Culture

What languages are spoken in Algeria?

Quick answer

Algeria's official languages are Arabic and Tamazight (Berber). Most Algerians speak Algerian Arabic (Darija) day to day, Tamazight is widely spoken in regions like Kabylie, and French is very widely used in business, media and education. English is growing among younger people.


Algeria is multilingual. Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are both official. In daily life most people speak Algerian Arabic (Darija); Tamazight dialects are strong in Kabylie, the Aurès and the M’Zab.

French remains very widely understood — a legacy of the colonial era — and is common in business, signage and education. English is rising fast among younger Algerians.

For travellers, a few words of Arabic or French go a long way, and guides typically speak English and French.

Key facts

OfficialArabic, Tamazight (Berber)
EverydayAlgerian Arabic (Darija)
Widely usedFrench
GrowingEnglish
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