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What is the Ladin language and do people also speak English in Val Gardena? in Val Gardena - Scenic view
Culture

What is the Ladin language and do people also speak English in Val Gardena?

Content created: Feb 20, 2026 • Last reviewed Feb 20, 2026

Ladin is a Rhaeto-Romance language spoken by the majority of locals in Val Gardena, and English is very widely spoken within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Quick Facts

Access
Trilingual locals (Ladin, German, Italian)
Tip
English is standard in hotels and shops
Alternative
Signs are in three languages

Understanding Ladin

Ladin is not a dialect of Italian or German, but a distinct Rhaeto-Romance language derived from Vulgar Latin. It is over 2,000 years old and is the primary language for most residents in Val Gardena. In schools, children are taught in a parilingual system, meaning they grow up fluent in Ladin, German, and Italian.

You will notice that all road signs and place names are written in three languages. For example, the village of Selva is also known as Wolkenstein (German) and Sëlva (Ladin).

English Proficiency

As one of the world's premier mountain destinations, Val Gardena is highly international. You will have no trouble navigating the valley with English. It is the common language for ski instructors, mountain guides, and staff at luxury establishments like Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti , Hotel Granbaita Dolomites , and Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa .

Pro Tip

Learning a few words of Ladin, such as 'Bun dé' (Good day) or 'Giulan' (Thank you), is greatly appreciated by the locals and adds a special touch to your cultural experience.

Sources