What language is spoken in Barcelona? 

If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, ​​sooner or later the question will come to mind: "What language is spoken in Barcelona"? 

And while the answer may be easy - Barcelona is in Spain, so it will be Spanish - you would only be partially right. 

Catalan and Spanish, the two official languages ​​of Barcelona

Barcelona as the capital of an independent region Catalonia, because it has Spanish next to it your local language - Catalan. Together with Spanish, it is considered the official language used to communicate in the city.

The differences in both languages ​​can be confusing especially for uninitiated tourists. While in guidebooks and dictionaries mostly Spanish versions of words and translations stare at you, in the city expect that most signs, signs, menus, signs and labels will be written in both languages: once in Catalan and next to that in Spanish. (And if you're on any tourist monument or attraction, as well as English).

What is Catalan and where did it come from?

Although at first glance the two languages ​​seem to be very similar, upon closer examination you will find out for yourself that this is not the case and that the differences are significant.

Catalan (Catalá) originated as a developmental branch of Romance dialects from the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. We could find its roots in the Latin language, similar to Spanish, French and Italian.

This unique language developed mainly in the areas where Catalonia, Valencia, Balearic Islands and the eastern part of Aragon. 

What you mustn't forget when talking to Catalans...

They are true to their word Catalans are extremely proud, as well as everything else connected with their local culture.

It must be said that the inhabitants of Catalonia feel primarily as Catalans and secondarily as Spaniards.

For example, if you go to Spain for work, you may be at a disadvantage in that region, even if you speak Spanish. In the majority of examples, Catalans prefer "their" people. However, this does not apply literally, as you will see for yourself in many restaurants and stalls where you will be served by Spanish-speaking foreigners.

Do people in Barcelona speak English?

Yes. Even if you don't speak Spanish or Catalan, you will not be lost in Barcelona. That is, if you know English. Based on my experience with English, you won't have a problem in the city center, in the vast majority of shops or restaurants, or in services in general. The situation has improved a lot in recent years. 

In seaside resorts (where you can depart from Barcelona by train) and areas with a higher share of tourism in addition in addition to English, you can also use German or Italian. 

I noticed a problem with English only in the older generation, where you can use one for communication mobile app type of Google Translate. I, for example, once rented an apartment through Airbnb and we communicated with the owner – a native Catalan with zero knowledge of English – via the mobile application. If you want, you can... 

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Map with my tips for places in Barcelona

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