New Delhi - 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?
India has many languages and New Delhi is a Hindi speaking region. English is taught and often there is an English speaker to assist. Local language (Hindi) is not really needed and not useful in some other regions in India. Tutors are available maybe $10 per hour. - Apr 2024
None. My wife learned Hindi prior to us going there, but I didn't. Neither of us had any problem getting around New Delhi. Even outside of the city, we rarely encountered difficulties, though we didn't go to many out of the way locations. - Jan 2022
English was fine - having Hindi would be very helpful, though, especially for dealing with people in shops, taxis, etc. - Sep 2020
I always think learning the local language is helpful, and much appreciated by Indians. I have a Hindi language tutor twice a week, and the language is useful in taxis, markets, restaurants, when traveling, etc. because you will definitely encounter people, especially taxi drivers, who don't speak English. However, many expats never learn any local language and get around perfectly well. - Jul 2020
Language classes are available and there are a myriad of local languages to choose from. English is the primary working language for most professionals. - Jul 2019
None. You can manage with English. - Oct 2017
English will allow you to get pretty much anywhere and do pretty much everything. Taxi and tuk-tuk drivers know enough English for navigation. Store owners know enough for selling. Knowing some Hindi can be nice and gets you a better price. The US Embassy offers classes for its employees and families. You can also find local tutors for cheap. - Mar 2017
English is widely used. Hindi is helpful, but you will be fine without it. - Feb 2017
Not much, though it would be really useful and get you far. - Nov 2016
You can do fine with just English, but speaking some Hindi or a local variant will open doors to amazing encounters that English-only speakers will miss. Many language classes are available, but check their references. - Jun 2016
Not required, since many people know some degree of English. However, that being said, a little Hindi goes a long way, so try to learn a few phrases--it will open doors and friendships. Knowing the local language has had a positive impact on our time in India. - Sep 2014
I have been able to get along fine without knowing any. - Sep 2014
You don't need any, but isn't it always nice to know a few polite phrases? No mater where you are, I find that's true. - Aug 2013
You can get around in this former British colony with only English, but learning local polite greetings helps. If you take trains and travel in north India, Hindi helps, but it isn't necessary. - May 2013
Not much... - Oct 2012
English is good. It was a British colony, so most people you'll be dealing with know English. - Sep 2012
None. - Aug 2011
I'd argue you should have some basics for haggling with taxi drivers, but you can make do without hindi I suppose. - Aug 2011
You can get around speaking English, but its better to speak Hindi. - Aug 2011
You can do fine with English only, but certainly a little Hindi helps. - Jan 2011
Almost none for Delhi proper. Hindi helps, but isn't required. - Sep 2010
You can survive with English only, although lots of Indians do not speak the language properly. If they do, you might not understand all they want to tell you anyway because of their heavy accents. - Aug 2010
None is needed but a little Hindi always helps improve your experience. - Aug 2010
It's good to know a little, but most locals speak some English in all the shops I've gone to. - Aug 2010
It's good to know a little but most people speak some English in all the shops I've gone to. - Mar 2008
Most everyone speaks enough English to understand what we're saying. We know Hindi words for food items, which makes it easier when grocery shopping, or when eating out. Other than that, you should be okay knowing only English. - Feb 2008
