What Language Do They Speak in Suriname?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
The official language of Suriname is Dutch. Dutch is also an official language in 2 other countries worldwide.
Learn some Dutch before you go
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Dutch Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Suriname at a glance
| Official language | Dutch |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 1 |
| Countries on this site where Dutch is official | 3 |
| People (demonym) | Surinamer |
| Capital | Paramaribo |
| Internet domain | .sr |
Other countries where Dutch is official
Dutch is also an official language in 2 other countries covered here:
Languages of neighbouring countries
Suriname in context
- Suriname covers 163,820 km², making it the 90th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 4 people per km² ranks 192nd of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 2 countries: Brazil, Guyana.
- With 616,500 people, Suriname holds about 0.1% of the population of South America.
- Traffic drives on the left, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Suriname is a member state of the United Nations.
Useful phrases for visitors to Suriname
Everyday Dutch phrases you will hear and use in Suriname:
| English | Dutch |
|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo |
| Thank you | Dank u wel |
| Please | Alstublieft |
| Goodbye | Tot ziens |
| Yes | Ja |
| No | Nee |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Suriname — FAQ
What language do they speak in Suriname?
The official language of Suriname is Dutch.
How many official languages does Suriname have?
Suriname has 1 official language: Dutch.
Is Dutch spoken anywhere else?
Dutch is also an official language in 2 other countries.
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