Language in Greece
Greek is the official language, with its own unique alphabet. English proficiency varies significantly between urban/tourist areas and the rest of the country.
English Proficiency
Where English works:
- Athens (central areas, businesses)
- Thessaloniki (university areas, businesses)
- Tourist islands
- International companies
- Younger generations
- Hotels, restaurants in tourist zones
Where Greek is essential:
- Government offices and bureaucracy
- Medical emergencies outside cities
- Rural areas and mainland towns
- Older generation
- Local markets and traditional businesses
- Legal and tax matters
Learning Greek
Why learn Greek:
- Required for citizenship (B1 level + exam)
- Opens up local relationships
- Helps with bureaucracy and daily life
- Greeks appreciate effort (even basic attempts)
- Richer cultural experience
Challenges:
- Different alphabet (24 letters)
- Complex grammar (cases, verb conjugations)
- Limited English-language resources compared to Spanish/French
Learning resources:
Free:
- Duolingo (Greek course)
- Language Transfer (audio course - excellent)
- YouTube channels (Greek Pod 101, etc.)
Paid:
- Athens Centre (in-person, Athens)
- Hellenic American Union (in-person)
- Italki/Preply (online tutors, €10-25/hour)
- Glossika (app-based)
Formal study:
- Greek language schools offer intensive courses
- University of Athens offers online certificates
- Cost: €200-500 for basic courses
Greek Alphabet Basics
The Greek alphabet has 24 letters. Some are similar to Latin (A, B, E, K, M, N, O, T), others are unique (Γ, Δ, Θ, Λ, Ξ, Π, Σ, Φ, Χ, Ψ, Ω).
Learning the alphabet takes 1-2 weeks of practice and is worth the effort for reading signs, menus, and basic navigation.
Useful Phrases
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Γεια σας | YAH-sas (formal) |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ | ef-ha-ri-STO |
| Please | Παρακαλώ | pa-ra-ka-LO |
| Yes/No | Ναι/Όχι | neh / O-hee |
| I don't understand | Δεν καταλαβαίνω | then ka-ta-la-VEH-no |
| Do you speak English? | Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | mi-LA-te an-gli-KA |
| How much? | Πόσο κάνει; | PO-so KA-ni |
For Citizenship
Citizenship requires passing an exam with:
- Greek language proficiency (B1 level)
- Greek history and culture
- Constitution and political system
The exam is held twice yearly. Preparation courses are available.
Practical Tips
- Greeks will often switch to English if they hear an accent
- Politely insist on practicing Greek if you want to learn
- Menus, signs, and basic services often have English
- Government websites increasingly have English versions
- For official matters, bring a Greek-speaking friend or hire a translator
Pro Tips
- •Learn the Greek alphabet first - it takes 1-2 weeks and helps immensely
- •Language Transfer (free audio course) is excellent for beginners
- •Greeks appreciate any effort at Greek, even just greetings
- •Bureaucracy often requires Greek - bring a translator for important matters
- •Start early if planning to apply for citizenship - B1 level takes time
Have questions about language in Greece?