- \n
- What Language is Spoken in Montenegro? General Overview<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Does Montenegrin Really Exist as a Language?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Essential Vocabulary for Tourists in Montenegro<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tourist Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIt will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"air](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/themes\/maktub\/assets\/images\/transparent.gif\")
<\/a>Cheap Flights<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \n<\/a>Car Rental<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \n<\/a>Excursions and tours<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n\n<\/a>eSIM mobile data<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \n<\/a>Travel Insurance<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \n<\/a>Accommodation<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n ![\"alphabet](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/mne_lang.jpg\")
The Montenegrin alphabet\u2014by the way, it\u2019s the same as the Serbian one.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What Language is Spoken in Montenegro? General Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The answer to the question “What is the official language of Montenegro?”<\/strong> is simple: the country\u2019s official language is Montenegrin, as stated in the 2007 Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Montenegrin language is a very young language, officially recognized only 15 years ago<\/strong>, following Montenegro\u2019s independence in 2007. (For an interesting history of Montenegro<\/a>, from the Romans to Yugoslavia, check out this link.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some key points about the Montenegrin language:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It is a South Slavic language<\/strong>, classified as a dialect of Serbo-Croatian<\/strong>. While this may sound complex, in practice, it\u2019s quite simple:<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Serbian<\/strong> has several dialects, including:\n
- \n
- Croatian<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bosnian<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Montenegrin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n
Interesting to know:<\/p>\nAll four of these languages are officially recognized as standardized and mutually intelligible languages<\/strong>.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
![\"montenegrin](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/mne_lang_dialekts-1024x928.jpg\")
A map showing the countries where Serbian is widely understood\u2014including Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Serbia itself.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n This means that if you speak any of these four languages, you will be understood by speakers of the others<\/strong>. But here\u2019s where things get tricky: people often ask whether Montenegrin truly exists as an independent<\/strong> language. It\u2019s a fair question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Does Montenegrin Really Exist as a Language?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now, here\u2019s where it gets interesting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian each have their own literary standards and writing rules<\/strong>, which differ slightly from one another.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- But Montenegrin language does not<\/strong> have its own literary standards. It fully follows the Serbian literary rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Montenegro and Serbia share not only a language but also history and national cuisine<\/strong>, which are almost identical.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udccc For food lovers:<\/strong> Check out a guide to Montenegrin national cuisine<\/a> and must-try dishes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
The Key Question:<\/p>\nDuring Montenegro\u2019s last census in 2011<\/strong> (four years after the country and its language became independent), residents were asked which language they spoke<\/strong>. More than half of the population responded \u201cSerbian,\u201d<\/strong> even though ethnic Serbs make up less than 25%<\/strong> of the country.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
![\"\u043efficial](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/yazik-2.jpg\")
Map of Montenegro by Language Spoken (2011)<\/strong>. Blue & light blue areas: Where over 50% of people said they speak Serbian<\/strong>. Red areas: Where over 50% said they speak Montenegrin<\/strong> language. Green areas: Primarily Bosniak- and Albanian-speaking<\/strong> regions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Even today, the debate over the existence of Montenegrin as a distinct language remains unresolved<\/strong>, with specialists still arguing over what Montenegro\u2019s true official language is. If Montenegrin is identical to Serbian, why call it Montenegrin at all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The answer lies in national identity<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In modern Europe, historically unified nations and territories<\/strong> are increasingly dividing into smaller independent states. Having a distinct national language<\/strong> is a key part of this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\nA few years ago, Catalonia<\/strong> tried to separate from Spain, using its Catalan language<\/strong> (actually a dialect) as a key argument for independence. The attempt failed, but it illustrates the power of linguistic identity.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Essential Vocabulary for Tourists in Montenegro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you speak another Slavic language<\/strong> (Czech, Slovak) or any former Yugoslav language<\/strong> (Croatian, Serbian), Montenegrin language will be somewhat understandable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Dobro do\u0161li<\/strong> \u2013 Welcome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dobar dan<\/strong> \u2013 Hello<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hvala<\/strong> \u2013 Thank you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Molimo<\/strong> \u2013 Please<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dovi\u0111enja<\/strong> \u2013 Goodbye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Da<\/strong> \u2013 Yes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ne<\/strong> \u2013 No<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prijatno<\/strong> \u2013 Enjoy your meal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Popust<\/strong> \u2013 Discount<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Levo<\/strong> \u2013 Left<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Desno<\/strong> \u2013 Right<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pravo<\/strong> \u2013 Straight ahead <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ra\u010dun<\/strong> \u2013 Restaurant bill<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sutra<\/strong> \u2013 Tomorrow (A favorite word of Montenegrins\u2014why do today what you can do tomorrow? If someone tells you \u201csutra,\u201d it probably means you should come back the next day!<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/yazik-3.jpg\")
Can you tell if this photo was taken in Serbia, Croatia, or Montenegro?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Time to Practice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- At the market, ask for a discount: Dajte, molimo, popust.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- At a restaurant, ask for the bill: Dajte, molimo, ra\u010dun.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udccc More useful articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Everything about time in Montenegro<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Store hours, the Sunday closures (yes, everything is closed!), and how locals perceive time.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Top 10 commandments of Montenegro<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 The art of doing nothing and living happily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Language in Montenegro: Tourist Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As someone who has lived in both Serbia and Montenegro, I can confidently say that there is no difference between the two languages<\/strong>. They have identical pronunciation and spelling<\/strong>. If there is a difference, it\u2019s so minor that tourists won\u2019t notice it at all<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we\u2019re being completely honest, Montenegrin is just Serbian<\/strong>, spoken in Montenegro. It\u2019s not even a dialect\u2014it\u2019s simply standard Serbian<\/strong> without any changes. But that\u2019s my perspective as an expat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\uddd0 A Quick Look at Language Evolution:<\/strong>
National identity doesn\u2019t form overnight, especially in a country that\u2019s only 15 years old<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn 2011, over 50%<\/strong> of Montenegrins said they spoke Serbian. By 2017, this number dropped to 42%<\/strong>, while those identifying as Montenegrin speakers rose to 39%<\/strong> (up from 25%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re witnessing the birth of a national identity in real time.<\/strong> By the next census, it\u2019s likely that over 50% of Montenegrins will claim to speak Montenegrin.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \ud83d\udccc Everything you need to know about traveling to Montenegro today<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n
Good to know:<\/p>\nMost Montenegrins speak English quite well<\/strong>, so you won\u2019t have trouble getting by. Even without a translator, Slavic tourists will find the language easy to understand<\/strong>.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
![\"montenegro](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/yazik-4.jpg\")
Tourists from Slavic countries will understand everything without translation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Today, Montenegrin may still be 99% identical to Serbian<\/strong>, but language is a key marker of a nation\u2019s independence. Over time, Montenegrin will likely evolve into a truly distinct language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe in 10-20 years, we\u2019ll say that Montenegro has its own national language. But for now, let\u2019s be honest\u2014it\u2019s still Serbian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nResources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- WayAway<\/a>: Cheap flights<\/span> and best deals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Car rental<\/strong> in Montenegro:\n
- \n
- LocalRent<\/a><\/strong> – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DiscoverCars <\/a>– a large international platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Budget-friendly vacation packages<\/strong> to Montenegro: CheapOair<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hotels and apartments<\/strong> all over the country: \n
- \n
- Trip.com<\/a><\/strong> – the most popular accommodation booking platform<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- TripAdvisor<\/a> compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tours, excursions and activities<\/strong> (including extreme ones):\n
- \n
- GetYourGuide<\/a><\/strong> – more than 800 tours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Viator<\/a><\/strong> – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comprehensive travel insurance<\/strong>: EKTA<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Internet and Calls<\/strong>:\n
- \n
- Airalo eSIM<\/a><\/span> in Montenegro<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drimsim<\/a> – universal sim card for frequent traveler<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Taxi and airport transfers<\/strong>: Intui.Travel<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Language in Montenegro can be a fascinating topic\u2014discover which language is officially recognized, what people actually speak (spoiler: Montenegrin), and whether Montenegrin is truly an…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3057,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-info"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3054"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3054\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5961,"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3054\/revisions\/5961"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3057"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Drimsim<\/a> – universal sim card for frequent traveler<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Viator<\/a><\/strong> – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- TripAdvisor<\/a> compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DiscoverCars <\/a>– a large international platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Car rental<\/strong> in Montenegro:\n
- WayAway<\/a>: Cheap flights<\/span> and best deals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Top 10 commandments of Montenegro<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 The art of doing nothing and living happily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
- At a restaurant, ask for the bill: Dajte, molimo, ra\u010dun.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Dobar dan<\/strong> \u2013 Hello<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- But Montenegrin language does not<\/strong> have its own literary standards. It fully follows the Serbian literary rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian each have their own literary standards and writing rules<\/strong>, which differ slightly from one another.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Serbian<\/strong> has several dialects, including:\n
- Does Montenegrin Really Exist as a Language?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"air](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/shapka-bilety.png\")
<\/a>![\"car](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/shapka-rentcar.png\")
<\/a>![\"excursions](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/shapka-ekskursii.png\")
<\/a>![\"Package](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/shapka-tours.png\")
<\/a>![\"Insurance](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/shapka-insuarence.png\")
<\/a>![\"hotels](\"https:\/\/travel-4-fun.com\/montenegro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/shapka-hotel.png\")
<\/a>