What language does Hungary speak?

Jan 01 2023

The official language of Hungary is Hungarian, which is a Finno-Ugric language that is distantly related to Finnish and Estonian.

Hungarian is spoken by approximately 13 million people, primarily in Hungary, and has a rich literary tradition that dates back to the 18th century.

Hungarian is written using a Latin-based alphabet, which was introduced to the region in the 9th century by the Byzantine missionaries St. Cyril and St. Methodius.

The history of the Hungarian language

The Hungarian language has a long and complex history, with its roots in the languages of the early inhabitants of the region. It has been influenced by a number of other languages over the centuries, including Latin, German, and Slavic languages.

Despite these influences, Hungarian has remained a distinct and unique language, and it has a diverse vocabulary.

Are there regional variations of Hungarian?

There are some variations which can be heard in the accent and vocabulary used by different groups of people, and are influenced by factors such as geography and the local language.

Some examples of regional variations of Hungarian include Transylvanian Hungarian, which is spoken in the region of Transylvania, and Székely Hungarian, which is spoken in the region of Székely Land.

What other languages are spoken in Hungary?

In addition to Hungarian, there are also a number of other languages spoken in Hungary. These include minority languages such as Romani, which is spoken by the Roma population, and German, which is spoken by the Hungarian-speaking German minority. Additionally, many people in Hungary also speak English, particularly those in urban areas and younger generations.

Need help?

From finding a job, to a place to live, help setting up a business or just advice for your next vacation - tell us what you need and we'll connect you with an expert.



Travel ideas