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Easiest Languages to Learn for English Speakers
1. English
Congratulations, if you are reading this, you already possess the nearly undisputed #1 most useful language for getting hired, English. Although English is a solid third-place-holder when it comes to native speakers – not even coming close to the forerunner, Chinese – it stands firmly in first place when it comes to the total number of speakers worldwide, roughly 1,500 million. The vast number of speakers and number of countries in which it is spoken help to make English the most widely used international language in business, tourism, and academia, and essential in connecting countless other areas of expertise across the globe.
Additionally, Dutch sociologist Abraam de Swaan classified English as one of 12 “supercentral languages” which are calculated according to how widely spoken a language is and how effectively it can serve as a link to other languages. While all five of our top languages for getting hired fall under de Swaan’s “supercentral language” list, English was furthermore dubbed the only “hypercentral language” that bonds all supercentral languages.
Unfortunately, despite its widespread use, being a monolingual English speaker simply won’t cut it when it comes to getting hired. With so many non-native English speakers out there, acquiring a second tongue is a near necessity just to measure up to the competition. So, if English is the only language you speak and/or you want to significantly increase your chances of getting hired, consider learning any of the following four most influential languages to add to your repertoire.
Top Places to Learn English Abroad: For a full English immersion experience, consider Australia, England, or the U.S. For more budget-minded folks, South Africa is a great option too. Be conscious, however, about how your chosen location will influence the accent with which the language is commonly spoken.
2. Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin is one of five major Chinese dialects, the official language of China and Taiwan, and boasts the second-highest number of total speakers worldwide. Since China is the world’s second largest economy, Chinese has been dubbed the single most important language for business, excluding English. Possessing Mandarin language abilities will not only open doors throughout Asia, but Chinese is actually required for more jobs than any other foreign language besides Spanish.
Despite its undeniable value, Chinese is only the seventh most studied language by American undergraduates, according to the Bloomberg Rankings. It is not that surprising, then, to find out that Chinese is also considered to be one of the most difficult languages for native English-speakers to learn. So while one should be prepared to put in the miles that learning Mandarin requires, it also promises to prove an impressive and unique skillset sure to catch employers’ attention.
Due to its overwhelming influence and use, yet scarcity among students, Chinese language abilities will not fail to set you apart from and far above competing job candidates.
Top Places to Learn Mandarin Abroad: The vast majority of Mandarin-language learning opportunities are found, obviously, in China. As a result of Chinese emigration, however, Taiwan is also home to a large number of Mandarin speakers and offers another option for language learning; although the majority of the population speaks Taiwanese Hokkien.
3. German
Germany makes up Europe’s largest economy, is the second largest exporter of British goods, but German is the official language of two additional economic European powerhouse nations. Therefore, there isn’t a much better choice for those entering the worlds of international trade and investment than German. Not to mention the longstanding reputation for scientific and technological influence that German-speaking countries hold.
Though it is the only one on this list not an official U.N. language, German does have the highest median U.S. salary for jobs that require its language ability. So while learning German is generally more difficult than most other European languages, those aiming to break into the western world of work won’t find a much better edge in getting hired than adding German to their resume.
Top Places to Learn German Abroad: Germany will offer the purest accent to German-language learners, though that of an Austrian is not far off (though the Germans may beg to differ) and any difference can be tough to discern by non-native speakers. Switzerland also technically qualifies as a native-German-speaking country, though German is only one of four official tongues.
4. French
French has a long and influential history. Previously the world-dominating language (until bypassed by English) and the official language of the U.N., NATO, and the Olympic Committee, French is currently spoken in over 40 countries, including several rapidly-developing African economies. The French language is definitely not going anywhere, so Bloomberg alots it the second place spot, after Mandarin, on his list of useful languages for business (which excludes English). The most common professional positions with a demand for French language abilities include: service, sales, and education positions.
For those panicked at the prospect of studying the previous two rewarding yet especially challenging tongues, take heart! French is considered somewhat similar to English making it much easier to learn for those that can already understand this (English) article, and remains a favorite among American college students as the second most-studied foreign language.
Top Places to Learn French Abroad: Aspiring French teachers may most benefit from learning French directly in France. There are, however, countries accounting for several different continents to choose from when seeking a native-speaking spot to learn the language of love, including Canada and various African countries.
5. Spanish
Spanish is the fourth most spoken language by both native and non-native speakers worldwide and is the leading language of all Latin American economies. Therefore, it is a suitable choice for both international and domestic jobs on numerous continents. It is especially beneficial as a second language for those looking to hold jobs in the U.S. as evidenced by its standings as the language most-studied by U.S. undergraduate students and most in-demand by U.S. employers.
Despite its obvious usefulness and relative ease to learn, Spanish comes in last place on our list of top languages that will get you HIRED largely because it is already so common, making it more of a perk and less of a wow-factor to potential employers, and also because jobs requiring Spanish have the lowest median salary when compared to jobs requiring the other languages on the list. However, many fields do require Spanish language abilities in order to even qualify, so if you plan on pursuing a career in healthcare, banking, or retail, learning Spanish may just prove the tipping point in getting yourself hired!
Top Places to Learn Spanish Abroad: Spanish enthusiasts must likewise decide between multiple areas of the globe. Professionals desiring to spend time in the EU may opt for Spain, while those preferring a more laid back vibe will enjoy Mexico, Guatemala, or several of the other Spanish-speaking Central and South American countries.
Most Useful Languages to Learn 2022
There’s no doubt that learning a second (or third!) language is beneficial. Bilingualism causes the brain to grow grey matter, improving memory, decision-making, and self-control. Beyond the physical benefits, bilingual travelers immerse themselves easier in countries where they speak the language. The benefits are undeniable, but how do you choose which language to study?
When picking a language, it’s important to look at your interests, travel, education, and career goals. However, if you’re still stuck, we’ve got a few ideas about the best languages to learn in 2023.
Read on to learn more about the best languages to learn in 2023!
1. Chinese
Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world—spoken in some form by 1.2 billion people—so it only makes sense to include it on this list. Though Chinese consists of various dialects, they use the same writing system, so learning one will still help you communicate with speakers of other dialects via the written word.
Chinese is often considered one of the most challenging languages to learn, making it vital to choose a great program that allows lots of room for practice. The increasing importance of knowing Chinese in the business world makes learning the language well worth the effort.
Mandarin, a dialect of Chinese and the official state language of China, is the most common option for those studying Chinese. You can speak with millions worldwide by learning Mandarin, including those in China’s vast and growing economy. A basic understanding of Mandarin opens up many business and travel opportunities. While challenging, learning its thousands of unique characters will surely stimulate any mind!
Popular places to learn Chinese include: China, Taiwan, and Singapore
Additional reading: The 6 Best Places To Learn Chinese (on a Budget)
2. Spanish
Spanish almost always ranks high on these lists, and for excellent reasons. Counting 477 million native speakers and over 550 million speakers total, it is the official language of over 20 countries and the unofficial second language of the United States, where about 13% of the population speaks Spanish at home.
There are troves of supplemental Spanish materials online, so finding practice material shouldn’t be tricky, even if you’re not taking in-person classes. There are hundreds of Spanish-language shows on Netflix—like the fan-favorite show Money Heist—to help you practice your comprehension. Start with English subtitles and as your proficiency grows, try to watch without them.
Popular places to learn Spanish include: Costa Rica, Spain, and Mexico
Additional reading: The 7 Best Places to Learn Spanish Abroad
3. Korean
Korean is the 18th most popular language globally, with over 75 million people speaking the language. As Korea continues to have a heavy political and cultural influence globally, the language will only grow in importance.
Korean is also much easier and more logical to learn than Chinese. Hangul, the Korean alphabet, only has 24 letters, each intentionally written to reflect how you would pronounce them. The logical approach to written Korean makes the language one of the easiest to learn to write.
Beyond the cultural importance of K-pop and other Korean entertainment, some of the largest companies in the world are based in South Korea. A basic understanding of the language will undoubtedly come in handy for those looking to improve their value in the workplace or potentially find a job overseas.
Popular places to learn Korean include: South Korea
Additional reading: 15 Must-Try Foods & Drinks While Studying Abroad in South Korea
4. French
French is the world’s second-most widely learned foreign language after English, and it’s easy to see why. Including France and Canada, French is the official language of 29 countries—meaning whether you visit Tunisia, Senegal, or Switzerland, you’ll likely be able to communicate well with locals.
With over 300 million French speakers globally, the language is taught in every country. French is also considered one of the more accessible languages to learn, and the massive presence of French content provides nearly unlimited access to practice material.
French is a Romance language, meaning it’s related to Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. If becoming a polyglot is your goal, learning French could also help make learning the others easier (or it could be easy to learn if you already speak one of those languages!).
Popular places to learn French include: France, Canada, and Switzerland
Additional reading: The Top 6 Countries to Learn French Abroad on a Budget
5. German
Though it’s certainly not easy, English-speakers might find that German seems a little more familiar than other languages. This is because they are part of the same language family. It is spoken not only in Germany but also in Austria and Switzerland. German is an excellent choice for those who enjoy rigid grammar rules.
German was once considered “the language of science” before English replaced it after World War I. Nevertheless, German still has a rich history of scientific and academic literature, so it’s a great language to learn if those subjects are among your interests.
German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union, opening endless travel possibilities throughout the continent! German is also a useful language for business, as Germany boasts the 4th largest economy in the world (in GDP) and is its third-largest exporter. Some of the greatest artists and thinkers of all time hailed from Germany, and it remains today a leading language in science, art, philosophy, and literature.
Popular places to learn German include: Germany and Austria
Additional reading: The Ultimate Guide to Learning German Abroad
6. Japanese
Though Japanese is mainly spoken in just Japan, there are still plenty of reasons to learn the language. For one, there is the sheer challenge of it. With three writing systems, complex grammar, and virtually no linguistically related languages, Japanese is one of the most complex languages to learn.
It’s easy to see why it’s worth the effort, however. Japan is a popular travel destination because of its rich and unique history, and it’s not hard to motivate yourself to learn when you can watch your favorite anime as practice.
Japan is the third-largest economy (by GDP) and hosts some of the most innovative companies on the planet. Japanese is also the third most spoken language on the Internet, allowing for vital business communication right from home, wherever in the world that may be! With the recent move towards a more virtual business environment, learning one of the main languages of the Internet will set you apart in the near future.
Popular places to learn Japanese include: Japan
Additional reading: The 5 Best Cities for Studying Abroad in Japan
7. Italian
Italian Italian will feel most familiar for English speakers looking to expand their language skills. Sharing much of the same Latin origin, there is a lot of overlap between English and Italian words and sounds. Italian is also the fastest-growing language in high school and college enrollment in the US, surpassing Spanish and German. While enrollment in Italian courses is up, US households speaking the language have steadily fallen since 2000.
As one of the leading economies globally and home to the most cultural heritage sites in the world, Italy is a travel destination filled with both professional opportunities and culturally immersive experiences. Exposure to Italian will make for a more impactful and authentic experience while spending time in Italy.
Popular places to learn Italian include: Italy and Switzerland
Additional reading: What to Know Before Learning Italian in Italy
8. Portuguese
With a whopping 200 million native speakers and nearly 270 million total speakers, Portuguese is the fifth most natively spoken language in the world. Its reach goes beyond Brazil and Portugal—Portuguese is spoken in a few African countries, like Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde. It is the official language of 10 countries spanning South America, Africa, and Europe.
But beyond the numbers, learning Portuguese is an excellent option for those who appreciate the arts. Numerous musical genres—bossa nova, samba, and funk carioca—find their origins in Brazil. Portuguese is the mother tongue of writers like Paolo Coelho and José Saramago.
Popular places to learn Portuguese include: Brazil and Portugal
Additional reading: The 6 Best Places to Learn Portuguese Abroad
9. Hindi
Did you know Hindi is the third most spoken language in the world? If you’re looking to work in international business or any industry really, learning Hindi can be beneficial for building your career and connecting with Hindi-speaking communities worldwide.
If you’re already a fluent English speaker, learning Hindi could be easier than you think. Words such as “bungalow,” “jungle,” and “shampoo” are all borrowed from Hindi.
Popular places to learn Hindi include: India, Singapore, and Nepal
Additional reading: A Guide to Navigating the Stages of Language Learning
10. Arabic
Arabic is a beautiful language that is generally difficult for English speakers to learn. Part of that is because it varies widely depending on where it’s spoken. An Arabic speaker from Lebanon may not understand a speaker from Algeria and vice versa.
However, most programs will teach you Modern Standard Arabic, or MSA. This is a standardized version of the language taught in schools all over the Arab world and will help you communicate with Arabic speakers from almost any country. MSA is used in many governments, businesses, and journalistic practices globally.
If you have a particular Arabic-speaking country in mind, however, you could also learn the dialect to help you with day-to-day life while traveling and making friends. Popular dialects include Egyptian, Levantine, and North African.
The United States has deemed Arabic a language of strategic importance. Due to its frequency in international affairs, knowledge of Arabic opens up lucrative positions in and outside government.
Best Languages to Learn for the Future
What Makes A Language Useful To Learn?
Number Of Speakers
Unsurprisingly, it is very important to know how many speakers there are of a language before you set your heart on learning it. Most people opt to learn languages spoken by the largest number of people. You should also consider how many people speak the language as a second language. With this information, you will open more doors to global communication.
Geographic Region
This is where your goals and interests come into play. Do you plan to travel in one particular region for a while? If so, look into what languages are commonly spoken there. If you want to learn a language that is widely spoken throughout the world, you may want to opt for English, French, or Spanish, which are spoken on all continents.
Usability And Versatility
When choosing a language, you may want to look at versatility. Mainly, can you use this language both at home and abroad? What about in both business and social contexts? Ask yourself, “How much will I use this language?” It takes time and effort to learn a language, and you will want to learn the one with the most usability for you!
Career Opportunities
Think of your current or future field, and location of business. If you are working in the United States, Spanish is a very useful language to learn. If you expect your industry or company will do a lot of international business, learn languages that will be useful in your field. It could be Chinese, Japanese, Italian, or German.
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Photo by Antenna on Unsplash
The Most Important Languages To Learn In 2021
1. Mandarin Chinese
With over one billion Mandarin Chinese speakers in the world, of course it tops the list of most important languages to learn in 2021.
Most speakers are located within China, however, so is it still one of the most important languages to learn? The answer is yes — with China emerging as a global power, it becomes increasingly more important for businesses to have team members that know Chinese.
2. Spanish
Spanish has a large number of native speakers, and a large number of overall speakers as well. Most Spanish speaking countries are located in South and Central America, which are extremely popular travel destinations in recent years. For this reason, you will find many across the world who speak Spanish. In addition, due to the large number of Spanish speakers in the US, if you live, work, or travel in the United States, Spanish is the one to learn!
3. German
Germany is the most widely spoken language throughout Europe, as Germany remains Europe’s most dominant economy. For this reason, if you do business or plan to do business in Europe, German is one of the most important languages to learn. It’s a funny language to learn, with endings tacked on to words to give them specific meanings. But it is also a surprisingly easy language to learn.
4. French
French, also called the language of love, was actually the international, diplomatic language for centuries. Only recently, historically speaking, with the rise of the United States as a global power, did English prevail as the language of diplomacy. France is still quite the economic powerhouse, and a popular travel destination, so French is definitely a language to learn!
Photo by Chris Karidis on Unsplash
5. Arabic
Arabic started as a nomadic language, spoken between moving tribes. Today it is the official language of the Arab League, consisting of 22 countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates. These popular travel destinations make it worthwhile to learn Arabic. Not just that, it is the language of the entire Muslim civilization and all of its texts. With over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, no wonder Arabic made the list.
6. Russian
Russian is an extremely influential language among many Eastern European and Europeasian countries. The Russian language also has the second highest percentage of internet content (following English), and the leading percent of internet content in Europe. This makes the Russian language one of the most important languages to learn for European business.
7. Portuguese
Portuguese is spoken all over the world — it is the official language of countries in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. If that wasn’t enough to prove that this language is one of the most important languages to learn, here’s more: Brazil is emerging as one of the world’s newest economic powerhouses. Tourism in the country is growing and global companies are setting up shop, so the demand for Portuguese speakers is growing.
8. Japanese
While the Japanese language is not spoken widely outside of Japan, it’s still an important one to know. Whether you want to travel in Japan, love the culture and food, or the technology, knowing Japanese can get you far in many ways. It’s also an excellent introduction to other Asian languages. There are some Chinese characters in Japanese, and with similar grammar to Korean, learning Japanese puts you on the path to learn all three.
9. Hindi
With some of the highest numbers of speakers in the world, Hindi is one of the most important languages to learn without a doubt. But like with other languages, it’s not just the sheer number of speakers that should entice you to learn the language, but the global power of where the language comes from. India is a huge part of today’s world economy, and as Hindi is the most spoken language in India, it’s the one to learn.
10. Italian
Italian may not have the most speakers on this list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an important language to learn. Italy is steeped in arts, culture, and history. Many world heritage sites are located in Italy, and many historical texts are written in Italian. This country is a popular travel destination, and knowing Italian will help you on a trip. Plus, knowing any of these similar romance languages — Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, will make it much easier to learn the others in the group.
Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash
11. English
English is one definitely one of the most important languages to learn in 2021 and beyond. It is used in global business, worldwide travel, diplomatic affairs, and in computer technology. Not only that, but many of the top global economies are English-speaking ones — the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. English has the highest number of second language speakers as well, with almost a billion non-native English speakers in the world.
12. Korean
The Korean language is an interesting one to learn, as its characters are phonological: the shapes are similar to the shape of your mouth as you make the sound. It is a unique writing system that makes the language an easy one to learn.
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