What Language is Mainly Spoken in Romania?

Romania is a beautiful country in southeastern Europe with a rich history and diverse culture. The country is home to some stunning landscapes, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. When it comes to language, Romania is a multilingual country, with several languages spoken by its citizens.

Official Language of Romania

The official language of Romania is Romanian. Romanian is a Romance language that evolved from Latin and is closely related to languages like Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. It is the only language in the Romance language family that is spoken in Eastern Europe. According to the 2011 census, over 19 million people in Romania speak Romanian, which is approximately 91% of the population.

Minority Languages Spoken in Romania

While Romanian is the most widely spoken language in Romania, the country is also home to several minority languages that are spoken by different communities. These languages are recognized by the Romanian government as national minorities and are protected by law. The most commonly spoken minority languages in Romania are Hungarian, Roma, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and German.

Hungarian

Hungarian is the second most widely spoken language in Romania after Romanian. According to the 2011 census, over 1.2 million people in Romania speak Hungarian, which is about 6% of the population. Most Hungarian speakers live in the Transylvania region of Romania, which has a large Hungarian-speaking community.

Roma

The Roma community is one of the largest minority communities in Romania. The Roma language is an Indo-Aryan language that is spoken by around 600,000 Roma people living in Romania. The majority of Roma people in Romania live in the central and eastern regions of the country.

Ukrainian

Ukrainian is another minority language spoken in Romania, mainly in the northern part of the country. According to the 2011 census, around 51,000 people in Romania speak Ukrainian. Ukrainian speakers in Romania are mainly concentrated in the Maramureș and Suceava counties.

Bulgarian

Bulgarian is spoken mainly in the southwestern part of Romania, along the border with Bulgaria. According to the 2011 census, around 8,000 people in Romania speak Bulgarian.

German

German is spoken mainly in the Transylvania region of Romania, where there is a large German-speaking community. According to the 2011 census, around 36,000 people in Romania speak German.

The Importance of Romanian Language

Although there are several minority languages spoken in Romania, Romanian remains the most important and widely spoken language in the country. It is the language of the government, education, media, and business in Romania. Knowing Romanian is essential for anyone wishing to live or work in Romania.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to language, Romanian is the most important and widely spoken language in Romania. However, the country is also home to several minority languages that are spoken by different communities. These languages are recognized by the Romanian government as national minorities and are protected by law.

While knowing Romanian is essential for anyone wishing to live or work in Romania, it is also important to be aware of the other languages spoken in the country, as this can help with communication and understanding different cultures.

Insider’s Guide to Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is the capital city of Romania, and it is a vibrant and culturally rich location that has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Romania is known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, and Bucharest is no exception. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best places to visit, things to do, and cultural experiences to try in Bucharest.

Local Attractions

Bucharest has plenty of must-see attractions. The Palace of the Parliament is one of them, and it’s the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. Built in the 1980s by dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace is an impressive example of Communist architecture. The famous Old Town is a must-visit location as well, with its cobblestone streets, old architecture, and traditional food and drink offerings.

Other notable attractions in Bucharest include the Romanian Athenaeum, an impressive concert hall and symbol of Romania’s cultural heritage, the National Museum of Art, which features works by renowned Romanian artists, and the Village Museum, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian life and architecture.

Dining Spots

Romanian cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries, such as Hungary and Turkey. Some of the local dishes worth trying include sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and mititei (skinless, spicy sausages).

One of the most famous restaurants in Bucharest is Caru’ cu Bere, which opened in 1879 and boasts beautiful architecture and a traditional menu. Another highly-regarded dining spot is La Mama, which offers traditional Romanian fare with a contemporary twist. For those in search of international cuisine, the French restaurant La Bonne Bouffe comes highly recommended.

Cultural Experiences

There are plenty of cultural experiences to be had throughout Bucharest. For those seeking a night out on the town, the National Opera is one of the most popular venues. The Romanian Athenaeum, with its impressive neoclassical architecture and rich cultural heritage, is another ideal spot for an evening out.

For shoppers, Bucharest’s Old Town offers many options, including souvenir shops, traditional craft shops, and local street markets. The local street markets are also ideal for trying out traditional Romanian dishes and drinks.

Local History

Bucharest has a rich and complex history, dating back to the early 14th century. The city was once considered the “Paris of the East,” but it suffered heavily during World War II and the subsequent Communist era.

Today, visitors can explore the historical sites throughout the city and learn more about its important role in Romania’s history. Some of the key historical sites to visit include the National Museum of Romanian History, the Military Museum, and the Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking to explore lesser-known areas of Bucharest, head over to the Bellu Cemetery, one of the most beautiful and prestigious cemeteries in Romania. It features lavish gravestones and mausoleums of famous figures in Romanian history.

Another must-see is the Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of the President of Romania. The palace is a unique example of the fusion between traditional Romanian and Western European architecture.

In conclusion, Bucharest has something for everyone, from its rich cultural history and beautiful architecture to its delicious cuisine and varied nightlife. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s well-known attractions or try something off the beaten path, you’ll find plenty to do and see in Bucharest, Romania.