"Too hard," "I don't have time," "I can get by perfectly well with English," "Only three million people speak Lithuanian"—you’ve probably heard various excuses for why people don't learn the official state language. However, if you've found your way to the MiCenter website, perhaps there's a part of you that’s curious about trying to master Lithuanian? Here are a few reasons why learning to speak Lithuanian is worth it:
Lithuanian as the Official State Language
In Lithuania, the official language is Lithuanian. While a large part of the population, especially the younger generation, speaks English fluently, there will still be situations where no foreign language will suffice. Additionally, due to the country's historical context, Lithuanians may feel uncomfortable if a foreigner tries to use Russian. Knowing the local language will immediately make others more friendly toward you.
Legal Requirements
Starting January 1, 2026, a law will come into effect requiring anyone who works directly with clients to know and use Lithuanian. If you provide services and work with customers, you'll need to know Lithuanian at least at level A.
Citizenship and Long-Term Residency
If you wish to acquire Lithuanian citizenship or a permanent residence permit, knowledge of Lithuanian is required.
Employment Opportunities
Although international companies in major cities hire specialists proficient in various foreign languages, not knowing Lithuanian significantly limits your job and career prospects.
Sense of Security
Knowing the language can help in critical situations, such as emergencies, where you may need to call for help or communicate quickly with locals.
Lithuanian Culture
Learning Lithuanian will help you better understand the country’s customs and values. What emotional nuance do diminutives carry? How can you make a clever joke and sound like a local? What associations do certain borrowed words evoke for Lithuanians? These secrets unfold only once you start learning the language.
Patriotism and Respect
By learning the language, you demonstrate respect for the country you live in and contribute to the preservation of its cultural identity.
Motivation: Continuously remind yourself why you're learning Lithuanian. Is it to make studying or working in Lithuania easier? To communicate with Lithuanian family members and friends? Or maybe all of the above?
Practice: Nobody learns a language in a day. To start speaking Lithuanian, you must consistently and persistently study the language and not shy away from speaking, even if you make mistakes. Take every opportunity to talk to Lithuanians—remember, they are always delighted to hear a foreigner speak their language (yes, even if you haven’t yet mastered the more obscure verb tenses!).
Immerse Yourself in the Language: Think attending a few Lithuanian classes will suffice? Maybe, if you're a prodigy! The best way to learn a language is to use multiple tools simultaneously: read and watch films with Lithuanian subtitles, talk to Lithuanians, listen to Lithuanian music, and watch the news in Lithuanian in the evenings. Gradually, your vocabulary will grow, and your ear will adapt to the new language.
Finances: Professional courses or private lessons can be costly. Fortunately, in Lithuania, there are increasing opportunities to learn the language for free—just join like-minded groups. More information is available.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is part of the United Nations System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with 175 member states and a presence in over 100 countries. IOM has had a presence in Lithuania since 1998.
IOM has established a Migration Information Center in Lithuania that provides information and services to migrants to facilitate their integration.
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