Learn Basque

This course offers a first contact with the Basque language (euskara), as it is spoken in the Northern Basque Country in France, mainly in the provinces of Labourd, Lower Navarre and Soule.

This introduction is designed for complete beginners. It is based on simple and useful expressions used in everyday life: greeting people, introducing yourself, saying thank you, asking for information or ordering in a restaurant. When differences exist with Southern Basque (spoken in Spain), they are mentioned for information purposes.

Why learn Basque?

Basque, called euskara, is a unique language in Europe. It does not derive from Latin or from any other known Indo-European language. For this reason, it is often described as a language isolate.

It is estimated that around 750,000 people understand or speak Basque, in France (Iparralde) and in Spain (Hegoalde). In France, it is taught in some bilingual schools, notably in ikastolas, and through adult education associations. It is recognised as a regional language and remains very present in local life.

Learning Basque makes it easier to understand Basque culture, its traditions, songs, place names and family names. Even at a beginner level, knowing a few words of Basque is often perceived as a sign of respect and openness by local people.

The basics of the Basque language

Basque uses the Latin alphabet. Some letters, however, have a specific pronunciation:

• z is pronounced like a soft “s”
• tx is pronounced “tch”
• ñ is pronounced like the French “gn”

Pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the region. For example, the r is often more rolled in Navarre and softer in Labourd.

Some grammatical specificities of Basque

Basque grammar has several characteristics that clearly distinguish it from French. These differences are introduced gradually in this course, without unnecessary complexity.

No grammatical gender.
In Basque, there is no distinction between masculine and feminine. The same word can refer to a man or a woman. For example, lagun means both “friend” (male or female).

No gender agreement for adjectives.
Adjectives do not change according to gender, which simplifies learning for French speakers.

A different grammatical system.
Basque uses what is known as an ergative system. This means that the role of the subject varies depending on the type of verb. This concept, unfamiliar in French, is introduced in a simple and progressive way in the course.

Verbs rich in information.
Basque verbs can integrate several elements (subject, object, person concerned). These complex forms do exist, but at A1 level, only the most frequent and useful structures are studied.

Why is Basque sometimes compared to Japanese?

There is currently no proven direct genealogical link between these languages. Basque is considered by linguists to be a language isolate.

If this comparison is often mentioned, it is because the grammatical functioning of Basque is completely different from that of its powerful neighbours, French and Spanish. By contrast, it shows many similarities with languages such as Japanese or Finnish.

Indeed, Basque, Japanese and Finnish share certain structural characteristics:

• they are agglutinative languages, which add suffixes to words to express grammatical relations
• they use many clear and regular grammatical markers
• they often rely on simple, sonorous syllables

Linguists, researchers and language enthusiasts have noted phonetic (sound-based) and, more rarely, lexical similarities between these languages. These similarities are generally considered to be coincidences or, in some cases, traces of very ancient roots that cannot be demonstrated.

Variants and common usage in Northern and Southern Basque

There are some vocabulary differences between Basque as spoken in France and standard Basque:

• Milesker: “thank you” (frequently used in Northern Basque Country)
• Eskerrik asko: “thank you” (standard form, understood everywhere)
• Otoi: “please” (an older form still heard locally)
• Mesedez: “please” (standard form taught everywhere)

This course prioritises the forms that are most useful for beginners, while pointing out variants when relevant.

Objective of the Basque A1 course

The aim of this course is to help you become functional from the very first lessons. You will learn how to:

• greet people and say goodbye
• introduce yourself simply
• say thank you and be polite
• ask common questions
• interact in simple everyday situations

Each expression is accompanied by pronunciation, concrete examples and a clear usage context, in line with Loecsen’s teaching approach.

How to learn Basque effectively in 9 steps

1. Start with essential expressions
2. Listen to the language regularly
3. Repeat out loud
4. Understand sentence structure
5. Learn in small steps
6. Review and listen again often
7. Use Basque in real-life situations
8. Do not aim for perfection
9. Stay consistent

FAQ – Learning Basque

Is Basque a difficult language?

Basque is different from French, but it is not inaccessible. With a progressive method and useful expressions, the basics can be acquired quickly.

Do you need to learn grammar to get started?

No. At A1 level, the main goal is to understand and use simple sentences. Grammar is introduced gradually.

Is Basque spoken in France different from that spoken in Spain?

Yes, some vocabulary differences exist, but the basics remain widely understandable throughout the Basque Country.

How long does it take to learn the basics of Basque?

With regular practice of just a few minutes a day, it is possible to acquire the basics in a few weeks.