Learning Albanian

Revision as of 08:16, 21 September 2018 by Jukeboksi (talk | contribs) (→‎Loan words for English speakers: + amendament, -i, -e == an amendment)

Welcome to Learning Albanian.

 
Shqiponja është e madhe në Shqipëri. The eagle is big in Albania. është, 3rd pers. sing. for "to be" is a loan word from Latin

The name of the Albanian language in Albanian language is 'shqip' and the name of the country Albania is 'Shqipëri' (indefinite (later indef.)) and 'Shqipëria. (definite (later def.))

 
Q is the most far-out non-western compliance letter in the Albanian language. It is pronounced a sharp 's' like in chuck.

Both of these could be derived from the word sq.'shqiponja' == en."the eagle" or is it the other way around that shqip is so awesome that the name of the eagle then gotta be shqiponja.

First things to know

 
Albanian flag is very red and black (kuq e zi) and sq."Shqiponja ka dy kokat!" == en."The eagle has two heads!". ka is the 3rd person singular for 'to have'. dy means two. kokat is definite plural form of kokë, head

Nouns: first things to know

As you may notice the Albanian nouns have their article affixed to the end of the noun and not preceding it. Later-on code like this 'Shqipëri, -a' tells you that the definite form is formed by adding the definite article '-a' to it.

Albanian has 2 grammatical genders: masculine and feminine but worry not, sing. indef. nouns that end in a consonant are masculines and nouns ending in a vowel are feminines. Exceptions are if the noun clearly is of the other gender than the vowel/consonant rule would say.

Verbs: first things to know:

Albanian verbs have no infinite forms so all the dictionaries have them listed by the 1st person singular. This is handy for quickly learning to express what I do or what I would like to do.

Adjectives: first things to know

For those of you who know French you'll feel at home as adjectives and adverbs are placed after the noun also in Albanian.

Nouns and adjectives are connected by an adjectival article. For nominative these are 'i' for masculine and 'e' for feminine.


Verbs

Albanian verbs are divided into 6 classes as follows:

  1. Class 1 - Verbs ending in 'j'
  2. Class 2 - Verbs ending in a consonant
  3. Class 3 - Verbs ending in a vowel
  4. Class 4 - Three verbs ending in 'i'
  5. Class 5 - Irregular verbs
  6. Class 6 - Verbs ending in '(h)em'

Class 1 verbs - end in 'j'

 


Class 2 verbs - end in a consonant

 


Class 3 verbs - end in a vowel

 


Class 4 verbs - the three verbs ending in 'i'

 


Class 5 verbs - irregular verbs

The verbs

  • "jam" == "to be" and
  • "kam" == "to have" are highly irregular, but the present indicative and imperfect indicative, present subjunctive and imperative forms of them are highly similar as you can see from the charts below.

   


Class 6 verbs - end in '(h)em'

 


Building up vocabulary

 
Ë is not pronounced when it is at the end of a word. When inside a word it is like the syllable "uh".

Knowing the first things to know about nouns and adjectives now would be a good time to consider starting to play the Basic Albanian 1 on Memrise. Memrise programs your brain slightly differently than traditional methods, but hey, how harmful can it be?

Albanian has a lot of loan words but they come from a wide variety of languages including but not limited to Latin, English, Italian, French, Slavic, Germanic, Arabic, Swedish etc.

Jamaican shares from Albanian the word 'I ri'. In Albanian 'i ri' means both new and young for masculine nouns. Corresponding form for feminine nouns is 'e re'.

Lists of loan words

The forms given for nouns are

  1. Singular, indefinite
  2. Singular, definite
  3. Plural indefinite

Mots d'emprunt pour francophones

These often come via Italian or are originally from Latin by which the words not so magically happen to often be the same in French. Jukeboksi (talk)

  1. abazhur, -i, -e == un abat-jour == a lampshade
  2. adhuroj == adorer == to worship
  3. aktualitet, -i, -e == une actualité == an actuality
  4. alkool, -i, -e == un alcool == alcohol
  5. ambasadë, -a, -a == une ambassade == an embassy
  6. analizë, -a, -a == une analyse == an analysis
  7. ansambël, -li, -lë == un ensamble == a (performing) group
  8. avion, -i, -ë == un avion == an airplane
  9. avokat, -i, -e == un avocat == a lawyer
  10. bibliotekë, -a, -a == une bibliothèque == a library
  11. biftek, -u, -ë == un bifteck == a beefsteak
  12. biletë, -a, -a == un billet == a ticket
  13. bluzë, -a, -a == une blouse == a blouse
  14. bursë, -a, -a == une bourse == this word means both, like in French, a stock exchange and a study grant for undergraduates
  15. diskotekë, -a, -a == une discothèque == a diskotheque
  16. dakord == d'accord == agreed, all right
  17. i disponueshëm, e -me == disponible
  18. divorc == un divorce == a divorce
  19. ekspozitë, -a, -a == une exposition == an exhibition
  20. emision, -i, -e == une émission == TV/radio show, program, broadcast
  21. fill, -i, fije == un fil == a thread
  22. financiar, -e == financier == financial
  23. fizikë, -a == une physique == physics
  24. Francẽ, -a, -a == La France == France
  25. francez, -i, -ë == un français == a French
  26. francez, -e == français, -e == French (adj.)
  27. galeri, -a, - == une galerie == a gallery
  28. gaz, -i, -e == un gaz == a gas
  29. gjeografik, -e == géographique == geographic
  30. gjest, -i, -e == un geste == a gesture
  31. grevë == une grève == a strike
  32. gri == gris == grey
  33. grip, -i, -e == une grippe == a flu
  34. ide, -ja, - == une idée == an idea
  35. inkonjito == incognito == incognito
  36. institucion, -i, -e == une institution == an institution
  37. interesant, -e == interesant == interesting
  38. inxhinier, -i, -ë == un ingénieur == an engineer
  39. juridik, -e == juridique == legal, judicial
  40. kabinë, -a, -a == une cabine == a booth
  41. kafe, -ja, -e == un café == a coffee
  42. kanal, -i, -e == un canal == a channel
  43. kanion, -i, -e == un canyon == a canyon
  44. karakter, -i, -e == un caractère == a character, nature
  45. karakteristik, -e == caractéristique == characteristic
  46. karotë, -a, -a == une carotte == a carrot
  47. kartë, -a, -a == une carte == a card (also a paper)
  48. kartë krediti == une carte de crédit == a credit card
  49. katër == quatre == four
  50. katolik, -e == catholique == catholic
  51. këmishë, -a, -ë == une chemise == a shirt
  52. kimi, -a == chimie == chemistry
  53. klient, -i, -ë == un client == a client
  54. koleg, -u, -ë == un collègue == a colleague
  55. komedi, -a, - == une comédie == a comedy
  56. komplikacion, -i, -e == une complication == a complication
  57. kontratë, -a, -a == un contrat == a contract, agreement
  58. kostum, -i, -e == un costume == a costume, a suit
  59. krem, -, -e == une crème == cream
  60. krem karamel == la crème caramel == caramel dessert
  61. krizë, -a, -a == une crise == a crisis
  62. kronikë, -a, -a == une chronique == a chronicle, news
  63. kuadër, -ri, -ro == un cadre == frame, setting
  64. kulturë, -a, -a == une culture == a culture
  65. kurs, -i, -e == un course == rate, course
  66. kuzhinë, -a, -a == une cuisine == a kitchen
  67. laborator, -i, -ë == un laboratoire == a laboratory
  68. lahutë, -a, -a == un luth == a lute
  69. latin, -e == latin -e
  70. latino-amerkan -e == Latino-américain -e
  71. legjendë, -a, -a == une légende == a legend
  72. librari, -a, - == une librarie == a bookstore
  73. linjë, -a, -a == une ligne == a line
  74. lokal, -i,- e == un local == premises, room
  75. madhësti -a == une majesté == a majesty
  76. maj, -i == maj == May
  77. mandarinë, -a, -a == une mandarine == a mandarin
  78. mars, -i == mars == March
  79. mathematikë, -a, == un mathématique == mathematics
  80. më == me == me, to me (attn. më can be a number of other things to in sentences)
  81. meny, -ja, - == un menu == a menu
  82. menyrë, -a, -a == une manière == manner, way
  83. mesazh -i, -e == un message == a message
  84. miliard, -i, -ë == un milliard == a billion
  85. milion, -i, ë == un million == a million
  86. modë, -a == une mode == fashion
  87. monogami, -a, -a == la monogamie == monogamy
  88. mur, -i, -e == un mur == a wall
  89. muzë, -u - == un musée == a museum
  90. natyrë, -a == une nature == a nature
  91. oriz, -i == riz == rice
  92. paketë, -a, -a == un paquet == a package
  93. park, -u, -qe == un parc == a park
  94. pasion, -i, -e == une passion == a passion
  95. peizazh, -i, -e == un paysage == a scenery
  96. periudhë, -a, -a == une période == a period, time
  97. person, -i, -a == une personne == a person
  98. personalitet, -i, -e == une personnalité == a personality
  99. përqindje, -a, -e == un pourcentage == a percentage
  100. pishinë, -a, -a == une piscine == a swimming pool
  101. pistë, -a, -a == une piste == lane, floor
  102. pjesë, -a, -e == une pièce == a piece
  103. plazh, -i, -e == une plage == a beach
  104. portë, -a, -a == une porte == a gate
  105. pozicion, -i, -e == une position == a position
  106. prezantim == présentation == presentation
  107. principatë, -a, -a == une principauté == a principality, princedom
  108. prokuror, -i, -ë == un procureur == a prosecutor
  109. prozë, -a, -a == une prose == a prose
  110. pulë, -a, -a == un poulet == a chicken
  111. qershi, -a, - == une cerise == a cherry
  112. qiell, -lli, -j == le ciel == the sky.
  113. recepsioniste, -ja, -e == une réceptionniste == a receptionist (fem.)
  114. rezultat, -i, -e == un résultat == a result
  115. rigon, -i == origan == oregano
  116. rol, -i, -e == un rôle == a role
  117. roman, -i, -e == un roman == a novel
  118. sallë, -a, -a == une salle == lobby, auditorium, room
  119. sandale, -ja, -e == une sandale == a sandal
  120. seri, -a, - == une série == a series
  121. shans, -i, -e == une chance == a chance
  122. shef, -i, -a == le chef == a chef, a chief, a boss
  123. shifër, -ra, -ra == un chiffre == a figure, cipher
  124. shofer, -i, -ë == un chauffeur == a driver
  125. shurup, -i, -e == un sirop == a syrup
  126. sistem, -i, -ë == un système == a system
  127. strateg, -u, -ë == un stratège == a strategist
  128. strategjik, -e == stratégique == strategic
  129. studio, -ja, - == un studio == a studio
  130. supë, -a, -a == une soupe == a soup
  131. suvenir, -i, -e == un souvenir == a souvenir
  132. tabelë, -a, -a == une table == (black)board
  133. tarracë, -a, -a == une terrasse == a terrace
  134. teatër, -ri, -ro - un théâtre - a theatre
  135. teatralë, -e == théâtral == theatrical
  136. teknik, -e == technique == technical
  137. teknologji, -a, - == une technologie == a technology
  138. temperaturë, -a, -a == une température == a temperature
  139. transfertë, -a, -a == un transfert == a transfer, transaction
  140. i,e trishtuar - triste - sad
  141. temë, -a, -a == un thème == a theme, topic
  142. tension, -i == une tension (artérielle) == blood pressure
  143. traditë, -a, -a == une tradition == a tradition
  144. trupë, -a, -a == une troupe == a troupe, company, band
  145. universitet, -i, -e == une université == an university
  146. valixhe, -ja, -e == une valise == a suitcase, baggage
  147. vegjetal, -e == végétal == vegetable (adj.)
  148. verandë, -a, -a == une véranda == a terrace, veranda
  149. vitrinë, -a, -a == une vitrine == a shop window
  150. vizë, -a, -a == un visa == a visa
  151. vizitë, -a, -a == une visite == a visit
  152. vizitor, -i, -ë == un visiteur == a visitor
  153. vlerë, -a, -a == une valeur == a value

Loan words for Italian speakers

  1. antipastë, -a, -a == un antipasto == an antipasti
  2. argjend, -i == argento == silver
  3. autobus, -i, -ë == un autobus == a bus
  4. ballkon, -i, -e == un balcone == a balcony
  5. biçikletë, -a, -a == una bicicletta == a bicycle
  6. birrë, -a, -a == una birra == a beer
  7. biskotë, -a, -a == un biscotto == a biscuit
  8. bizele, -ja, -e == un pisello == a bean
  9. çokolatë, -a, -a == una cioccolata == a chocolate
  10. divan, -i, -e == un divano == a sofa, a couch
  11. faturë, -a, -a == una fattura == a bill
  12. fitore, -ja, -e == una vittoria == a victory
  13. forum, -i, -e == un forum == a forum
  14. i,e fortë == forte == strong
  15. i,e freskët == fresco == fresh
  16. freskues, -e == rinfrescante == refreshing
  17. garazh, -i, -e == un garage == a garage
  18. gjigand, -i, -ë == un gigante == a giant
  19. gjykatës, -i, - == un giudice == a judge
  20. gusht, -i == agosto == August
  21. higjenë, -a == igiene == hygiene
  22. institucion, -i, -e == un'istituzione == an institution
  23. kakao, -ja, - == un cacao == a cocoa
  24. kallamar, -i, -ë == un calamaro == a calamari
  25. kamarier, -i, -ë == un camriere == a waiter
  26. kamion, -i, -e == un camion == a truck
  27. kapelë, -a, -a == un cappello == a cap (hat)
  28. kapitull, -lli, -j == un capitolo == a chapter
  29. kështjellë, -a, -a == un castello == a castle
  30. klime, -a, -a == un clima == a climate
  31. krap,- i, krep == una carpa == a carp
  32. klimë, -a, -a == un clima == a climate
  33. konkurrencë, -a == concorrenza == a competition
  34. konkurrent, -i, -ë == un concorrente == a competitor
  35. konsum, -i, -e == un consumo == consumption
  36. kontribut, -i, -e == un contributo == a contribution
  37. libër, -ri, -ra == un libro == a book
  38. limon, -i, -ë == un limone == a lemon
  39. makinë, -a, -a == una macchina == a car
  40. mit, -i, -e == un mito == a myth
  41. mobilje, -a, -e == un mobile == furniture
  42. nip, -i, -a == un nipote == a cousin
  43. orë, -a, -ë == un'ora == an hour (or a clock)
  44. origjinë, -a, -a == un'orignine == an origin
  45. pacient, -i, -ë == un paziente == a patient (male)
  46. paqe, -ja == pace == peace
  47. papagall, -lli, -j == un pappagallo == a parrot
  48. pantallona, -t == un pantalone == pants
  49. patate, -ja, -e == una patata == a potato
  50. patatinë, -a, -a == patatine == potato chips
  51. peshk, -u, peshq == un pesce == a fish
  52. peshkatar, -i, -ë == un pescatore == a fisherman
  53. për == per == for, about
  54. peshë, -a, -a == peso == weight
  55. picë, -a, -a == una pizza == a pizza
  56. pikant, -i, -ë == piccante == spicy
  57. piktor, -i, -ë == un pittore == a painter
  58. pjatë, -a, -a == un piatto == a plate, a dish, a course (food)
  59. proshutë, -a, -a == un prosciutto == a ham (also means bacon)
  60. salcë, -ë, -a == una salsa == a sauce
  61. salsiçise, -ja, -e == una salsiccia == a sausage
  62. sallatë, -a, -a == un'insalata == a salad
  63. siguri, -a, - == una sicurezza == a security
  64. skuadër, -ra, -ra == una squadra == a team
  65. stilograf, -i, -ë == una penna stilografica == a fountain pen
  66. tendencë, -a, -a == una tendenza == a tendency, trend
  67. titull, -lli, -j == un titolo == a title
  68. tortë, -a, -a == una torta == a cake
  69. tradicional, -e == tradizionale == traditional
  70. tren, -i, -a == un treno == a train
  71. vazo, -ja, - == un vaso == a vaze
  72. vilë, -a, -a == una villa == a villa

Loan words for English speakers

  1. abuzim, -i, -e == an abuse
  2. abuzoj == to abuse
  3. administrativ, -e == administrative
  4. admirim, -i == admiration
  5. aeroplan, -i, -ë == an airplane
  6. aeroport, -i, -e == an airport
  7. akademi, -a, - == an academy
  8. aksident, -i, -e == an accident
  9. aktiv, -e == active
  10. aktivitet, -i, -e == an activity
  11. aktor, -i, -ë == an actor
  12. aleancë, -a, -a == an alliance
  13. amendament, -i, -e == an amendment
  14. ambasador, -i, -ë == an ambassador
  15. amerikan, -i, -ë == an American
  16. amfiteatër, -ri, -ro == an amphitheater
  17. antik, -e == antique
  18. antikitet, -i == antiquity
  19. antologji == an anthology
  20. apartament, -i, -e == an apartment
  21. arkeolog, -u, -ë == an archaeologist
  22. arkeologjik, -e == archaeological
  23. arkitekturor, -e == architectural
  24. aromë, -a, -a == an aroma
  25. arrestim, -i, -e == an arrest
  26. arrestoj == to arrest
  27. arrogant, -e == arrogant
  28. artikull, -lli, -j == an article
  29. artist, -i, -ë == an artist
  30. artistik, -e == artistic
  31. aspiratë, -a, -a == an aspiration
  32. atmosferë, -a, -a == an atmosphere
  33. audiencë, -a, -a == an audience
  34. autoritarist, -e == authoritarian
  35. autoritet, -i, -ë == an authority
  36. balet, -i, -e == a ballet
  37. banane, -ia, -e == a banana
  38. bankë, -a, -a == a bank
  39. banknotë, -a, -a == a banknote
  40. basketboll, -i == basketball
  41. basketbollist, -i, -ë == a baskeball player
  42. bazë, -ë, -a == a base
  43. bllokoj == to block
  44. blu == blue
  45. bojkot, -i, -e == a boycott
  46. botanik, -e == botanical
  47. brokoli == broccoli
  48. bunker, -i, -ë == a bunker
  49. celular, -e == cellular
  50. ceremoni, -a, - == a ceremony
  51. çek, -ku, -qe == a check (payment instrument)
  52. datë, -a, -a == a date (time)
  53. datoj == to date (time)
  54. debat, -i, -e == a debate
  55. dekade, -ë, -a == a decade
  56. deklaroj == to declare
  57. dentar, -e == dental
  58. dentist, -i, -ë == a dentist
  59. derë, -a, dyer == a door
  60. desertor, -i ,-ë == a deserter
  61. deshirë, -a, -a == a desire
  62. deshiroj == to desire
  63. dialekt, -i, -e == a dialect
  64. dietë, -a, -a == a diet
  65. diplomat, -i, -ë == a diplomat
  66. diskutim, -i, -e == a discussion
  67. diskutoj == to discuss
  68. distancë, -a, -a == a distance
  69. dixhital == digital
  70. dizanoj == to design
  71. dokument, -i, -e == a document
  72. dokumentar, -i, -ë == a documentary
  73. domate, -ja, -e == a tomato
  74. dominoj == to dominate
  75. editorial, -i, -e == an editorial
  76. edukatë, -a == an education
  77. egoist, -i, -ë == an egoist
  78. ekonomi, -a == economics
  79. ekonomik, -e == economical
  80. ekonomist, -i, -ë == an economist
  81. ekselencë, -a, -a == an excellence
  82. ekskursion, -i, -e == an excursion
  83. ekzekutues, -e == executive
  84. elegant, -e == elegant
  85. elektricitet, -i == electricity
  86. elektronik, -e == electronic
  87. elitë, -a, -a == an elite
  88. emigrim, -i, -e == an emigration
  89. estetik, -e == aesthetic
  90. i famshëm, e famshme == famous
  91. fazë, -a, -a == a phase
  92. firmë, -a, -a == a firm (business)
  93. fakt, -i, -e == a fact
  94. fanellë, -a, -a == a flannel shirt, undershirt
  95. i favorishëm, e -me == favourable
  96. federal, -e == federal
  97. fenomen, -i, -e == a phenomenon
  98. festival, -i, -e == a festival
  99. fibër, -ra, -ra == a fiber
  100. filëte, -a, -a == a fillet
  101. film, -i, -a == a film
  102. financier, -i, -ë == a finacier
  103. formal, -e == formal
  104. formë, -a, -a == a form, shape (paper or digital form is formular)
  105. formoj == to form
  106. fotogjenik, -e == photogenic
  107. fotografi, -a, - == a photograph
  108. frutë, -a, -a == a fruit
  109. furnizim, -i, -e == furnishing, supplies
  110. futboll, -i == football (soccer)
  111. galeri, -a, - == a gallery
  112. gest, -i, -e == a gesture
  113. gjerman, -i, -ë == German (nationality)
  114. gjerman, -e == German (adj.)
  115. global, -e == global
  116. glob, -i, -e == a globe
  117. gradë, -a, -a == a grade, quality
  118. gjimnastikor, -i == gymnastic (adj.)
  119. grup, -i, -e == a group
  120. hamburger, -i, -ë == a hamburger
  121. harmonik, -e == harmonic
  122. hero, -i, -nj == a hero
  123. hezitoj == to hesitate
  124. hibrid, -e == hybrid
  125. himn, -i, -e == a hymn
  126. historik, -e == historical
  127. holl, -i, -e == a hall
  128. hotel, -i, -e == a hotel
  129. identifikim, -i, -e == an identification
  130. ikonografik, -e == iconographic
  131. imejl == email (also postë elektronike, email or e-mail)
  132. imponoj == to impose
  133. inauguroj == inaugurate
  134. individual, -e == individual (adj.)
  135. industri, -a, -a == an industry
  136. infeksion, -i, -e == an infection
  137. informativ, -e == informative
  138. inspiroj == to inspire
  139. instrument, -i, -e == an instrument
  140. intensivisht == intensively
  141. intergritet == integrity
  142. interes, -i, -a == an interest
  143. internet, -i == the Internet
  144. interpretim, -i, -e == an interpretation
  145. interpretoj == to interpret
  146. Itali, -a == Italy
  147. italian, -e == Italian (adj.)
  148. italian, -i, -ë == Italian (nationality
  149. itinerar, -i, -e == an itinerary
  150. janar, -i == January
  151. ju == you
  152. kamp, -i, -e == a a camp
  153. karrierë, -ë, -a == a career
  154. katalog, -u, -ë == a catalogue
  155. katastrofë, -a, -a == a catastrophe
  156. kategori, -a, - == a category
  157. kazino, -ja, -të == a casino
  158. kështjellë, -a, -a == a castle, fortress
  159. kilogram, -i, -ë == a kilogram
  160. kilometër, -ri, -ra == a kilometer
  161. kivi == a kiwi (fruit)
  162. kler, -i, -e == a clergy
  163. klinikë, -a, -a == a clinic
  164. klon, -i, -e == a clone
  165. klub, -i, -e == a club
  166. koment, -i, -e == a comment
  167. komunal, -e == communal
  168. konsensual, -e == consensual
  169. kopjoj == to copy
  170. kolesterol, -i == a cholesterol
  171. kombinim, -i, -e == a combination
  172. kompani, -a, - == a company
  173. kompjuter, -i, -a == a computer
  174. kompresë, -a, -a == a compress
  175. komunitet, -i, -e == a community
  176. konferencë, -a, -a == a conference
  177. konfirmoj == to confirm
  178. konfuzion, -i, -e == a confusion
  179. konfirmim, -i, -e == a confirmation
  180. kongres, -i, -e == a congress
  181. konsideroj == to consider
  182. konsull, -lli, -j == a consul
  183. konsumoj == to consume
  184. kontaktoj == to contact
  185. kontrolloj == to control, inspect, examine
  186. kontroll, -i, -e == a control, check
  187. kopje, -a, -e == a copy
  188. korrigjoj == to correct
  189. korrupsion, -i, -e == a corruption
  190. krap, -i, krep == a carp
  191. krim, -i, -e == a crime
  192. kritikë, -a, -a == a critique
  193. kritikoj == to critisize
  194. kult, -i, -e == a cult
  195. kupë, -a, -a == a cup
  196. letër, -ra, -ra == a letter, a card
  197. lider == a leader
  198. litër, -ri, -ra == a liter
  199. magnet == a magnet
  200. marshoj == to march
  201. material, -i, -e == material
  202. menaxher, -i, -ë == a manager
  203. madhësti, -a == majesty, grandiosity
  204. marksist, -e == marxist
  205. menaxhoj == to manage
  206. mentalitet, -i, -e == a mentality
  207. meritoj == to merit
  208. militant, -e == militant
  209. mineral == mineral
  210. ministër, -ri, -ra = a minister
  211. Ministri, -a, - == a ministry
  212. mister, -i, -e == a mystery
  213. model, -i, -e == a model
  214. modern, -e == modern
  215. moment, -i, -e == a moment
  216. monument, -i, -e == a monument
  217. mozaik, -i, -ë == a mosaic
  218. muzikë, -a == music
  219. oksigjen, -i, -e == oxygen
  220. opinion, -i, -e == an opinion (also mendim)
  221. opozitë, -a, -a == an opposition
  222. pako, -ja, - == a pack, packet, parcel
  223. parlament, -i, -e == a parliament
  224. park, -ku, -qe == a park
  225. parti, -a, -të == a party (political)
  226. pasagjer, -i, -e == a passenger
  227. patriotik, -e == patriotic
  228. periferi, -a, -të == a periphery
  229. periudhë, -a, -a == a period
  230. ping-pong == ping-pong, table tennis
  231. piper, -i == pepper (table spice)
  232. piramidë, -ë, -a == a pyramid
  233. pjek == to bake
  234. plan, -i, -e == a plan
  235. planet, -i, -e == a planet
  236. pluralizëm, -mi == a pluralism
  237. poet, -i, -ë == a poet
  238. polifoni, -a, - == a polyphony
  239. populist, -e == populist
  240. popullor, -e == popular
  241. porcelan, -i == porcelain
  242. postë, -a, -a == mail, post office post
  243. potencial, -i, -e == a potential
  244. pragmatik, -e == pragmatic
  245. pragmatizëm, -mi, -ma == a pragmatism
  246. prill, -i == April
  247. proces, -i, -e == a process
  248. puloverë, -a, -a == a pullover, a sweater
  249. qendër, -a, -a == a center
  250. radio, -ja, - == a radio
  251. raport, -i, -e == a report
  252. recital, -i, -e == a recital
  253. restorant, -i, -e == a restaurant
  254. reumatizëm, -mi, -ma == rheumatism
  255. rezervë, -a, -a == a reserve
  256. rezolutë, -a, -a == a resolution
  257. i,e saktë == exact
  258. sandale == sandals
  259. sanduiç, -i, -ë == a sandwich
  260. sekret, -i, -e == a secret
  261. sekretar, -i, -ë == a secretary
  262. sekt, -i, -e == a sect
  263. semestër, -ri, -ra == a semester
  264. seminar, -i, -e == a seminar
  265. sezon, -i, -e == a season
  266. shkollë, -a, -a == a school
  267. shtet, -i, -e == a state, country
  268. simbolik, -e == symbolic, very cheap
  269. simptomë, -a, -a == a symptom
  270. sinjal, -i, -e == a signal
  271. i,e sinqertë == sincere
  272. situatë, -a, -a == a situation, condition
  273. skemë, -a, -a == a scheme
  274. social, -e == social
  275. solemn, -e == solemn, gala
  276. specifikë, -a, -a == a specific feature
  277. spektakël, -li, -le == a spectacle
  278. spektator, -i, -ë == a spectator
  279. spinaq, -i == spinach
  280. spital, -i, -e == a hospital
  281. sporadik, -e == sporadic
  282. statut, -i, -e == a statute
  283. sukses, -i, -e == success
  284. stomak, -u, -ë == a stomach
  285. stres, -i == stress
  286. studioj == to study
  287. taksi, -a, - == a taxi
  288. tekst, -i, -e == a text
  289. telefon, -i, -a == a telephone
  290. telefon celular == a cell phone
  291. tempull, -lli, -j == a temple
  292. terapi == a therapy
  293. terror, -i, -e == a terror
  294. totalitar, -e == totalitarian
  295. torturë, -a, -a == torture
  296. trajtim, -i, -e == a treatment
  297. transferim, -i, -e == a transfer
  298. turist, -i, -ë == a tourist
  299. turistik, -e == touristic
  300. unik, -e == unique
  301. vaksinë, -a, -a == a vaccine
  302. vanilje, -a == vanilla
  303. variant, -i, -e == a variant, variation
  304. vëllim, -i, -e == volume
  305. vitaminë, -a, -a == a vitamin
  306. vizitoj == to visit
  307. volejboll, -i == volleyball
  308. votë, -a, -a == a vote
  309. votim, -i, -e == a voting
  310. xhaketë, -a, -a == a jacket
  311. xhinse == jeans, denim
  312. zero == zero
  313. zonë, -a, -a == zone, area, region

Loan words for Swedish speakers / Lån ord för svensktalande

  1. fabrikë == en fabrik - a factory
  2. konkurrencë == en konkurrens - competition (market)
  3. natë, -e, net == en natt - a night.
  4. provë, -a, -a == ett prov == a test, experiment, fitting
  5. provoj == prova == to try
  6. radhë -a, -ë == en rad == a row
  7. redaktor, -, -ë == en redaktör == an editor
  8. shkumë == en skum == a foam

Loan words for Russian speakers

  1. banjë, -a, -a == ванная == bathroom
  2. bankomat, -i, -e == Банкомат == an ATM
  3. çaj, -i == чай == tea
  4. diabet, -i == диабет == diabetes
  5. gazetë, -a,- a == газета == a newspaper
  6. jug == юг == south
  7. kukull, -a, -a == кукла == a doll
  8. leksion, -i, -e == лекция == a lecture
  9. pallto, -ja, - == пальто == a coat
  10. reklamë, -a, -a == реклама == an ad
  11. shah, -u == шах == chess
  12. televizor, -i, -ë == телевизор == television set
  13. ti == ты == you (singular)

Loan words for Turkish speakers

  1. bakllava, -ja, - == baklava == baklava
  2. byrek, -u, -ë == börek == a savory pie
  3. çorapë, -, -e == çorap == a sock
  4. hamam == hamam == Turkish bath
  5. kolltuk, -u, kolltuqe == koltuk == armchair, seat
  6. osman, -e == Osmanlı == ottoman
  7. sulltan, -i, -ë == sultan == a sultan
  8. sheqer, -i == şeker == sugar
  9. shishe, -ja, -e == şişe == a bottle
  10. shisqebap, -i, -e == şiş kebap == shish kebab

Loan words for German speakers

  • mensë, -a, -a == die Mensa == a school cafeteria, a cantine

Loan words for Latin speakers

  1. e mërkurë, -a, -a == Mercurii == Wednesday
  2. monedhë, -a, -a == monetæ == coin, coinage, small change

Loan words for Spanish speakers

  1. telenovelë, -a, -a == una telenovela == a soap opera

False friends

  1. i,e habitur == surprised, astonished
  2. konvikt, -i, -e == a dormitory
  3. koran, -i, -ë == a trout
  4. verdhë == yellow

Resources for learning Albanian

Books for learning Albanian

  • Colloquial Albanian (2012) is an excellent book for anglophones by Linda Mëniku and Héctor Campos. It is concise and well organized. The learning curve gets steeper towards the end. Routledge, the publisher has kindly made audio for all text passages downloadable for free from the book's homepage. As of 2018 the vocabulary of this excellent book have not yet been made to a memrise. A previous edition in the same Colloquial series from the early 90's does have a memrise of the vocabulary.
  • Discovering Albanian 1 (2011) is also by Linda Mëniku and Héctor Campos and it consists of a textbook and workbook. As of 2018 there is no Discovering Albanian 2. The audio for the textbook can be accessed only via 2 CD's. Who has CD-players these days? Let's hope The University of Wisconsin Press wakes up and provides streaming and download at no extra charge.

Albanian radio

  • There are various streaming apps available in the app stores.
  • Live Online Radio is a radio streaming service for the web. It has one of the largest selections of Albanian radios.
  • Radio.garden has a beautiful user interface where you tune into radios by spinning a globe to the desired location of transmission.

Albanian TV

  • https://albanian.tv/ offers streaming of many of the popular Albanian TV channels. It often works but occasionally the streams have trouble playing out without intermittent interruptions.
  • The RTSH Tani app is available for Android and iOS Apple phones. With the app you can access all the channels broadcast by RTSH including RTSH Film. The app does not have ads (excellent) whereas the RTSH channels do have ads. RTSH Tani app also features a VOD archive where you can watch recent programs up-to-2-days into the broadcasting history and a handy integrated EPG.

Films with Albanian subtitles

  • These you can find on Youtube by searching for 'filma me titra shqip'. Watching movies spoken in a language you understand while reading the subtitles in the language you want to learn is an excellent way to learn and refresh in a low-effort manner.
  • There are also Albanian films. These are unfortunately not subtitled and the speech is often really rapid. French do subtitle some of their own films on TV5MONDE to aid the non-natives tackle the 5 words per second pace.

Wiki literature

  • Wikibooks.org, Albanian version may be useful after you have gained the basics. Reading wikibooks of subjects and fields you already know may fast-forward your ability to read some text.
  • Albanian Wikipedia Same advice, select subjects this way you have a clear idea of what it is likely to say. Wikipedia writing is less predictable than a textbook.

Online texts

  • Foreign Services Institute (FSI) (1965) .pdf book on Albanian. From this I can recommend the history introduction of this text aimed mostly for US armed forces personel though naturally the FSI's work helps also non-military government workers to gain knowledge too. Albanian language has changed so much since 1965 that this cannot really be used to learn contemporary albanian but the intro is good if you are a history and culture puff.

Learning games

  • https://memrise.com is a spaced repetition flashcard and beyond language learning game and it has various memrises of varying quality. Memrise programs your brain slightly differently than traditional methods of vocabulary acquisition.
  • Basic Albanian 1 (~170 things to learn) and
  • Basic Albanian 2 (~210 things to learn) are of high quality, simple intros to the basic building blocks made by BaaS, an apparent memrise genius if you look at his productivity, scope and quality of his work.
  • (No typing) Albanian Menu (~110 things to learn). " For people intending to travel to Albania this memrise obviously highly recommendable as we all gotta eat. No typing"-courses are fun because they are faster to play so you also get points faster.
  • Discovering Albanian 1 (~1800 things to learn) a professional quality memrise based on the vocabulary lists of the book of the same name. This memrise contains audio in high quality, consistency and precision for practically all words and phrases to be learned. This memrise has over 1800 things to learn so it is the biggest available. The makers of this memrise have used sensible notation: For nouns indefinite and definite singular and indefinite plural are given etc. etc.
  • Albanian Verbs (~480 things to learn). Teaches you the 1st person singular form of verbs (Albanian has no infinitives) with the exception of "to be" and "to have" where all present tense forms are taught in the last level.