Official Language
Croatian
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: inspiredbycroatia.com, zentravelcroatia.com
Overall8/10More English-friendly than about 70% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- English is extremely widely spoken in Split's tourist zones—hotels, restaurants, bars, and attractions. Expect fluent communication from most service industry staff.
- Younger Croatians (under 50) are usually confident English speakers; older residents may have limited English.
- Learning even a few basic Croatian words ('hvala' = thank you, 'molim' = please, 'dobar dan' = good morning) will be appreciated and can smooth interactions.
- Outside the Old Town and main tourist areas, English proficiency drops—having translation apps or offline resources is wise for exploring less touristy neighborhoods.
- Croatia ranked 2nd in the world for English proficiency in 2025, indicating strong overall English skill levels across the country.
Official Language
Croatian
English Proficiency
- Level
- Very High
- Tourist Areas
- English is widely spoken in Split's Old Town area, hotels, restaurants, bars, and tourism-focused businesses. Hotel and restaurant staff are generally very proficient in English.
- Age Differences
- Younger Croatians (typically under 50) are significantly more comfortable with English due to mandatory English education from elementary school and exposure to English-language media.
- Proficiency Summary
- Croatia ranks 2nd globally in the EF English Proficiency Index (2025), with exceptionally high English competency among its population. Split, as a major tourist destination, has particularly strong English usage.
- Practical English Use
- Can navigate Split comfortably with English only. Menus, signs, and tourist information are often available in both Croatian and English. Many service workers, younger residents, and university-educated people speak English well.
Official Recognition
While Croatian is the sole official language, English functions as a de facto secondary language in tourism and business sectors in Split.
Language Barrier Notes
While English is widely accessible in Split, not every Croatian speaks it fluently. Outside tourist areas, English proficiency may be lower. Learning basic Croatian phrases is appreciated by locals and can enhance interactions.
Language Learning Context
- Media Exposure
- Croatians grow up watching English-language films and TV with Croatian subtitles, and listening to English music, contributing to natural proficiency.
- English Education
- English is mandatory in Croatian schools from around age 7-8, making it the most widely taught foreign language.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this language & english friendliness research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Split
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.