those when greeting or thanking people. Everyone acknowledges Slovenian is a difficult language, and appreciates the effort. Local classes and tutors are available at reasonable prices, as are online tutors. - Mar 2026
None, Slovenians speak English extremely well. Fluent Slovene would likely help with integrating and meeting groups of locals, but it’s a difficult language and you really need to be motivated to get to that level of fluency. - Jun 2022
None. Almost everyone spoke English. - May 2016
You can survive without, if you speak English, German or Italian. - Jul 2014
Most Slovenes speak English or at least some German or Italian. It is good to know some Slovene for daily use. It is a Slavic Language, with declinations and a difficult grammatical system. The alphabet is Latin, what helps a lot. But it IS hard! - Aug 2011
Almost everyone speaks English, but attempts at Slovenian are appreciated. - Jun 2011
None. Almost everybody speaks English. But if you want to get to know the locals you need to be fluent in Slovene. - Mar 2011
Many people under 30 or 40 speak good English, but speaking Slovene would be very helpful at times. It's a Slavic language, so you may get by easier if you already know another Slavic language. The embassy offers a free once-a-week language class. Trying to speak a little of the language always warms the locals up and makes them much more willing to help you. - Jun 2010
