Algiers - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very helpful to learn basic Arabic and/or french. - Dec 2021
Yes, Arabic helps a lot, so does French. - Oct 2021
I speak the local language along with French and it has been wonderful to be able to integrate in the local culture. People appreciate if you speak even a few phrases of Arabic with them. Younger Algerians tend to speak a bit more English but most people don't know more than a few words. I highly recommend studying Algerian dialect in addition to French, but you will likely get around fine with French. If you want to have local friends and travel outside Algiers, invest in Algerian Arabic. Post has classes available and they are good to start with. - Aug 2021
French and darija come in handy for local living. I've learned French since living here and use it out and about. The Embassy provides French and Arabic/darija tutoring, up to three hours a week. Local tutors are quite expensive. - Apr 2021
French and Arabic very helpful. - Oct 2020
A translator app works well. Post language classes in French and Arabic are available. - Oct 2020
Basic French or Arabic are almost mandatory. Educated contacts in the business world and some Algerian students may speak English, but don't count on being able to get far with English here. - Sep 2019
Having French or Arabic is very helpful - Mar 2019
You need French or Arabic, but French will get you farther. INTuition, Berlitz and other language schools have good employees if you work with them to meet your interests. - Sep 2016
Very little English language. Algerian Arabic is so mixed with French that Arabic speakers will really struggle. It's like trying to speak Spanish to someone who only knows Portuguese. French is the language of the elite but few people in Algiers speak it well. High school French would be very helpful in getting by but you can survive without it. - Jun 2016
You can't get by here without French. Even native Arabic speakers say they have problems understanding Algerian Arabic. - Mar 2014
You need French. - Oct 2013
Those who speak only English and no French will struggle to get by, and almost certainly will not have a good time. - Dec 2011
You really do either need French or Arabic or a translator! We had a terrible job as we only speak English, Dutch and German! Most people speak French but Arabic is becoming the main language with the younger generation. - Sep 2008
French is fundamental. - May 2008
French is good to know. The algerian arabic is only spoken here and it's hard to understand. - Mar 2008
I get away with little because my housekeeper speaks English and can help out with daily interactions, but speaking French even a little will greatly improve your life here. - Mar 2008
A lot. Most Algerians speak French or Algerian Arabic (derdja) and very few know any English alhough kids are always anxious to practice with you. - Feb 2008
