The official language in Tunisia is Arabic but even if you speak Arabic, it is possible that you will not understand the inhabitants because of the different dialects. French, the lingua franca, is spoken fluently by almost every Tunisian. Of course, most of the employees in hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as the market vendors speak enough German and some phrases in English or Italian. However, you can only win, either favour or when bargaining, if you know some Arabic words.

Hello - Aslema
Goodbye - Beslema
Good morning - Sbachir
Good night - Sbalachir
Thank you- Shoukran
You’re welcome - Mid fadlek
Sorry- Sahmachni
How are you? - Lebes?
I’m fine! - Lebes! Hamdul'leh (standard answer, Hamdul’leh means „Thank God!” )
Inschal’lah – Hopefully; God willing
I am… - Ena...
I wish... - Enan häb
Where is...? - Ouen...?
Doctor - Tebib
Post office - Posta
Bank - Banka
Police - Pulis
How much is this? - Khaddesch?
Too expensive – rali jasser
No, thanks! - Le, shoukran!
I have this already. - Ena handi.
Yes- Nam
No - Le