The quality of English as a second language is becoming more and more competitive in European countries. Due to the weight that the language carries in the modern professional world, speaking English is fast becoming less of a benefit and more of an essential requirement when looking for a job in Europe.
Approximately 1.5 billion people learn English worldwide and of course, some countries find it easier than others to pick it up, depending on its similarity to their native languages.
Throughout the emerging generations of many nationalities, proficiency is almost ubiquitous as people are becoming more and more serious about language learning and have more possibilities to get English homework help.
For example, companies like ESL offer languages courses abroad, giving people the opportunity to properly immerse themselves in a new culture whilst improving their language skills.
There are also plenty of online learning resources, like an AI proofreader, to help English learners iron out their common mistakes. But, which country in Europe has the most English speakers?
If you're also wondering in which countries you can expect the highest salary, have a look at the 10 Best Countries to Earn Money and Get Wealthier Faster by Expatra. We have contributed our bit to the research for this piece, so make sure you won't miss it!
How did we make the list?
Our list of top 10 English-speaking countries is based on the annual EF English Proficiency Index (EPI). It measures the fluency of the adult population of every country based on complex language-level exams testing reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.
In the past, the index used to express the number of fluent English speakers as a percentage. This has changed since 2020, and now the level of language proficiency is expressed using on a distinct scale called EF EPI Score. It measures the level of proficiency from 0 to 800.
Disclaimer: This list refers to Europe. However, if it included all the countries in the world (where English is not the native language), it would be almost identical. We would just have to add one more country, and those holding positions from 3 to 10 on our list of top 10 English-speaking countries would each slip one spot lower to make space for Singapore in spot 3.
Top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe:
10. Romania
9. Germany
8. Austria
7. Greece
6. Denmark
5. Portugal
4. Croatia
3. Sweden
2. Norway
10) Romania
You may be surprised to see Romania among the top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe (and as number 11 on the global list), given its last year's position at spot 15. It has come a long way from numbers 16 and 17, where it has been stuck for several years in a row until this great breakthrough in 2024.
We welcome Romania with open arms and encourage you to consider it as your next destination. There are already many reasons why you should move to Romania, and its newly gained position on the list of top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe has just become another one!
Discover English-speaking work opportunities in Romania now.
9) Germany
The Germans have always had a firm grip on the English language, thanks to their industrial efficiency. The modern language of the business world is English and, as German businesses dominate the European market, the pressure on professionals to speak English to a proficient level is higher than ever.
However, it is worth noting that other countries are actively rivalling Germany for its position on the list of top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe, as Germany has been closing the list for several years now. It has even briefly dropped out of the top 10 in 2021, only to regain its position a year later and holding it so far.
There are lots of exciting English-speaking jobs in Germany for you to take advantage of.
8) Austria
Austria shares its borders with a whopping eight countries, so it’s no wonder that the people of Austria have an aptitude for languages. Just like Germany, Austria is a powerful player on the international market and stays just ahead of its Western neighbour in the latest ranking.
It has, however, dropped from the podium, where it figured as number 3 on the list of top English-speaking countries in 2023, to number 9 in 2024. Keep up, Austria!
7) Greece
Surprised? That’s right, Greece now figures on the list of top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe. It has jumped from number 12 in 2023 to number 7 in 2024, and we hope it’s here to stay!
Greece is a true “from zero to hero” example, having made its way from spot 23 since 2018. Perhaps part of it is due to the fact that Greece is increasingly attracting more expats moving there for a lush lifestyle, rich culture, beautiful weather, and attractive English-speaking jobs.
Working in Greece is a dream come true, and now you don’t have to worry about encountering a language barrier anymore!
6) Denmark
Denmark, yet another Scandinavian country, comes in at number 6. Danish is also one of the most in-demand languages in Europe, but the Danes are known and praised for their English proficiency.
It seems like they have been slagging off a little, though, since Denmark has plummeted 3 spots, from number 4 in 2023 to number 7 in 2024.
5) Portugal
The Portuguese people have considerably increased their English level over the past few years. Portugal now marks half of the list of top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe in 2024, having gradually advanced from position 7 in 2023 and 9 in 2022.
Check out the exciting English-speaking jobs waiting for you in Portugal.
4) Croatia
Yes, you read it correctly! Croatia has been steadily fighting its way to the top of the top English-speaking countries, having entered the top 10 in 2021.
It has graduated from number 17 to number 4 in just 6 short years! And it has taken its biggest leap so far between 2023 and 2024, having jumped straight from position 11 to position 4 in Europe and 5 in the world. Well done, Croatians!
3) Sweden
The Swedes’ reputation for about as near-native English as you can get remains strong - but they have slipped another spot in 2024. They now figure as number 3 of the top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe, and number 4 on the global list (preceded by Singapore).
After it was kicked off the leadership position by the Dutch in 2019, Sweden was now rivalled by Norway in 2024. And we guess we have spoiled the surprise of which countries you can expect as the winner and the runner-up - if there was any surprise involved at all…
2) Norway
In Norway, they truly see English as a second language, so the country is far from a surprise entry at number 2. The English language has also had a significant influence on the Norse languages after the occupation of the Vikings over a thousand years ago.
No wonder then that Norway has climbed its way up the podium over the last year, advancing from number 3 to number 2 on the list of top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe.
1) The Netherlands
Congratulations to the Dutch on their ability to speak the English language! They have held their position of a leader on the list of the top 10 English-speaking countries for 6 years in a row now, after beating the Swedes in 2019.
Given how the Dutch language is one of the most desirable ones in the international job market, the Dutch people are truly lucky to be fluent in multiple powerful languages.
Check out the opportunities available in The Netherlands for English Speakers.
It is unsurprising to see the top 3 English-speaking countries dominated by Nordic countries and the Netherlands. They have an increasing knack for topping lists, having very high living standards, population satisfaction, as well as the cost of living. Germany may have been Europe’s most popular country, but they are maybe lower than you would have expected considering their mechanical proficiency in most areas.
One significant issue here is that dubbing is not common on television in the Nordic countries. Watching films in a foreign language surely helps them ensure that they always rank towards the top of the list of English-speaking countries.
Whereas, in France, Spain, and even Germany, TV programmes are often translated into the native language, despite the majority of TV shows being American or English.
It is worth noting that for several years in a row, the list of top English-speaking countries in Europe used to be dominated by Northern and Western nations. However, this is now dynamically changing, with Croatia, Greece, and Romania making their debut, having risen from spots in the teens or even the twenties.
English as a second language has come to be less of an advantage and more of an essential for non-native speakers in the professional world. Having a high or native level of English gives you a huge advantage when trying to find a job abroad (or at home, too, actually).
Inspired to improve your English or master a new language? There are several free apps such as Mondly, YouTube channels where you can receive free lessons, or even AI. With today’s resources, you’ve got no excuse for being monolingual!
Were you surprised by any of the countries on the list? Let us know in the comments!
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Václava Černá3mo ago
Interesting article, thanks for sharing!
Interesting article, thanks for sharing!