Ja, oui, sì… here’s how to talk to the locals!
When you travel through the different countries in the Alps, you’ll switch between cultures and languages along the way. We’ve included some basic phrases for each language below, but it’s worth keeping Google Translate on your phone to help you get around.
What language is spoken in each destination?
Each Alpine country that’s included on a Nordic Visitor adventure is different, but there is a degree of overlap. German is an official language in each country, with Italy being the only notable exception (the only official language here is Italian). French is also widely spoken.
Thankfully, English proficiency is very high throughout the Alps. So as long as you speak English, you’ll be able to communicate during your travels.
Don’t worry if you don't have time to learn the basic phrases before your trip, but locals will always appreciate it if you know some.
Basic phrases to try during your travels
Here’s a handy guide for the most common languages of the region:
| German | French | Italian | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Ja | Oui | Sì |
| No | Nein | Non | No |
| Thank you | Danke | Merci | Grazie |
| Please | Bitte | S'il vous plaît | Per favore |
| Excuse me | Verzeihung | Excusez-moi | Mi scusi |
| Hello | Hallo | Bonjour | Ciao |
| Goodbye | Auf Wiedersehen | Au revoir | Arrivederci |
Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in the Alps.
