Can I get by with only speaking English in Athens?

[Andreas_Dressler]

I'm considering moving to Athens, or elsewhere in Greece, but I don't know any Greek at all. And I don't think I would want to put in the effort of learning more than some basics for getting around, ordering food etc.

My question is therefore if it's feasible to live in Athens long term (at least a year or more) and only rely on speaking English?

• If I wanted to work for local startups or tech companies, would I need Greek?
• Are (tech/startup) meetups mostly in English or Greek?
• Is it easy to get local friends without speaking the local language?
• If I'm hanging out with a group of locals, will the conversations automatically drift back to Greek within a few minutes? (I've experienced this especially with some French people before...)

Thanks for your help!

[111750]

Hello Andreas,

I can not really answer you about the start ups as it is not my sector at all. But keep in mind that Greece is in a severe economic crisis right now so finding work will be considerably more difficult that you are used to from other countries. It's easy to get friends using only English as most young adults are fluent in the language.As for your last question, it really depends on the group and how comfortable they are speaking English. I could imagine bits of conversation being in Greek though, as the language and the humour don't translate well at all in English.

[Sol_Saltiel]

Hi Andreas,

Generally speaking yes you can get by in Athens with English. You will only face small problems with your transactions with the public sector but I am sure you will find your way.

More specifically:
1. You wouldn't need Greek when working with local start ups unless it has something to do with a linguistic project I suppose

1. In Greek but when there is a foreigner in the group they will speak English; actually you can find many Greeks speak German too.

2. Yes it's easy to make friends in general. We are a welcoming kind of people and cool with foreigners. Of course you understand that visiting a country as a tourist and living in a country is not quite the same.

3. Here you might expect people turning to Greek especially after 2 drinks or if there is an issue for which they cannot express their opinions or feelings in Greek. But again it's a matter of who you are hanging out with. By the way there are lots of expats from different countries and the "int'l" language is English of course.

Good luck!

[Stm_Dask]

Dear Andreas

Here are some answers on your questions depending on my experience.

If I wanted to work for local startups or tech companies, would I need Greek

Depending on the job title. If u are about to work as an IT or a Software Engineer, then no u dont need i believe. But if you want to work in the marketing/accounting/management sector then yes knowing the local language is essential.

Are (tech/startup) meetups mostly in English or Greek

Depending on the associates the company has. I have experienced both situations in different companies.

Is it easy to get local friends without speaking the local language?

Of course. But this depends on your personality and on the group of people you are trying to hang around.

If I'm hanging out with a group of locals, will the conversations automatically drift back to Greek within a few minutes? (I've experienced this especially with some French people before...)

No necessarily. At least in my group of people i hang around we respect the lack on knowledge of the greek language by our associates and we keep our conversation in english. But in a large group when different conversations are taking between smaller groups, some of these are in greek.

[Pavlos_Progias]

I believe, especially for the tech sector, almost everything (pretty much) is done in English. So I don't believe you would face a problem work-wise.

As far as living in Athens is concerned, you might face the occasional problem with communication in English, but my personal opinion is that you will not face any issues in communication.

The issue of making local friends, or people speaking Greek when they are in a multilingual group of people, I believe that this is up for discussion. It depends on the character of each person. I believe that people who've studied abroad won't speak Greek when they have a non-Greek speaking person amongst them. But I cannot say for sure that this won't happen in another occasion.

I hope my reply has helped you.

Good luck for the future!

[111401]

Hello Andreas,

It's good that you are considering to move in Greece. Especially, if your choice is Athens is the ideal cause it's the capital so you may speak English to communicate and use Greek for the reasons you have mentioned above. Almost all young people speak English so there won't be a problem with this. You may find older people speaking English too. Of course, there might be cases where English would be a problem if someone does not speak you won't be able to communicate effectively. But, I hope that these cases will be the exceptions.

Let me answer to your questions in bullet points:

• Finding a job here in Greece is very difficult. You have to keep this in mind Andreas. However, if you finally find a job in an offshore company or in a company that is a tech one you might not need Greek. I believe that they are speaking English too. Have in mind also, that you cannot expect a high salary in Greece if it's a local company.

• To be honest, I have never been in a tech/start up meetups so I would know in which language is held but I believe that both languages may be used especially if there are employees who speak English only.

• Yes it is easy to make local friends without speaking the local language.

• Well, so and so...it depends on the people you are hanging around. Out of respect they should not turn into Greek right away. But sometimes I think it happens.

If you need anything else please do not hesitate to contact me.

You are most welcome.

[Alexis_Grigoriou]

Mr Andrea.

In my opinion it is feasible to get by in Athens for a year or so only with English. Greeks in general do speak English relatively well. However. Unemployment is high in Greece. By not speaking Greek you will deprive the buisnessman from a valuable asset. If you have any useful skills or experience, it may compensate that loss though and you might be able to find a job in Athens. In my experience meetups are in Greek, although in a presence of a foreigner they do speak English.
Finding English speaking friends will be relatively easy, assuming that you will search in the proper groups (e.g. work, eco groups, foreign music bars, etc). In such places you may find people sensitive enough not to speak Greek in your presence, although sometimes they will eventually speak Greek among themselfs.
In recap, you may be able to find all that you wish, but youwill need to search well and i do not know if a year is enough!
Good luck.

[Xenia_Perantonakis-C]

I believe you can. Living, socializing, meeting friends here is absolutely doable in English, as long as you don't have a crazy accent. Finding a job would be hard as its own, an english speaking company much more difficult though. I would recommend first finding a job with your terms and then moving here.

Also I would recommend you only staying in Athens and its suburbs.

[Kyriakos_Romios]

Hi,

I have no idea about the startups and tech companies as I am employed in a totally different sector but regarding your other two questions I can generally say:

Is it easy to get local friends without speaking the local language?

Yes, Greeks are very fluent in English and don't mind using it at all. Socializing will be a piece of cake, but making true friends, that is something different and it depends on the persons you'll meet. However, chances are on your side.

If I'm hanging out with a group of locals, will the conversations automatically drift back to Greek within a few minutes? (I've experienced this especially with some French people before...)

Maybe, but they can easily go back to English.
Most Greeks are aware of your problem to follow the language and will try to stay on English, at least most of the time, when you are around. So, nothing discouraging here as well.

My 0,02$

[Aliki_Fatourou]

Hello Andreas,
My name is Aliki and I live in Athens. Regarding your question, I would say that almost everyone in Greece can speak English. (Exept most of the seniors maybe, but even they can undertand some things).Young people learn English in a very good level and you will not have a problem to get around using only English. Many know German as well.
I am sure that you will meet locals and develop new friendships whithout speaking Greek at all, but I can not assure you that the conversation will not turn to Greek to some point. I think this is normal, but of course it depends on the good maners your friends have. Most of the people I know ,would try to keep you in the conversation by translating what it's been said.
Everyone in tech companies speak English, but I can not be sure if they would accept an employee that speaks only English. It depends on what your area of expertise is and the companie's policy. You should try and contact some before you decide, in order to find out how they deal with the language barrier.
I hope that I've helped you a little. I wiil be glad to answer any of the question you have. Have a good day!
Aliki

[Labros_TheAce1]

Most of greeks learn English in a good level and since we are a touristic country we most use them quite often.We are a very welcoming people and we always have good feelings to people abroad so I don't think that in every day use you will face a problem. Most people really love to speak in English. Maybe a little drift will happen in a conversation with many locals but this would be for short time.Now for getting a job depends. Tech companies I guess not a problem.If it was a job that you have to talk with a lot of customers etc I guess there would maybe be a problem. As for friends you will have no problem to get just go out a night in center and you can end up with several boys or girls.

[Sophie_Tsiknia]

You certainly can! Most people in Athens speak very good English and all the signs/menus,etc are also in English. As for the workplace, English is widely used while in some kinds of jobs they only use English.

[Stratos]

Hi Andreas.
Most, if not all, Greek people under the age of 50 do speak English, levels varying of course.
That is true in almost all major Greek cities.
So i expect no problems with getting by with the practicalities (shopping, traveling, ordering, entretainment, etc).
That is equally true for companies involved in technology, one way or another.
Conversation drifting to local language is something to be expected in every country you go i'm afraid.
It has happened to practically all the countries i have been and there are many!
As for friends, well, the language is never a problem as long as you are willing to make friends.
Try to adapt to the local situation as much as it possible based on your personality.
Hope teh bove helps you in some way or another.
Good luck,
Stratos

[mic_naz]

in all major cities in Greece, you can easily communicate in English. Of course, that includes Athens. Perhaps in your interaction with the public sector, since you will be staying more than the usual vacation period of time, you will experience some difficulties. But if you hook up with the local tech community, they will be more than happy to help you with the red tape.

welcome to Greece! prepare to exercise tremendous amounts of patience! and taste ALL the local cuisine!

Michalis

[georgina]

Hi Andreas!

Athens is a weird city!
Most of young people speaks english and
there are some start ups or other companies that
do require only english but consider the situation now
in Athens that the jobs are not that many, only english speaking jobs
are less.

When comes to friends you can meet them especially if you work in a company
and speak english but on a group of locals most of the times the conv drifts back to Greek!

Hope that helps a bit!

[Kyriakos_Apostolides]

Most of the times yes.
Many people,especially young ones do speak English.
However,staying one year requires some Greek basics(i.e. Buying your groceries).

[Panagiotis_Rousis]

Hi Andreas,

Yes it is feasible to live in Athens long term and rely on speaking English. You should not have problem to communicate with people under 40 years old as almost everyone can speak English (Not very fluently or using a big variety of vocabulary).

Answering to your questions:

• No, I am pretty sure that everyone working in startups or tech companies is able to speak in English and does not have problem to use it.
• Whenever, I have been in a meetup with a foreigner, English was the language that was used. That should not be a problem.
• It is very easy to have local friends, do not afraid to ask for an after work drink or coffee ( Greeks like to have coffee) or arranging something for weekends. That will not be an issue nor the language.
• That may happen, but not in 15 minutes and not without changing language again in English.Sometimes is easier to answer something in your native language.

Believe me , English language and making friends is not an issue. Working and being paid in a Greek startup is very challenging. Also finding a job in Greece is also too challenging. The most challenging however it will be to do anything with the public sector

I hope to see you in our country and help the us at these difficult times we have. Good Luck!!!

[Aggelos_GypsyJohn]

Hi Andreas!
If you are considering to relocate in Greece long term, let me give you some quick tips to get by:
a) In terms of communication almost 65% of the people can speak English, for example if you come in Athens and need directions for a street, you would find it.
b) Living and working: It's obvious that the economic crisis 'hit' a large number of enterprises, commodities, industry, etc. Some apartments are considered bargains (buying and renting).
Necessities could be found in any super market (some at a steep price) and also gadgets and services to spend some quality free time (Mega stores, Gym).
Working: In tech companies, as you already know, the main language is English, which is a prerequisite for employees to get a job. I recommend looking Teleperformance up and big companies like IBM, HP, First Data, Vodafone as they often put job ads up that include relocation and benefits packages. Try LinkedIn, www.kariera.gr, indeed.com and check with the appropriate parameters.
c)Hobby and others. Eventually you will be used in life here and when you want to hang out with people just be ready to experience all of it. I can't provide any other answer to your last question because that's a matter of human nature. You should be the judge of it.

[Georgios_Serfiotis1]

Hello Andreas!

Starting from the point where you mention "moving in Athens or elsewhere in Greece":
I should point out that in case of relocation, provided you are not speaking Greek, you should focus on cities with:
i) University HQs (not just a single department)
ii) cities with touristic flow
iii) Prefecture capitals
This way you will increase your chances of integrating / adapting easier and faster, without speaking Greek.

Well it depends on the sector and job needs. But for local start-ups I believe there wouldn't be a language barrier. For Tech companies, it is a bit more tricky, but still feasible (I suppose you would talk through the scenario with their HR prior to making a move)

You can find meeting in both greek and english. As the startup scene grows in Greece, there are constantly new initiatives, meetups, competitions etc. from both Greek and foreign players.

It is quite easy (easier than it is elsewhere). Youths interested in the startup scene, entrepreneurship, etc have a really openminded approach, willing to "talk through the everyday process" those interested, so you will be more than fine on that.

Well for this part, as another responder mentioned, it depends on the fellowship, how at ease they feel speaking english and if local jokes and humour is involved. They will definitely joke in greek, but most of the times, they will try to translate it afterwards. It usually never translates funny, but at least you will know what was told and as a plus, people in Greece speaking English, are usually eager to try to teach some Greek to the ones willing to learn

*** I should definitely point out that when it comes to "exchanging views"(transactions) with public sector, you had better find yourself first someone to call or have with you to help out. Most of the employees are not willing to try and help, but if you are lucky in life, you will come across the one who makes a difference and he will guide you all the way.

-Wish you every luck in any decision you take, whether you relocate in our country or not.

[Nik4]

Here is my view.

My question is therefore if it's feasible to live in Athens long term (at
least a year or more) and only rely on speaking English?

Not everyone in Greece speaks english. As a rule of thumb, people over 40
don't, while younger ones do in a varying level of proficiency. If you were a
tourist you would enjoy having a local trying to eg give you guidance on how
to get someplace, but it might tire you in the long term. That being said,
people are generally friendly and willing to help. Living in Sweden, I can
tell you that as a foreigner here, I can get by in supermarkets, libraries and
other "formal" enccounters with minimal swedish and even no talking. It should
be the same for you in Greece.

• If I wanted to work for local startups or tech companies, would I need
  Greek?

Startups and tech companies are a very friendly environment for english-
speaking individuals. You might find the greek pronounciationn of english too
harsh in the beginning but you will get used to it pretty quickly. Learning
the native language always helps, but not speaking greek should not be an
obstacle in getting yourself hired. I would suggest showing a friendly and
energetic attitude in interviews and promoting you teamwork and cooperative
aspects as much as possible in your CV, just in case a future employer is
concerned about your getting by and communicating with others in the team.

• Are (tech/startup) meetups mostly in English or Greek?

I was in a tech company back in Greece. Knowing english well was a
prerequisite in getting hired there. However, if there is no need to speak
English, then you don't. I haven't heard of any company having an english-only
policy in their workplace (although there might be some). Here, again, the
younger a company and its members, the more english friendly the environment.

• Is it easy to get local friends without speaking the local language?

It should be easy, One thing I have noticed that helps is having a profile of
someone who is not here (there) only for professional reasons. For instance
exchange students are rather popular I would say. I would suggest, apart from
demonstrating such an attitude for social reasons, to actually feel like that.
Ask coworkers for suggestions on places to visit or ask them to go for a beer
after work, register for some dance classes (or whatever suits you), try to
bring elements of your customs in your encounters with other people (for
instance treat coworkers with some interesting food from your country - greeks
really enjoy food). I should say that in Greece there are some preconceived
notions about people from northern european countries (judging from your name
you are coming from one, right?) like that they don't have humor or don't know
to have fun other than drinking, etc. These of course are not true and if
people realize that they will be happily surprised with you. (By the way, in
Greece people really do not drink as much as in the north of Europe. Getting
drunk happens often but not usually).

• If I'm hanging out with a group of locals, will the conversations
  automatically drift back to Greek within a few minutes? (I've experienced
  this especially with some French people before...)

This is something that I can see happening. Even here in Sweden when us greeks get
together we turn to greek regardless of other nationalities in the group. You
can kindly ask them once or twice not to do that or joke about it (like you
understand what they are saying) and most probably they will cut down on their
doing that. The likelihood is that there will be someone among your greek
friends that will realize that this is bad to do and will support an english
only policy in your group when you are around, too.

Hope I have helped you a bit. If there is one thing to keep in mind is that
the younger the person the better english they will speak. Hope you have a
nice and constructive stay in Greece if you decide to do so!