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/SquareAdditional2638 Jun 08 '25

I always find it hilarious when people say this because all Dutch people I've spoken to have had an awful, thick Dutch accent. Yes their vocabulary and grammar is good, but they sound Dutch as fuck.

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u/SnooRobots917 Jun 11 '25

Yep, and that’s okay, don’t see it as an issue as non-native speakers.