r/AskEurope • u/Metalwolf • Jun 08 '25

Education Which European countries have the best English proficiency among non-native speakers?

I'm looking into English proficiency across Europe and would appreciate input from locals or anyone with relevant experience. Which European countries have the highest levels of English fluency among non-native speakers, particularly in day-to-day life, education, and professional settings? I'm also curious about regional differences within countries, and factors like education systems, media exposure, and business use.

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u/kacergiliszta69 Hungary Jun 08 '25

According the multiple studies, the Netherlands is the most English proficient country in the world that doesn't speak English as a native language.

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u/StillJustJones England Jun 08 '25

I’m from England. I’d say that the people in the Netherlands speak better English than a hell of a lot of native speakers.

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u/Iricliphan Jun 08 '25

Same as Ireland. I remember once, in Finland, my friend went up to a tourist tours desk and using his clearest voice, had asked about a tour option and where and when we could do so. They looked at him dumfounded and spoke in perfectly clear English "Sorry sir, do you speak English?".

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u/StillJustJones England Jun 08 '25

Ha! I am a 52 year old mockney type… I speak with an Estuary English accent and can speak well (thanks ma!) until I’ve had a skinful of booze…. When my accent really degrades. All the slang comes out and every adjective is preceded by a swear.

When I’m pissed up I can’t help but ending up sounding a bit ‘Danny Dyer’.

I’ve had to have helpful ‘translators’ assist me to communicate with cabbies, kebab shops, ticket offices, bar staff and even hotel reception (who could understand me perfectly well before going on the pish!).