Learn Basque

Egun on. This course offers an introduction to the Basque language as spoken in France, mainly in the provinces of Labourd, Lower Navarre, and Soule. It focuses on useful everyday expressions, for travel or local life. When there are differences with Southern Basque (spoken in Spain), these variants are also indicated for reference.

Why learn Basque?

Basque (euskara) is a pre-Indo-European language, meaning it does not descend from Latin or any other known language. It is one of the few surviving language isolates in Europe, with approximately 750,000 people using it actively or passively, across both France (Iparralde) and Spain (Hegoalde).

In France, Basque is taught in some public bilingual schools (Seaska network), in ikastolas (Basque-language schools), and to adults through associations such as AEK. It is recognized as a regional language and can be used in certain local administrative contexts.

Basque is structurally distinct from most European languages: it has no grammatical gender, follows an ergative system (subjects and objects are marked differently than in French or English), and often uses complex verbs that incorporate multiple elements. For example, dakarkiozue means "you bring it to him/her".

There are lexical differences between the Basque spoken in France and that spoken in Spain. For instance, to say "thank you", people in the French Basque Country often use Milesker, whereas Eskerrik asko is more common in standardized Basque and across Spain. Similarly, Otoi ("please") is an older form still heard in rural areas of Iparralde, while Mesedez is the standard form taught in most courses and materials.

Basque uses the Latin alphabet with some distinctive pronunciations. For example, z sounds like a soft "s", tx like the "ch" in "church", and ñ like the French "gn". The letter r is pronounced differently depending on the province — rolled in Navarre, softer in Labourd.

In the Basque Country, the language remains a strong cultural marker. You’ll find Basque inscriptions on town halls, in traditional songs, and in many family or place names. Interestingly, the word itzuli means both "to translate" and "to return", a linguistic coincidence often noted as symbolic of the deep connection between language and identity among Basque speakers.

This course is designed to help you understand the basics of the language in a practical context. You will learn how to greet someone, introduce yourself, ask for directions, or order food. Each expression is accompanied by pronunciation guidance, real-life examples, and, when relevant, regional variants.

How to learn Basque in 9 steps

1. Learn common vocabulary. Start by memorizing frequently used words and phrases — especially those related to politeness, directions, food, and introductions.
2. Listen to native speakers. Basque has a distinct rhythm and sound. Listen to music, online broadcasts (such as ETB), or authentic recordings to familiarize yourself with the language’s phonetics.
3. Practice speaking aloud. Repeating words and sentences aloud — even alone — helps build pronunciation and retention. This is a highly effective technique.
4. Understand basic grammar. Learn how to form simple sentences, explore the verb system (especially auxiliaries), and understand the use of grammatical cases. Special attention should be given to ergativity.
5. Practice with other learners. Join local or online language groups to exchange in Basque, even at a basic level. Real interaction reinforces confidence and spontaneity.
6. Read adapted texts. Begin with simple dialogues, then move on to children’s stories or bilingual articles with side-by-side translations.
7. Use high-quality learning resources. Several organizations and associations offer accessible materials (AEK, Mintzalasai, Euskal Irratiak…). Use audio materials to develop listening comprehension.
8. Prepare for plateaus. Language learning includes phases where progress seems to stall. This is normal. Try varying your methods — listening, reading, conversation, games — to keep motivation high.
9. Be consistent. Practicing just a few minutes each day is more effective than studying for long sessions once a week. The goal is not immediate fluency, but gradual, steady improvement through repetition.