Learning Albanian

Revision as of 08:18, 21 September 2018 by Jukeboksi (talk | contribs) (→‎Loan words for English speakers: + reagoj == to react)

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. akuzoj == to accuse
  13. aleancë, -a, -a == an alliance
  14. amendament, -i, -e == an amendment
  15. ambasador, -i, -ë == an ambassador
  16. amerikan, -i, -ë == an American
  17. amfiteatër, -ri, -ro == an amphitheater
  18. antik, -e == antique
  19. antikitet, -i == antiquity
  20. antologji == an anthology
  21. apartament, -i, -e == an apartment
  22. arkeolog, -u, -ë == an archaeologist
  23. arkeologjik, -e == archaeological
  24. arkitekturor, -e == architectural
  25. aromë, -a, -a == an aroma
  26. arrestim, -i, -e == an arrest
  27. arrestoj == to arrest
  28. arrogant, -e == arrogant
  29. artikull, -lli, -j == an article
  30. artist, -i, -ë == an artist
  31. artistik, -e == artistic
  32. aspiratë, -a, -a == an aspiration
  33. atmosferë, -a, -a == an atmosphere
  34. audiencë, -a, -a == an audience
  35. autoritarist, -e == authoritarian
  36. autoritet, -i, -ë == an authority
  37. balet, -i, -e == a ballet
  38. banane, -ia, -e == a banana
  39. bankë, -a, -a == a bank
  40. banknotë, -a, -a == a banknote
  41. basketboll, -i == basketball
  42. basketbollist, -i, -ë == a baskeball player
  43. bazë, -ë, -a == a base
  44. bllokoj == to block
  45. blu == blue
  46. bojkot, -i, -e == a boycott
  47. botanik, -e == botanical
  48. brokoli == broccoli
  49. bunker, -i, -ë == a bunker
  50. celular, -e == cellular
  51. ceremoni, -a, - == a ceremony
  52. çek, -ku, -qe == a check (payment instrument)
  53. datë, -a, -a == a date (time)
  54. datoj == to date (time)
  55. debat, -i, -e == a debate
  56. dekade, -ë, -a == a decade
  57. deklaroj == to declare
  58. dentar, -e == dental
  59. dentist, -i, -ë == a dentist
  60. derë, -a, dyer == a door
  61. desertor, -i ,-ë == a deserter
  62. deshirë, -a, -a == a desire
  63. deshiroj == to desire
  64. dialekt, -i, -e == a dialect
  65. dietë, -a, -a == a diet
  66. diplomat, -i, -ë == a diplomat
  67. diskutim, -i, -e == a discussion
  68. diskutoj == to discuss
  69. distancë, -a, -a == a distance
  70. dixhital == digital
  71. dizanoj == to design
  72. dokument, -i, -e == a document
  73. dokumentar, -i, -ë == a documentary
  74. domate, -ja, -e == a tomato
  75. dominoj == to dominate
  76. editorial, -i, -e == an editorial
  77. edukatë, -a == an education
  78. egoist, -i, -ë == an egoist
  79. ekonomi, -a == economics
  80. ekonomik, -e == economical
  81. ekonomist, -i, -ë == an economist
  82. ekselencë, -a, -a == an excellence
  83. ekskursion, -i, -e == an excursion
  84. ekzekutues, -e == executive
  85. elegant, -e == elegant
  86. elektricitet, -i == electricity
  87. elektronik, -e == electronic
  88. elitë, -a, -a == an elite
  89. emigrim, -i, -e == an emigration
  90. estetik, -e == aesthetic
  91. i famshëm, e famshme == famous
  92. fazë, -a, -a == a phase
  93. firmë, -a, -a == a firm (business)
  94. fakt, -i, -e == a fact
  95. fanellë, -a, -a == a flannel shirt, undershirt
  96. i favorishëm, e -me == favourable
  97. federal, -e == federal
  98. fenomen, -i, -e == a phenomenon
  99. festival, -i, -e == a festival
  100. fibër, -ra, -ra == a fiber
  101. filëte, -a, -a == a fillet
  102. film, -i, -a == a film
  103. financier, -i, -ë == a finacier
  104. formal, -e == formal
  105. formë, -a, -a == a form, shape (paper or digital form is formular)
  106. formoj == to form
  107. fotogjenik, -e == photogenic
  108. fotografi, -a, - == a photograph
  109. frutë, -a, -a == a fruit
  110. furnizim, -i, -e == furnishing, supplies
  111. futboll, -i == football (soccer)
  112. galeri, -a, - == a gallery
  113. gest, -i, -e == a gesture
  114. gjerman, -i, -ë == German (nationality)
  115. gjerman, -e == German (adj.)
  116. global, -e == global
  117. glob, -i, -e == a globe
  118. gradë, -a, -a == a grade, quality
  119. gjimnastikor, -i == gymnastic (adj.)
  120. grup, -i, -e == a group
  121. hamburger, -i, -ë == a hamburger
  122. harmonik, -e == harmonic
  123. hero, -i, -nj == a hero
  124. hezitoj == to hesitate
  125. hibrid, -e == hybrid
  126. himn, -i, -e == a hymn
  127. historik, -e == historical
  128. holl, -i, -e == a hall
  129. hotel, -i, -e == a hotel
  130. identifikim, -i, -e == an identification
  131. ikonografik, -e == iconographic
  132. imejl == email (also postë elektronike, email or e-mail)
  133. imponoj == to impose
  134. inauguroj == inaugurate
  135. individual, -e == individual (adj.)
  136. industri, -a, -a == an industry
  137. infeksion, -i, -e == an infection
  138. informativ, -e == informative
  139. inspiroj == to inspire
  140. instrument, -i, -e == an instrument
  141. intensivisht == intensively
  142. intergritet == integrity
  143. interes, -i, -a == an interest
  144. internet, -i == the Internet
  145. interpretim, -i, -e == an interpretation
  146. interpretoj == to interpret
  147. Itali, -a == Italy
  148. italian, -e == Italian (adj.)
  149. italian, -i, -ë == Italian (nationality
  150. itinerar, -i, -e == an itinerary
  151. janar, -i == January
  152. ju == you
  153. kamp, -i, -e == a a camp
  154. karrierë, -ë, -a == a career
  155. katalog, -u, -ë == a catalogue
  156. katastrofë, -a, -a == a catastrophe
  157. kategori, -a, - == a category
  158. kazino, -ja, -të == a casino
  159. kështjellë, -a, -a == a castle, fortress
  160. kilogram, -i, -ë == a kilogram
  161. kilometër, -ri, -ra == a kilometer
  162. kivi == a kiwi (fruit)
  163. kler, -i, -e == a clergy
  164. klinikë, -a, -a == a clinic
  165. klon, -i, -e == a clone
  166. klub, -i, -e == a club
  167. koment, -i, -e == a comment
  168. komunal, -e == communal
  169. konsensual, -e == consensual
  170. kopjoj == to copy
  171. kolesterol, -i == a cholesterol
  172. kombinim, -i, -e == a combination
  173. kompani, -a, - == a company
  174. kompjuter, -i, -a == a computer
  175. kompresë, -a, -a == a compress
  176. komunitet, -i, -e == a community
  177. konferencë, -a, -a == a conference
  178. konfirmoj == to confirm
  179. konfuzion, -i, -e == a confusion
  180. konfirmim, -i, -e == a confirmation
  181. kongres, -i, -e == a congress
  182. konsideroj == to consider
  183. konsull, -lli, -j == a consul
  184. konsumoj == to consume
  185. kontaktoj == to contact
  186. kontrolloj == to control, inspect, examine
  187. kontroll, -i, -e == a control, check
  188. kopje, -a, -e == a copy
  189. korrigjoj == to correct
  190. korrupsion, -i, -e == a corruption
  191. krap, -i, krep == a carp
  192. krim, -i, -e == a crime
  193. kritikë, -a, -a == a critique
  194. kritikoj == to critisize
  195. kult, -i, -e == a cult
  196. kupë, -a, -a == a cup
  197. letër, -ra, -ra == a letter, a card
  198. lider == a leader
  199. litër, -ri, -ra == a liter
  200. magnet == a magnet
  201. marshoj == to march
  202. material, -i, -e == material
  203. menaxher, -i, -ë == a manager
  204. madhësti, -a == majesty, grandiosity
  205. marksist, -e == marxist
  206. menaxhoj == to manage
  207. mentalitet, -i, -e == a mentality
  208. meritoj == to merit
  209. militant, -e == militant
  210. mineral == mineral
  211. ministër, -ri, -ra = a minister
  212. Ministri, -a, - == a ministry
  213. mister, -i, -e == a mystery
  214. model, -i, -e == a model
  215. modern, -e == modern
  216. moment, -i, -e == a moment
  217. monument, -i, -e == a monument
  218. mozaik, -i, -ë == a mosaic
  219. muzikë, -a == music
  220. oksigjen, -i, -e == oxygen
  221. opinion, -i, -e == an opinion (also mendim)
  222. opozitë, -a, -a == an opposition
  223. pako, -ja, - == a pack, packet, parcel
  224. parlament, -i, -e == a parliament
  225. park, -ku, -qe == a park
  226. parti, -a, -të == a party (political)
  227. pasagjer, -i, -e == a passenger
  228. patriotik, -e == patriotic
  229. periferi, -a, -të == a periphery
  230. periudhë, -a, -a == a period
  231. ping-pong == ping-pong, table tennis
  232. piper, -i == pepper (table spice)
  233. piramidë, -ë, -a == a pyramid
  234. pjek == to bake
  235. plan, -i, -e == a plan
  236. planet, -i, -e == a planet
  237. pluralizëm, -mi == a pluralism
  238. poet, -i, -ë == a poet
  239. polifoni, -a, - == a polyphony
  240. populist, -e == populist
  241. popullor, -e == popular
  242. porcelan, -i == porcelain
  243. postë, -a, -a == mail, post office post
  244. potencial, -i, -e == a potential
  245. pragmatik, -e == pragmatic
  246. pragmatizëm, -mi, -ma == a pragmatism
  247. prill, -i == April
  248. proces, -i, -e == a process
  249. puloverë, -a, -a == a pullover, a sweater
  250. qendër, -a, -a == a center
  251. radio, -ja, - == a radio
  252. raport, -i, -e == a report
  253. reagoj == to react
  254. recital, -i, -e == a recital
  255. restorant, -i, -e == a restaurant
  256. reumatizëm, -mi, -ma == rheumatism
  257. rezervë, -a, -a == a reserve
  258. rezolutë, -a, -a == a resolution
  259. i,e saktë == exact
  260. sandale == sandals
  261. sanduiç, -i, -ë == a sandwich
  262. sekret, -i, -e == a secret
  263. sekretar, -i, -ë == a secretary
  264. sekt, -i, -e == a sect
  265. semestër, -ri, -ra == a semester
  266. seminar, -i, -e == a seminar
  267. sezon, -i, -e == a season
  268. shkollë, -a, -a == a school
  269. shtet, -i, -e == a state, country
  270. simbolik, -e == symbolic, very cheap
  271. simptomë, -a, -a == a symptom
  272. sinjal, -i, -e == a signal
  273. i,e sinqertë == sincere
  274. situatë, -a, -a == a situation, condition
  275. skemë, -a, -a == a scheme
  276. social, -e == social
  277. solemn, -e == solemn, gala
  278. specifikë, -a, -a == a specific feature
  279. spektakël, -li, -le == a spectacle
  280. spektator, -i, -ë == a spectator
  281. spinaq, -i == spinach
  282. spital, -i, -e == a hospital
  283. sporadik, -e == sporadic
  284. statut, -i, -e == a statute
  285. sukses, -i, -e == success
  286. stomak, -u, -ë == a stomach
  287. stres, -i == stress
  288. studioj == to study
  289. taksi, -a, - == a taxi
  290. tekst, -i, -e == a text
  291. telefon, -i, -a == a telephone
  292. telefon celular == a cell phone
  293. tempull, -lli, -j == a temple
  294. terapi == a therapy
  295. terror, -i, -e == a terror
  296. totalitar, -e == totalitarian
  297. torturë, -a, -a == torture
  298. trajtim, -i, -e == a treatment
  299. transferim, -i, -e == a transfer
  300. turist, -i, -ë == a tourist
  301. turistik, -e == touristic
  302. unik, -e == unique
  303. vaksinë, -a, -a == a vaccine
  304. vanilje, -a == vanilla
  305. variant, -i, -e == a variant, variation
  306. vëllim, -i, -e == volume
  307. vitaminë, -a, -a == a vitamin
  308. vizitoj == to visit
  309. volejboll, -i == volleyball
  310. votë, -a, -a == a vote
  311. votim, -i, -e == a voting
  312. xhaketë, -a, -a == a jacket
  313. xhinse == jeans, denim
  314. zero == zero
  315. 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.