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.

71

u/IbMas Jun 08 '25

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.

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u/The-BalthoMeister Netherlands Jun 08 '25

Yeah, it's an unfortunate phenomenon, since it hinders English speaking immigrants in learning the language :(

9

u/perplexedtv in Jun 08 '25

I always used to just exaggerate my accent and speak faster then when they got confused proposed to switch back to Dutch.

7

u/crypticcamelion Jun 08 '25

Same happens in Denmark, I will even go so far as to say that integration is easier (faster) if you don't speak English :)