There are many different levels of English proficiency throughout Europe, although some countries are among the top English-speaking countries in the world. The level of English fluency can have an impact on the tourism, international business, education, and daily travel experiences of visitors. Many people traveling from across America and the world have reported that they feel the communication is more fluent in some countries in Europe than others. A study of the world rankings for language studies and education can help to understand which countries are the best in Europe for learning English.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has always been in the top ten countries in the world for English proficiency. English is very common in business, universities, transportation, and in everyday public life. The Netherlands is consistently ranked in the top position or in the top few countries in the English Proficiency Index.
Sweden
The education system in Sweden is very good, and the country’s international business culture means extremely high English fluency. A considerable number of Swedes speak English quite well from an early age. It has always rated Sweden as ranking in the “very high proficiency” group in terms of English language proficiency.
Denmark
Denmark is often one of the most successful nations in Europe in terms of English language skills, particularly in urban centres and among younger people. Denmark ranks among the best in Europe for English language proficiency in international education studies on a regular basis.
Norway
Education in English in Norwegian schools starts early, and throughout the country, international media exposure further reinforces the acquisition of English fluency. According to EF Education First reports, Norway is always in the top tier of countries in the world with the best English proficiency.
Finland
Multilingual learning has a special emphasis in Finland’s education system, which promotes the use of English widely in professional and everyday contexts. Finland is regularly included in the EF English Proficiency rankings in the category of “very high proficiency”.
Austria
English speaking skills are relatively high in Austria, particularly in larger cities, due to the country’s tourism, international business and education sectors. Austria is regularly highly ranked in European English Language Proficiency Studies and International Education Reports.
Germany
English is very widely used across Germany, especially amongst young people and among professionals in the technology, tourism and international business sectors. Germany remains in the high-proficiency category in EF Rankings for English-speaking skills.
Belgium
Multilingualism in Belgium contributes to good English language skills, especially in the big cities of Brussels and Liège, where many international institutions are based. Belgium is consistently found in the top ten countries in Europe with strong English proficiency in Europe-wide language study surveys.
Portugal
English language skills are highly developed among tourists in Portugal, particularly in the capital of Lisbon, the port of Porto and in the main coastal resorts. In recent years, Portugal has been among the countries with a higher level of English proficiency in Europe, according to EF Education First rankings.
Poland
Over the past 20 years, younger professionals, students, and international business sectors in Poland have become much more proficient in English. Poland ranks high in European proficiency in English among many of its neighbours.
