What language skills do I need on a pilgrimage?

In short: No. English and a few Spanish phrases are enough for albergues, food and asking the way. In small villages a translation app helps, as not everyone there speaks English.

Many people going on a long pilgrimage in another country wonder whether they will get by in their own language. Many pilgrimage routes are in Spain and in other countries around the world. So do you need any other languages? It isn't a must, but it is a big advantage!

Which language skills you need naturally depends on the countries you walk in. If you walk in your home country, for example, you won't need any others. In general, though, you should keep the following in mind if you want to walk a route abroad:

• English is always useful. You can communicate in it almost anywhere in the world.

• You should learn a few basic words of the language of the country you are walking in.

If you want to buy something to eat or need accommodation but can't make yourself understood, it gets tiring and embarrassing. Language skills can be useful in the following everyday situations:

• Conversations with other pilgrims from all over the world

• Reserving accommodation or hotels

• In a restaurant or when buying food and drink

• Conversations with local people, for tips and recommendations

• In cafés over coffee and cake

• Reading signs and notice boards

• And many other everyday situations on a pilgrimage

Always remember:

Pilgrims come from all over the world! You will make new acquaintances on the way with whom English is your only shared language.

Five phrases for the Camino

On Spanish routes you can get by with surprisingly little. With these phrases you can book a bed, order a meal and ask the way:

• Buen Camino: the greeting among pilgrims
• ¿Hay una cama libre? Is there a free bed?
• ¿Dónde está el albergue? Where is the albergue?
• ¿Me puede sellar la credencial? Can you stamp my pilgrim passport?
• La cuenta, por favor: the bill, please

There is more on this, including offline translation, in our article on taking a dictionary on a pilgrimage.