Language in Spain
Spanish (Castilian) is the primary language, but Spain has rich linguistic diversity with several co-official regional languages.
Languages in Spain
Spanish (Castellano): Official nationwide, understood everywhere
Regional languages:
- Catalan (Catalunya, Valencia, Balearic Islands): 9 million speakers
- Galician (Galicia): 2.4 million speakers
- Basque/Euskera (Basque Country, Navarre): 750,000 speakers
- Valencian (Valencia): Dialect of Catalan
- Mallorquín (Mallorca): Dialect of Catalan
English Proficiency
Spain ranks moderate on English proficiency:
- Major cities (Barcelona, Madrid): Many speak English
- Tourist areas: English widely spoken
- Government offices: Mostly Spanish only
- Small towns/rural: Little English
Reality: Daily life requires Spanish
- Banking: Spanish
- Healthcare: Mixed (private often has English)
- Housing: Landlords rarely speak English
- Social integration: Spanish essential
Learning Spanish
Before arriving:
- Duolingo, Babbel: Basic foundation
- iTalki: Online tutors (€10-20/hour)
- SpanishPod101: Podcasts
In Spain:
- Language schools: €150-400/month (intensive)
- Private tutors: €15-30/hour
- Intercambio (language exchange): Free
- University courses: €200-600/semester
Popular language schools:
- Don Quijote (multiple cities)
- Enforex (nationwide)
- International House
- Cervantes Institute
DELE Certification
Official Spanish language certification:
- A1-C2 levels
- Required for citizenship (A2 minimum)
- Helpful for work visas
- Exam dates: April, May, July, October, November
- Cost: €100-210 depending on level
- Preparation courses available
Regional Language Considerations
Catalunya (Barcelona):
- Catalan co-official with Spanish
- Schools teach in Catalan
- Government services in Catalan
- Social pressure to learn Catalan
- Many Catalans bilingual
- Learning Catalan helpful for integration
Basque Country:
- Basque very different from Spanish (not Romance language)
- Everyone speaks Spanish
- Basque cultural pride strong
- Learning a few phrases appreciated
Galicia:
- Galician similar to Portuguese
- Everyone speaks Spanish
- More relaxed about language than Catalunya
Language and Integration
Timeline for fluency (with effort):
- 3 months: Basic survival Spanish
- 6-12 months: Conversational
- 2 years: Fluent for daily life
- 3-5 years: Professional fluency
Tips for faster learning:
- Immersion: Avoid English-speaking bubbles
- Spanish media: TV, podcasts, news
- Language exchange partners
- Date/befriend Spanish speakers
- Think in Spanish
- Make mistakes without fear
Spanish vs Latin American Spanish
Differences:
- Pronunciation (θ sound for "c" and "z" in Spain)
- Vosotros (you plural) in Spain
- Different vocabulary for some words
- Faster speaking pace in Spain
Your Spanish works: If you learned Latin American Spanish, you'll be understood fine.
Pro Tips
- •Learn Spanish ASAP—essential for daily life and integration
- •Barcelona: Consider learning Catalan too for better integration
- •Join intercambio (language exchange) meetups—free and social
- •Watch Spanish TV with Spanish subtitles, not English
- •DELE A2 required for citizenship—plan ahead
Have questions about language in Spain?