The 10 European countries that speak English!

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, which makes it even more surprising that many countries speak English, however, do you have any idea how many people speak English worldwide?. Some people may not be aware of the fact that several countries in Europe have their version of English.

While these translations are not entirely accurate, they serve as good examples for learners who wish to practice their English while traveling in Europe and improve their level of English. Let’s read about European countries that speak English; or we can say top English speaking countries in Europe.

Most English speaking countries in Europe

Let’s First talk about the European Union, it is a political union of 27 members. The European Union refers to the economic integration in free trade zones, which began after WWII when there were differences among countries about the outcome of world war ii.

Euroatlantic has helped European nations to become economically efficient by removing tariff barriers between it and other member states so that they can compete with each other on an equal footing through market forces instead of a force for mutually disadvantageous arrangements within its borders.

European governments recognise the importance of English for cross-border trade and international competition. Most have introduced educational policies and invested in measures to improve English proficiency among their populations. ¹

English speaking European countries

There are several nations in Europe that speak English. The official language of Ireland and the United Kingdom is English. Malta, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, and the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia all have English as their official language.

England’s official language in practise is English. Additionally, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the European Union all have it as their official language. Germany. Some of Europe’s greatest English-speaking nations include Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. 61% of people in Belgium and 62% of people in Germany are English speakers.

90% of Dutch people in The Netherlands speak English, making it an official regional language in the country. English is taught as a second language in other EU nations like Spain, Portugal, or Luxembourg, where it is mostly spoken by foreigners and non-native speakers.

The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland  encompass the European Anglosphere which has more than 71 million in population. 38% of EU citizens can speak English , however, only 13% speak English as their native language. About half of the population can speak European English

Here is a list of European countries that speak English or we can say these are the top 10 English speaking countries in Europe:

• The Republic of Ireland
• Italy
• France
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Spain
• Germany
• Denmark
• Belgium
• Poland

The Republic of Ireland

Ireland boasts one of the top 10 English-speaking regions in Europe. The Irish language gave way to an explosion of English at the beginning of the 19th century, which remains an important element today. It was heard everywhere and it touched almost every part of society (This is similar to another West European).

English language there It wasn’t just heard because of the Irish immigration wave, but also due to the political boom experienced by Ireland at that time. However, many people can still hear traces of their native language in English today.

Italy

English in Italy England also is known as an important European factor. Italy has its version of the English language, but it’s mostly a regional definition rather than a national one.

When it comes to capitalization and spelling style, Italian can be quite unfair against other countries in terms of grammar and punctuation rules. But most of the popular native speakers can use English in their daily conversation without major issues.

Traveling in Italy is a great opportunity to practice English and you can find many Italian people at universities who are major importers of international educational programs.

France

France is mainly known for its popularity with English speakers compared to other countries, even though French comes first on the list of foreign languages that are most spoken in the country. France is divided into different regional varieties of French which are distinguished by their accent but, each region also embraces a wide vocabulary ranging from highly refined to popular expressions.

While there isn’t much English influence on the French language, words related to popular culture can incorporate English. For instance, “music” is the new word in France at this time of writing in 2012, but depending on where you were born and hung out for a short while, French maybe your second language.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country where many people speak English not only because of tourism and specifically major international companies headquartered in the country but also due to immigration. Dutch native speakers tend to adapt more easily than other languages such as German or French so they can join conversations with an appropriate degree of proficiency.

Sweden

Sweden is a country that lends participation in English as a second language. Many locals, mainly those who have relations with other English-speaking countries such as Canada and the United States speak little to no Swedish, often translating over it from the local dialects known as “småspråk” before speaking English.

Also, Swedish is the second most taught foreign language in schools when considering IALs which would mean it is not moribund due to lack of interest.

Both Sweden and neighboring Finland are traditional leaders in education have produced many great scholars over history ranging from linguists like George Rohl, Ferdinand de Saussure, and Ulf Schubert to historians like Simon Bolivar Larsson.

Spain

As many Spanish-speakers live in the United States, they are commonly considered friendly to any non-native English speaker. Additionally, native speakers of most modern European languages learn English as a second language via radio and movies so this is not unusual for them. Spain has produced great writers such as Nobel Prize laureate Miguel de Cervantes.

Germany

The English language can be found in the world in Germany. There are many English subject teachers in German schools and a lot of people speak to non-native speakers, which also leads to greater fluency. Germany produced great writers such as Goethe, Schiller, and Herder along with other scientists like Curt von Westernhagen.

Denmark

As the home of UNESCO, Denmark was always a leader in education and created both International Standard English which is used worldwide, and Danish that has an internal structure very similar to German. The fact that many Danes speak or learn English as well may be attributed to possible influence from American television shows but also because they can choose to be as choosy as they wish.

Belgium

Belgium has no doubt produced some of the most well-spoken native speakers in the world. Whereas English isn’t used so often in Belgium, French is and rather impressively produces great orators such as former Foreign Minister Louis Michel and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo who can easily speak to the United States of America President Barack Obama through a translator.

Poland

Polish has many dialects and English is spoken, particularly in the regions along the Polish-German border. Still, there aren’t as many speakers of the language who can speak to non-native English speakers, mainly amongst those speaking Polish as a first language. Every region seems to have its unique accent.

The United Kingdom left the European Union has no doubt produced some of the best diction for preserving national identity and pride in English such as Winston Churchill, William Shakespeare, and Oscar Wilde among others. Britain is very influenced by the language but also influences it on a greater scale due to its international reputation amongst tourists from all around the world.

Finally, the United States of America is one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world. The USA has produced many influential people such as Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, and Walt Disney among others. Americans are very proud of their language and it is often heard on TV shows or films. However, you can also read about what countries speak English.

You can check EF EPI English proficiency Index most recent edition was released in November 2022.

You can also check Statista .

The above mentioned are top 10 English speaking countries in Europe.

Countries that use euro and speak English

There are 19 countries in the Eurozone, which use the euro as their main currency and commonly use English as a second language. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia , Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta , Netherlands , Portugal , Slovakia and Spain.

There are also two enclaves on the border of Spain (Gibraltar and Andorra) that also use the euro and where English is widely understood.

Best English speaking countries in Europe

There are several English speaking countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus. The United Kingdom is the most well-known English speaking country in Europe, with English being the official language. Ireland is also an English speaking country, with English being the primary language spoken by the majority of the population.

Malta and Cyprus are also English speaking countries, with English being widely spoken and used as a business language. These countries offer excellent opportunities for English speakers to live, work, and study in Europe without having to learn another language. However, here is a list of the best countries to live in that speak English. 

Top English speaking country in Europe

The top English-speaking country in Europe is undoubtedly the United Kingdom. English is the official language of the UK, and it is spoken by the vast majority of the population. The country is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, where English is the primary language of instruction.

Additionally, the UK has a thriving business and cultural scene, where English is the primary language of communication. While other European countries such as Ireland and Malta also have a high percentage of English speakers, the UK remains the top destination for those seeking to learn and speak English in Europe.

Role of English in Europe countries that speak English

The role of English in Europe countries that speak English is significant. English is considered the lingua franca of the world, and it is the most commonly spoken language in the European Union after native languages. It is used extensively in business, education, and politics.

English is also the language of international trade, and many European countries conduct business in English. Furthermore, it has become a common language for communication between people from different countries, making it easier for Europeans to communicate with people from other countries.

In summary, English plays a crucial role in Europe countries that speak English, facilitating communication and enabling international collaboration.

Top 3 Europe English speaking countries

1. United Kingdom: Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and world-class universities, the UK is a popular destination for English speakers. It offers a wide range of opportunities for work, education, and leisure activities.

2. Ireland: Renowned for its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and vibrant cities, Ireland is another top English-speaking country in Europe. It offers a high standard of living, excellent education system, and a thriving arts and music scene.

3. Malta: Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a small but picturesque country where English is widely spoken. With its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and rich history, it attracts tourists and expats alike. The country also offers various job opportunities in sectors such as tourism, finance, and iGaming.

FAQs:

1. How many countries in EU speak English?

2. Which European country speaks mostly English?

The European country that speaks mostly English is Ireland. English is the official language of Ireland and is spoken by the majority of the population.

3. How many European countries have English as an official language?

English is not an official language in any European country. However, it is widely spoken and used as a second language in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus. In addition, English is often used as a common language in international business and communication throughout Europe.

4. Which European countries speak the least English?

According to the EF English Proficiency Index, the European countries that speak the least English are Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. These countries have low proficiency levels in English, with Belarus being ranked the lowest out of all European countries. However, it’s important to note that English proficiency can vary greatly among individuals within a country, and there are likely many people in these countries who are fluent in English.

5. Which country speaks best English?

According to the EF English Proficiency Index, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden are the top three countries that speak the best English as a second language. However, it is important to note that English proficiency varies greatly within each country and even within different regions of a country.

6. What countries in Europe speak the most English?

11. What are the English speaking countries in Europe?

European countries with English as official language:

1. United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
2. Republic of Ireland
3. Malta
4. Cyprus

12. Which European country speaks the most English?

The United Kingdom is a country that speaks mostly English. Other countries with high levels of English speaking are Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

13. Which European country is best at English?

The Netherlands has emerged as the nation with the highest English language proficiency, according to the EF English Proficiency Index, with a score of 72. It is ahead of five other European countries – Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, and Austria. The UK is in third place at 71.

14. Which country speaks the worst English?

The Czech Republic has the worst English of any European country. According to the EU, only 7 percent of Czechs speak good enough English as a first language, compared with more than three quarters (77%) in Estonia and Poland.

15. Mention the European countries that speak English?

English is an official language in the following European countries:

1. United Kingdom
2. Ireland
3. Malta
4. Cyprus

English is also widely spoken and understood in many other European countries, particularly in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Germany, where it is often taught as a second language in schools. However, it is not an official language in these countries.

16. Which European countries speak English? – What European countries speak English?

• The United Kingdom is the largest English-speaking country in Europe.
• Ireland is another country where English is widely spoken.
• Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean where English is an official language.
• English is spoken by a significant portion of the population in countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

In conclusion, English-speaking countries in Europe offer a unique blend of culture, history, and language that make them appealing destinations for travelers and students alike. From the bustling streets of London to the picturesque landscapes of Ireland, these countries offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to improve your language skills, explore new cultures, or simply enjoy the hospitality of the locals, there’s no better place to start than the English-speaking countries of Europe.

References:

1. English in Europe | British Council. (n.d.).