🗣️ Introduction
Moving to Morocco? One of the first questions most expats ask is:
“What language do I need to speak?”
The answer is… more than one! Morocco is a multilingual country, where Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French, Amazigh (Berber), and increasingly English are all part of daily life.
This 2025 guide will help you understand the linguistic landscape — and how to communicate with confidence.
🥇 Main Spoken Languages in Morocco
| Language | Where & How It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Darija (Moroccan Arabic) | Everyday life, markets, taxis, social talk |
| French | Government, banks, healthcare, education |
| Amazigh | Rural areas, Atlas Mountains, Southern Morocco |
| English | Tourist areas, younger Moroccans, online services |
💡 Darija is the most widely spoken, but not always written. It mixes Arabic, Amazigh, French, and Spanish words.
🇲🇦 Should You Learn Darija?
✅ Yes — even a few words will dramatically improve your daily life.
Moroccans deeply appreciate foreigners who try to speak it, even just basics like:
| Darija Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salam Alaykum | Peace be upon you (hello) |
| Labas? | How are you? |
| Shukran | Thank you |
| Bshhal? | How much? |
| Wakha | OK / No problem |
🧑🏫 French in Morocco
French is Morocco’s second language and is used in:
- Hospitals & clinics
- Official documents
- Job interviews
- Legal procedures
- Supermarket signs & packaging
📌 If you speak French but not Arabic, you can still get by in most cities.
🌄 Amazigh (Berber)
Amazigh is co-official with Arabic in Morocco’s Constitution. It’s spoken mostly in:
- The Atlas Mountains
- Rural and southern areas
- Some urban Amazigh families
There are three dialects: Tachelhit, Tarifit, Tamazight — but as a foreigner, you’re not expected to speak them.
🌐 English in Morocco (2025)
English is growing rapidly among:
- Youth
- Business professionals
- Tourism staff
- Startups and tech circles
In cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat, you’ll often find someone who speaks decent English — especially under age 30.
📱 Language Apps & Resources
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Darija Academy | Online courses + YouTube videos |
| Duolingo | French or Standard Arabic |
| Italki | Find Moroccan tutors online |
| Google Translate | Great for French ↔ Arabic |
💡 Quick Tips to Survive Linguistically
- Learn Darija greetings & numbers — super useful for shopping
- Carry a small French phrasebook
- Don’t worry about perfect grammar — Moroccans are patient
- Use gestures + smiles when lost in translation
- Keep Google Translate handy (download languages offline)
🏁 Final Word
You don’t need to be fluent in Arabic or French to live in Morocco — but learning a few words will open doors, deepen connections, and earn instant respect.
Whether you’re in a medina or coworking café, Morocco’s rich mix of languages is part of what makes it so unique — and welcoming.
