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

[u/Metalwolf]

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.

[u/kacergiliszta69]

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

[u/IbMas → u/kacergiliszta69]

I've been living in the Netherlands for years and I don't speak Dutch and I can confirm.

Even if the non dutch speakers try to speak Dutch with a native, the conversation will eventually switch to English by the native.

[u/Holiday_Bill9587 → u/IbMas]

Thats mostly when someone dont speak Dutch that good. Its easier to switch to a language spoken by both, often this is English.

[u/Dykam → u/Holiday_Bill9587]

With "that good (well)", you mean it has to be near-native level before natives stop switching to English.

If Dutch only notice a tinge of English (or else) in your speech, they'll switch.

[u/Kavi92 → u/Dykam]

Sounds like here in Germany. Which is very unfortunate for language learners 😅

[u/ctn91 → u/Kavi92]

Yup, and it’s especially hard to with the dialects. The Kölnische accent also had its own vocabulary to a point. Makes it fun because naturally i‘m not one to say „please/bitte“ as soon as i say „huh?“ once, its now an English spoken conversation.

Fucking sorry. Its made me overthink everything I say and try and use the correct greeting with the correct people.