Languages Spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Curious about which languages are spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Whether you’re planning a visit, moving for work, or just exploring the culture, understanding the linguistic landscape can make your experience more enriching.
Official Languages
Bosnia and Herzegovina officially recognizes Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian as its three main languages. While each language reflects the identity of a different ethnic group, they are:
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Mutually intelligible
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Structurally and grammatically similar
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Written in both Latin and Cyrillic alphabets
Fun Fact: Bosnian includes more loanwords from Turkish, Arabic, and Persian due to historical Ottoman influence
Minority & Regional Languages
The country’s rich cultural diversity is also reflected in its minority languages. In various regions and communities, you might hear:
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Albanian
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Romani
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Turkish
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Italian
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German
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Hungarian
These languages are typically used within families, cultural organizations, or in schools where minority rights are protected.
Foreign Languages in Daily Life
Over 60% of the population speaks at least one foreign language!
Most Common Foreign Languages:
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English – especially among youth and in cities
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German – due to strong ties with the diaspora in Austria and Germany
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French, Italian, and Russian – also present in education and cultural sectors
Education: English is taught from primary school and continues through higher education, making it widely understood by younger generations.
Want to Learn a Few Phrases?
Even though English is widely spoken in urban areas, learning some local expressions will go a long way! From “Dobar dan” (Good day) to “Hvala” (Thank you), picking up basic words helps connect more deeply with locals.