Language Guide
Languages in Namibia
Namibia's linguistic landscape is as diverse as its population — and for German-speaking travelers, there is a wonderful surprise:
Official Language: English
English was chosen as the neutral official language at independence in 1990 — none of the 13 ethnic groups speak it as their mother tongue, making it "fair" for everyone. In practice, most Namibians speak English as a second or third language — with a charming accent and sometimes limited vocabulary. In tourist areas, communication is not a problem.
German — the Surprise!
Namibia is the only country in Africa where German is spoken in everyday life. Around 20,000 German Namibians plus numerous Namibians who attended German schools or work in the tourism industry speak fluent German. In Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Lüderitz, you will surprisingly often be addressed in German — in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, and even gas stations.
German newspapers (Allgemeine Zeitung), German-language radio stations, and even a German carnival committee exist in Namibia. For German-speaking travelers, this is a unique bonus.
Afrikaans
Afrikaans (South African Dutch) is the most widely spoken everyday language in Namibia — many different population groups use it as a lingua franca among themselves. Especially in the south and in rural areas, Afrikaans is the main communication language.
Other Languages
- Oshiwambo: The most spoken mother tongue (50% of the population)
- Otjiherero: Language of the Herero
- Nama/Damara: With the famous click sounds (!, ≠, //, ǂ) — one of the oldest language families in the world
- Kavango, Caprivi languages, San languages: Regional languages in the north and northeast
Useful Words & Phrases
Afrikaans — the Everyday Language
| German | Afrikaans | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo / Howzit | Hallo / Hausit |
| Good day | Goeie dag | Chuja dach |
| How are you? | Hoe gaan dit? | Hu chaan dit? |
| Good, thank you | Goed, dankie | Chut, danki |
| Thank you | Dankie / Baie dankie | Danki / Baje danki |
| Please | Asseblief | Assebliif |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nee | Ja / Ni |
| Goodbye | Totsiens | Tot-siins |
| Excuse me | Verskoon my | Ferskun may |
| How much does it cost? | Hoeveel kos dit? | Huffiil kos dit? |
| Water | Water | Waater |
| Beer | Bier | Biir |
| Meat | Vleis | Flais |
| Grill | Braai | Braai |
| Cheers! | Gesondheid! | Chesondheit! |
| Gravel road | Gravel road / Pad | Grävvel roud / Pat |
| Gas station | Petrolstasie | Petrol-stasi |
Oshiwambo — a Few Basics
| German | Oshiwambo |
|---|---|
| Hello | Meme / Tate (to woman/man) |
| How are you? | Owa lala po nawa? |
| Good | Nawa |
| Thank you | Tangi unene |
| Goodbye | Kala po nawa |
Namibian Slang Terms
- Lekker: (Afrikaans) Great, awesome, tasty — the most used word in southern Africa. "Die braai was lekker!"
- Pad: (Afrikaans) Road, track — "Die pad to Sossusvlei is good"
- Now-now: Soon, shortly — can mean 5 minutes or 2 hours
- Just now: In a while — even less specific than now-now
- Bakkie: Pick-up truck — the standard vehicle on Namibian farms
- Biltong: Dried meat — Namibia's national snack
- Sundowner: Drink at sunset — the most beautiful Namibian tradition
Tipp
A simple "Hallo" and "Dankie" in Afrikaans immediately opens doors in Namibia. And if you are addressed in German in Swakopmund or Windhoek, feel free to respond — the joy of the German Namibians is genuine.
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