Will Catalan Finally Be Recognised As An Official European Language?

 

Pre-Intermediate/Intermediate

CONTENT

  • LISTENING
  • READING
  • VOABULARY AND TRANSLATION
  • COMPREHENSION
  • TRUE OR FALSE
  • GRAMMAR-PRESENT PERFECT
  • SPELLING
  • PREPOSITIONS
  • ANSWER KEY

Catalan and the EU: Politics, Identity, and Cooperation. What is at stake here exactly?

 

“Our linguistic plurality is a unique value that defines us and, quite simply, makes us who we are.”
— Pedro Sanchez

Spain and Germany have started talks about making Catalan an official language of the European Union (EU). This idea has existed for a long time, but it never moved forward because all 27 EU countries must agree.

 

Now, things are changing. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to find a way that could work for everyone. For Sánchez, this decision is very important. His government needs the support of the Catalan party Junts, which asked for progress on Catalan’s recognition in the EU. If Junts stops supporting Sánchez, his government could have serious problems in Parliament.
So, for Spain, this is not only about language , it is also about politics.

Spain'sPrime Minister, Pedro Sanchez during EU talks

“We are talking about 13 million inhabitants in our country… we will continue to promote the use of the co-official languages recognised in our Constitution.”
— Pedro Sanchez

Germany’s position has also changed. Before, the German government said that adding new official languages was too difficult and expensive, because of the cost of translations. But now Germany wants to talk and cooperate. While Merz once called the proposal “complicated” due to translation logistics, his willingness to explore “acceptable solutions” could reflect a desire to maintain strong bilateral ties with Madrid or project a more inclusive image in EU affairs. This change may show that Berlin wants to keep good relations with Spain and support a more inclusive Europe.
Germany’s change shows that  in politics  and geo-political relations,  the ability to be flexible and open to discussions is key

 

If Catalan becomes an official EU language, other regions like the Basque Country, Galicia, or Brittany may ask for the same. This would be a big test for the EU. On one hand, it would celebrate Europe’s diversity. On the other hand, it could make administration more complex and expensive.
Europe must find a balance between culture and practicality.

As the proposal heads toward the General Affairs Council in November, we see  a delicate intersection of identity, diplomacy, and political necessity , a reminder that language in Europe is never just about words.

 

Is Pedro Sánchez is playing the political game.Is this a strategic ploy? Catalan recognition appeases pro-independence parties and secures the alliance between them. This alliance is vital to his minority government. Madrid may be using the language recognition request as currency: by promising something of visible value to Catalan parties, Sánchez locks them into support. The recognition process might drag on, but the promise itself buys time, stability and leverage.By elevating Catalan’s status, Madrid signals to Catalonia (and to Europe) that regional identity and plurilingualism are respected.This can ease internal tensions, or at least create a narrative of appeasement and in turn he keeps their political alliance intact.

Whatever happens, it shows that language, identity, and politics are strongly connected in today’s Europe but total language inclusion could come at a price.

When language becomes linked to politics, discussions often shift from culture to conflict. Yet in daily life — workplaces, cafés, classrooms — most bilingual Catalans switch languages fluidly and naturally.

 

As Catalans, I wonder what you think. Is their emotion tied to what's happening in Brussels. Is it important that Catalan is recognised as an official language. What are the benefits of this?

Choose this topic for your next class and receive feedback on your pronunciation and learn new vocabulary  while expressing your opinion.

KEY VOCABULARY

ENGLISH

 

Official language-A language used by a government for its operations

Negotiation-Discussion to reach an agreement

Prime Minister-The leader of a government

Support-To agree with or help someone

Recognition-Accepting something as valid or important

Cooperate-To work together for a common goal

Bilateral ties-Relations between two countries

Inclusive -  Including all groups or people

Diversity-Variety; difference between people or cultures

Balance-A situation where different elements are equal or fair

Plurilinguasim-The ability of an individual or community to use and understand multiple languages, often emphasizing coexistence, interaction, and cultural diversity rather than complete mastery of each language.

Alliance- Formal or informal agreement between individuals, parties or states

 

CATALAN

 

Llengua oficial

Negociació

Primer ministre

Support

Reconeixement

Cooperar

Vincles bilaterals

Inclusiu

Diversitat

Equilibri

Plurilingüisme

Aliança

 

 

SPANISH

 

Lengua oficial

Negociación

PriMer ministro

Apoyo

Reconocimiento

Cooperar

Lazos bilaterales

Inclusivo

Diversidad

Equilibrio

Plurilingüismo

Alianza

 

 

Grammar Point – The Present Perfect Tense

 

The present perfect tense connects past actions or experiences to the present moment.
Form: have / has + past participle 
Use when:

  • The time is not specific: She has visited Cardedeu, twice.

  • The result matters now: They have agreed to start classes.

  • Something started in the past and continues: He has played padel for ten years.

Now, complete each sentence using the correct form of the verb in brackets.

  1. Spain ______ (start) talks with Germany.

  2. The EU ______ (not decide) on Catalan’s status yet.

  3. Germany ______ (change) its position recently.

  4. Sánchez ______ (depend) on Catalan support for months.

  5. Many people ______ (discuss) the costs of translation.

True or False

 

  1. All EU countries must agree for a new official language. 
  2. Germany has always supported Catalan as an EU language.
  3. Junts’ support is unimportant to Sánchez’s government. 
  4. Recognizing Catalan could encourage other regions to ask for similar rights. 
  5. Language in Europe is only about communication, not identity. 

Discussion Points

 

(Check answer key for possible explanations)

  1. Why is making Catalan an official EU language politically important for Spain?
  2. Why might Germany have changed its position?
  3. What challenges could arise if Catalan becomes an official EU language?

 Find the Correct Synonym

 

  1. Cooperate → a) argue b) collaborate c) separate
  2. Support → a) assist b) ignore c) refuse
  3. Complicated → a) simple b) difficult c) clear
  4. Flexible → a) rigid b) adaptable c) strong
  5. Balance → a) conflict b) equilibrium c) disagreement

Jumbled Spelling Words

 

  1. IONGENTOIA → N---------N

  2. AUEGNAGL → L---------E

  3. LARILABET →B------L

  4. IVEDTYIS → D------Y

  5. ITICLOPS → P--------S


Fill in the Gap (Prepositions)

 

  • Spain and Germany have started talks  of/through/about making Catalan official.

  • Sánchez depends by/on /towards Junts for political support.

  • Germany agreed to work with/against/through Spain on this issue.

  • The proposal will go to/for/on  the General Affairs Council.

  • Europe must find a balance between/of/in culture and practicality.

 

Answer Key:

 

 

 

 

Present Perfect

1. has started

2. has not decided

3. has changed

4. has depended

5. have discussed

 

Spelling

  1. IONGENTOIA → NEGOTIATION

  2. AUEGNAGL → LANGUAGE

  3. LARILABET → BILATERAL

  4. IVEDTYIS → DIVERSITY

  5. ITICLOPS → POLITICS

Comprehension
  1. Why is making Catalan an official EU language politically important for Spain?
     Because Pedro Sánchez needs Junts’ political support, and recognizing Catalan helps him keep their backing.

  2. Why might Germany have changed its position?
     To maintain strong relations with Spain and to show openness and flexibility in European cooperation.

  3. What challenges could arise if Catalan becomes an official EU language?
     It could increase translation costs and inspire other regions to ask for the same status, making the EU system more complex.

Prepositions

 

  • Spain and Germany have started talks about making Catalan official.
    About is used to show the subject of discussion.

  • Sánchez depends on Junts for political support.
    On shows dependence or reliance.

  • Germany agreed to work with Spain on this issue.
    With indicates collaboration or partnership.

  • The proposal will go to the General Affairs Council.
    To shows direction or destination.

  • Europe must find a balance between culture and practicality.
    Between is used for two contrasting ideas.

 

Synonym Match

Answers: 1-b, 2-a, 3-b, 4-b, 5-b

True or False
  1. All EU countries must agree for a new official language.  ✅ True (the text states all 27 EU countries must agree).

  2. Germany has always supported Catalan as an EU language. ❌ False (it initially said it was too expensive).

  3. Junts’ support is unimportant to Sánchez’s government.  ❌ False (it is crucial for his majority).

  4. Recognizing Catalan could encourage other regions to ask for similar rights.  ✅ True (Basque, Galicia, Brittany are mentioned).

  5. Language in Europe is only about communication, not identity.  ❌ False (the text says language is about identity, diplomacy, and politics

The real complexities of  EU language recognition

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