Language in Montenegro can be a fascinating topic—discover which language is officially recognized, what people actually speak (spoiler: Montenegrin), and whether Montenegrin is truly an independent language. You’ll also find a handy tourist vocabulary with essential words and phrases to use at the market, in shops, and when buying souvenirs—helping you make a good impression on the locals and maybe even score a discount!

Table of contents:

It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
air tickets to montenegro cheap
Cheap Flights
car rent in montenegro cheap
Car Rental
excursions montenegro cheap
Excursions and tours
Package tours montenegro cheap
eSIM mobile data
Insurance montenegro cheap
Travel Insurance
hotels and apartments montenegro cheap
Accommodation
alphabet in montenegro
The Montenegrin alphabet—by the way, it’s the same as the Serbian one.

What Language is Spoken in Montenegro? General Overview

The answer to the question “What is the official language of Montenegro?” is simple: the country’s official language is Montenegrin, as stated in the 2007 Constitution.

Montenegrin language is a very young language, officially recognized only 15 years ago, following Montenegro’s independence in 2007. (For an interesting history of Montenegro, from the Romans to Yugoslavia, check out this link.)

Here are some key points about the Montenegrin language:

  • It is a South Slavic language, classified as a dialect of Serbo-Croatian. While this may sound complex, in practice, it’s quite simple:
  • Serbian has several dialects, including:
    • Croatian
    • Bosnian
    • Montenegrin

Interesting to know:

All four of these languages are officially recognized as standardized and mutually intelligible languages.
montenegrin language
A map showing the countries where Serbian is widely understood—including Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Serbia itself.

This means that if you speak any of these four languages, you will be understood by speakers of the others. But here’s where things get tricky: people often ask whether Montenegrin truly exists as an independent language. It’s a fair question.

Does Montenegrin Really Exist as a Language?

Now, here’s where it gets interesting:

  • Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian each have their own literary standards and writing rules, which differ slightly from one another.
  • But Montenegrin language does not have its own literary standards. It fully follows the Serbian literary rules.
  • Montenegro and Serbia share not only a language but also history and national cuisine, which are almost identical.

📌 For food lovers: Check out a guide to Montenegrin national cuisine and must-try dishes!

The Key Question:

During Montenegro’s last census in 2011 (four years after the country and its language became independent), residents were asked which language they spoke. More than half of the population responded “Serbian,” even though ethnic Serbs make up less than 25% of the country.
оfficial language in montenegro
Map of Montenegro by Language Spoken (2011). Blue & light blue areas: Where over 50% of people said they speak Serbian. Red areas: Where over 50% said they speak Montenegrin language. Green areas: Primarily Bosniak- and Albanian-speaking regions.

Even today, the debate over the existence of Montenegrin as a distinct language remains unresolved, with specialists still arguing over what Montenegro’s true official language is. If Montenegrin is identical to Serbian, why call it Montenegrin at all?

The answer lies in national identity:

In modern Europe, historically unified nations and territories are increasingly dividing into smaller independent states. Having a distinct national language is a key part of this process.

Example:

A few years ago, Catalonia tried to separate from Spain, using its Catalan language (actually a dialect) as a key argument for independence. The attempt failed, but it illustrates the power of linguistic identity.

Essential Vocabulary for Tourists in Montenegro

If you speak another Slavic language (Czech, Slovak) or any former Yugoslav language (Croatian, Serbian), Montenegrin language will be somewhat understandable.

  • Dobro došli – Welcome
  • Dobar dan – Hello
  • Hvala – Thank you
  • Molimo – Please
  • Doviđenja – Goodbye
  • Da – Yes
  • Ne – No
  • Prijatno – Enjoy your meal
  • Popust – Discount
  • Levo – Left
  • Desno – Right
  • Pravo – Straight ahead
  • Račun – Restaurant bill
  • Sutra – Tomorrow (A favorite word of Montenegrins—why do today what you can do tomorrow? If someone tells you “sutra,” it probably means you should come back the next day!)
what is the language in montenegro
Can you tell if this photo was taken in Serbia, Croatia, or Montenegro?

Time to Practice!

  • At the market, ask for a discount: Dajte, molimo, popust.
  • At a restaurant, ask for the bill: Dajte, molimo, račun.

📌 More useful articles:

Language in Montenegro: Tourist Tips

As someone who has lived in both Serbia and Montenegro, I can confidently say that there is no difference between the two languages. They have identical pronunciation and spelling. If there is a difference, it’s so minor that tourists won’t notice it at all.

If we’re being completely honest, Montenegrin is just Serbian, spoken in Montenegro. It’s not even a dialect—it’s simply standard Serbian without any changes. But that’s my perspective as an expat.

🧐 A Quick Look at Language Evolution:
National identity doesn’t form overnight, especially in a country that’s only 15 years old.

In 2011, over 50% of Montenegrins said they spoke Serbian. By 2017, this number dropped to 42%, while those identifying as Montenegrin speakers rose to 39% (up from 25%).

We’re witnessing the birth of a national identity in real time. By the next census, it’s likely that over 50% of Montenegrins will claim to speak Montenegrin.

Good to know:

Most Montenegrins speak English quite well, so you won’t have trouble getting by. Even without a translator, Slavic tourists will find the language easy to understand.
montenegro language
Tourists from Slavic countries will understand everything without translation.

Today, Montenegrin may still be 99% identical to Serbian, but language is a key marker of a nation’s independence. Over time, Montenegrin will likely evolve into a truly distinct language.

Maybe in 10-20 years, we’ll say that Montenegro has its own national language. But for now, let’s be honest—it’s still Serbian.

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro

  • WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
  • Car rental in Montenegro:
    • LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
    • DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
  • Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
  • Hotels and apartments all over the country:
    • Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
    • TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
  • Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
    • GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
    • Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
  • Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
  • Internet and Calls:
  • Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel