Learning Maltese 2026: Courses, Apps and Phrases That Help

Short answer: you do not need Maltese to live in Malta, because English is an official language and is used almost everywhere. Learning some Maltese still changes how people respond to you, helps with older neighbours and village life, and is a great way to meet other newcomers in class. The main routes in 2026 are Maltese as a Foreign Language courses from the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability and other licensed providers, the government’s integration courses (restructured in June 2026), private tutors and a small number of apps that actually offer Maltese. Below: your options, a table of starter phrases with pronunciation, and an honest view of how far a few words will take you.

The first time I said “grazzi ħafna” (thank you very much) to the woman at my local bakery, she laughed, corrected my pronunciation and gave me an extra pastizz. That is Maltese in a nutshell: nobody expects you to be fluent, and almost everyone appreciates the effort.

Do you need to learn Maltese?

Honestly, no, not for daily life. Maltese and English are both official languages, government services work in English, and English is the working language of most international companies. You can rent a flat, open a bank account, see a doctor and build a career without Maltese.

But there are good reasons to learn some:

• Connection. Maltese is the language of home, family and friendship for most Maltese people. Even basic phrases signal that you are staying, not passing through.
• Village life. Outside the harbour towns, older neighbours, shopkeepers and festa committees often speak Maltese among themselves.
• Some jobs. Certain public-sector, healthcare and local customer-facing roles prefer or require Maltese.
• Residence. Some integration and residence routes for non-EU nationals now include courses on Maltese language and culture; check the official requirements for your situation.
• Classes are social. A weekly evening class gives you the same faces every week, many of them other newcomers.

Ways to learn Maltese in 2026

Maltese as a Foreign Language courses

The most structured option is a Maltese as a Foreign Language course. The government’s Human Rights Directorate, which runs the I Belong integration programme, points learners to Maltese as a Foreign Language courses at MQF Level 1 from the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability, or to other licensed institutions. They are aimed at adult learners. Check current dates, fees and locations with the provider before you plan your year around them.

The I Belong programme (restructured in June 2026)

I Belong is Malta’s national integration programme for third-country nationals. According to the Human Rights Directorate’s I Belong page, from 15 June 2026 the programme focuses on a 100-hour Cultural Orientation course, and its own Maltese language courses were discontinued for new applicants, who are directed to Maltese as a Foreign Language courses elsewhere. People who applied before 15 June 2026 could still follow the earlier MQF Level 2 Maltese course. Because the programme has changed recently, confirm your eligibility and the current course list directly with the directorate.

Identità’s Maltese culture and language course for workers

Under the Labour Migration Policy, the government has introduced a course on Maltese culture and language for third-country nationals working in Malta. Applications go through Identità, attendance is mandatory and there is an examination, and passing it is linked to longer permit renewals. If you are a non-EU worker, check the Identità website for whether it applies to you and how to apply.

Private tutors

Private tutors are the most flexible option: you choose the time, the pace and what you want to learn (conversation, reading, workplace Maltese). Ask colleagues and Maltese friends for recommendations, and agree a trial lesson first.

Apps and self-study

This is where Maltese is harder than many languages. The biggest mainstream apps have not offered Maltese when I have checked, so choose carefully. One app that does have a Maltese course is uTalk (checked October 2026), which is useful for vocabulary and pronunciation. Combine any app with real conversation, Maltese radio or TV, and labels in shops and buses.

Maltese phrases for beginners

Start with these. The pronunciation guide is approximate, written for English speakers. A few letters to know first: ċ sounds like “ch”, ġ like “j”, x like “sh”, ż like “z”, ħ like a strong “h”, j like “y”, and q is a glottal stop, a little catch in the throat. The letter għ is usually silent but lengthens the vowel next to it.

Pronunciation is approximate. Ask a Maltese friend to say each one; it is a good conversation starter.

Phrases you will hear (and should recognise)

• “Mela”: a filler word meaning something like “so”, “well” or “of course”. You will hear it constantly.
• “Ejja”: “come on” or “let’s go”.
• “Iva, iva”: “yes, yes”, often said quickly.
• “Kollox sew?”: “everything OK?”

Numbers and days of the week

Numbers come up every day, at the bakery, on the bus and when someone tells you a price. Days of the week are on every opening-hours sign.

Notice that Monday to Thursday are named after the numbers two to five: Sunday counts as day one.

Everyday situations to practise

• At the bakery: “Bonġu! Żewġ pastizzi, jekk jogħġbok.” (Good morning! Two pastizzi, please.) “Grazzi, saħħa!”
• On the bus: greet the driver with “Bonġu” and thank them with “Grazzi” when you get off. Small, but noticed.
• At the shop: “Kemm jiswa?” (How much is it?) and, when you do not catch the answer, “Ma nifhimx, skużani.”
• With neighbours: “Kif inti?” “Tajjeb, grazzi, u int?” (Fine, thanks, and you?)

Common mistakes learners make

• Waiting until you are “ready” to speak. Start with greetings on day one.
• Learning only from apps and never talking to a Maltese speaker.
• Getting discouraged when people answer in English. It is usually kindness, not a judgement.
• Ignoring the special letters. Ċ, ġ, ħ, q, x and ż change pronunciation completely.

Why Maltese is interesting (and a little tricky)

Maltese is the only Semitic language that is an official language of the European Union and the only one written in the Latin alphabet. Its grammar and core vocabulary come from Arabic roots, while a large share of its vocabulary comes from Italian, Sicilian and English. That mix is why you will recognise words like “skola” (school) or “mument” (moment) on day one, and then hit verbs that change their middle letters and leave you puzzled. Pronunciation takes practice, especially q and ħ.

The good news: Maltese people mix in English all the time, so a half-Maltese, half-English sentence is completely normal. Nobody will mind if you switch languages mid-sentence.

A realistic learning plan

Tips that actually work

• Ask people to reply in Maltese. Many will switch to English to help you. Tell them you want to practise.
• Learn the words for your neighbourhood. Street names, your bus stop, the bakery order you repeat every morning.
• Use the festa. Band marches, fireworks and decorations come with a whole vocabulary, and people love explaining it.
• Do not be put off by mixed answers. Maltese people switch between Maltese and English constantly; that is not a sign you are failing.

Classes are one of the best ways to meet people

Here is the underrated benefit: a Maltese class puts you in a room with other newcomers who are also trying to settle, every week, for months. People in language classes tend to be open to a coffee after class, a study session or a weekend outing, because everyone is in the same position.

Turn that into a habit. After the second class, suggest something small and specific: “Coffee after class on Thursday, pay your own?” or “Shall we practise over pastizzi on Saturday?”. That is exactly the kind of plan MeetNow is being built for in Malta: a host posts a plan at a public place with a time and who pays, and people ask to join with a short note. More at the end.

For more ways to build a circle, read our 30-day plan for making friends in Malta and our guide to the expat community in Malta, which lists language-exchange and social groups.

Maltese for students and families

If you are studying, ask your university or school whether it offers Maltese for international students; our guide to studying in Malta covers student life more widely. Children in Maltese state and church schools learn Maltese as part of the curriculum, and parents often find that picking up some words helps with school notes, parents’ evenings and playground conversations. For the bigger picture of settling in, see our guide to moving to Malta step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak Maltese to live in Malta?

No. English is an official language and is used in government, business and daily life. Learning some Maltese still helps you connect with neighbours and colleagues, and some jobs and residence routes ask for it.

Where can I take Maltese classes in Malta?

The government points learners to Maltese as a Foreign Language courses at MQF Level 1 from the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability and other licensed institutions. Private tutors also teach Maltese. Check current dates and fees with each provider.

Is the I Belong programme still teaching Maltese?

According to the Human Rights Directorate, from 15 June 2026 I Belong focuses on a 100-hour Cultural Orientation course and no longer runs its own Maltese language courses for new applicants, who are directed to other Maltese as a Foreign Language courses. Applicants from before that date could still follow the earlier Maltese course.

Is there an app to learn Maltese?

Yes, but fewer than for most languages. uTalk offers a Maltese course (checked October 2026). Combine an app with a class, a tutor or regular conversation with Maltese speakers for real progress.

Is Maltese hard to learn?

It has a Semitic grammar with Arabic roots and a lot of Italian and English vocabulary, so some parts feel familiar and others take time, especially verbs and sounds like q and ħ. Basic greetings and polite phrases are easy to learn in a week.

What are the most useful Maltese phrases for beginners?

Start with bonġu (good morning), grazzi (thank you), jekk jogħġbok (please), iva and le (yes and no), kif inti? (how are you?) and saħħa (cheers or bye). Use them every day at the shop, on the bus and with neighbours.