Many countries & cities
are spelled differently

in English and the native tongue

The name game

Travelers lament the fact that names of countries and major cities are often spelled (and pronounced) differently in English than in the native tongue.

Linguistic scholars who established the English spelling translations centuries ago created unnecessary stumbling blocks for future travelers.


Using European
countries as examples


Austria: Österreich
Czech Republic: Czeka Republika
Denmark: Danmark

Estonia: Eesti

Finland: Suomi
Germany: Deutschland

Hungary: Magyarorszag

Iceland: Ísland

Ireland: Eire
Italy: Italia

Lithuania: Lietuva

Netherlands: Nederland
Norway: Norge
Poland: Polska
Slovakia: Slovensko
Spain: España
Sweden: Sverige


Using European
cities as examples


Cologne: Koln
Vienna: Wein
Florence: Firenze
Lisbon: Lisboa
Moscow: Moskva
Naples: Napoli
Prague: Praha
Rome: Roma
Saville: Savilla
Venice: Venezia


sponsored ad 

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides

Click links for tips & insights



©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications