Europe has so many languages and cultures, it's hard to keep up. By speaking English, you're already well prepared as many Europeans speak at least some English.
Of course though, most people will be more helpful and friendly to you if you can at least make the effort to speak their language. Don't assume everyone speaks your language, and don't be rude by speaking loudly or slower.
Choose a selection from below, to learn the essential phrases and words in a variety of European languages:
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German Romanian Slovenian Swedish Norwegian |
Dutch Czech Croatian Danish Icelandic |
Estonian Portuguese French Bosnian Finnish |
Spanish Turkish Italian Hungarian Irish |
You may want to consider buying a phrase book to help with your language skills. Many travel guidebooks already contain the basic phrases for many European languages, however a phrase book will give you more comprehensive coverage.
However if you plan on spending any length of time in a pearticular country, you may want to look into taking a basic language course before leaving. Many community centres and universities / colleges offer language courses for a few weeks at a time. Another option is of course to combine your vacation with a language course in the country you'll be visiting!
Be sure to print out a basic list of the travel phrases you need for quick reference, or pick up a travel dictionary to bring along with you on your trip!
Don't forget to brush up on more languages with our other language translations / dictionaries.