Learn Albanian – Let’s face it — Albanian isn’t the easiest language to learn, especially if you’re used to Latin-based languages like Italian or French. But the good news? You don’t need to master every tense or memorize 10,000 words. With the right tools, a little practice, and a few friendly locals, you can learn just enough Albanian to connect, navigate, and enjoy your time in Albania more deeply.
Here are the best apps, tools, and resources to get you started — whether you’re a tourist, digital nomad, or simply curious.
Why Bother Learning Albanian?
Before we jump into the tools, here’s why it’s worth learning even a little bit of Albanian:
- It opens doors — Albanians deeply appreciate when foreigners speak their language, even a few words.
- You’ll get better service, more smiles, and the occasional free raki.
- Not everyone speaks English, especially in rural areas.
- And let’s be honest: learning something new in a foreign country is fun.
Top Language Apps to Learn Albanian
1. LingQ
- ✅ Best for: Reading and listening immersion
- 📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
- 💬 Features: Audio lessons, transcripts, and spaced repetition vocabulary learning
- 🔥 Why it’s great: It has real, native content — stories, interviews, dialogues — and lets you build your own vocabulary list as you read/listen.
2. Memrise
- ✅ Best for: Quick vocabulary and everyday phrases
- 📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
- 💬 Features: Gamified flashcards, pronunciation practice
- 🔥 Why it’s great: Albanian isn’t officially supported yet by Memrise itself, but user-generated Albanian decks are available — especially for travel vocabulary and survival phrases.
3. 50Languages
- ✅ Best for: Structured beginner lessons
- 📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
- 💬 Features: 100 audio-based lessons, sentence practice, quizzes
- 🔥 Why it’s great: Free and straightforward. Teaches useful chunks like “Where is the hotel?” or “I don’t eat meat.”
4. Simply Learn Albanian (by Simya Solutions)
- ✅ Best for: Travelers and tourists
- 📱 Platforms: iOS, Android
- 💬 Features: Essential phrases, audio clips by native speakers, offline access
- 🔥 Why it’s great: One of the few apps that’s fully dedicated to Albanian. Perfect if you just want to survive in taxis, restaurants, and markets.
5. Glossika
- ✅ Best for: Audio repetition and sentence structure
- 📱 Platforms: Web only
- 💬 Features: Sentence-based learning, spaced repetition
- 🔥 Why it’s great: Focuses on natural sentence flow, helping you get a “feel” for grammar without studying it directly. Paid, but powerful.
🎧 Bonus Tools to Add to Your Routine
🔊 YouTube Channels
- Learn Albanian – A clear and encouraging beginner series
- AlbanianPod101 – Good intro videos and phrase breakdowns
- Simple Albanian – Newer, slower-paced lessons from native speakers
📖 Phrasebooks & PDFs
- Download the Lonely Planet Albanian Phrasebook & Dictionary (available in eBook or physical format)
- Or print a free PDF phrase sheet (many available from language blogs or embassy sites)
🎙️ Podcasts
There aren’t many full Albanian language learning podcasts yet, but:
- Gjuha Shqipe Podcast (for advanced learners)
- Use Pimsleur Albanian Audio Course (paid, but very practical)
🧩 Anki Flashcards
Use pre-made Anki decks or create your own for vocabulary, verbs, and common expressions. Ideal if you’re serious about memorizing new words over time.
📌 Essential Albanian Phrases to Know
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Përshëndetje | per-shen-DEH-tyeh |
| Thank you | Faleminderit | fah-leh-min-DEH-reet |
| Please | Ju lutem | you LOO-tem |
| How much does it cost? | Sa kushton? | sah koo-SHTON? |
| I don’t understand | Nuk kuptoj | nook koop-TOY |
| Do you speak English? | Flisni anglisht? | FLEES-nee ang-LEESHT |
💡 Print or screenshot this table for quick access on your trip!
Tips for Actually Learning Albanian (and Using It)
- Start small: Focus on the 20–30 most useful words or phrases.
- Repeat out loud: Pronunciation matters more than grammar early on.
- Use what you know: Albanians will meet you halfway — they love it when foreigners try.
- Be okay with mistakes: It’s part of the fun, and locals will happily help you.
You don’t need to be fluent to enjoy Albania — but even a few well-pronounced words of Albanian can turn a quick question into a conversation, and a tourist experience into a connection.
With the right apps and attitude, learning Albanian becomes less about perfect grammar and more about human interaction — and that’s what travel is really about.