English speaking countries in Europe

European countries are great for travel, study, and living. However, the use of native languages creates some barriers for international travelers. Fortunately, several countries within the European Union have high levels of English proficiency, making it easier for tourists, expatriates, and students to navigate their new environments. Here is a list of the top 10 English speaking countries in Europe.

Top 10 English Speaking Countries in Europe 2024

The Netherlands

Netherlands ranks as the top English speaking countries in Europe. Approximately 90-93% of its population can converse in English. English is also a regional language of this country.

That’s why visitors can easily manage without knowing Dutch in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. In 2023, the Netherlands attracted around 20 million international visitors. The country offers tourists picturesque canals, great culture, and a welcoming attitude.

Ireland

Ireland stands out as a top English-speaking country, with about 98% of its population proficient in English. The Republic of Ireland balances bilingualism with Irish (Gaeilge) and English, where English plays a vital role in daily life and education.

Ireland welcomed approximately 11 million international visitors in 2023. Irish people are known for their friendliness and hospitality, making it easy for English speakers to feel at home.

Austria

Austria offers another excellent option for English speakers. Although German is the official language, more than 62% of Austrians speak English, especially in urban areas like Vienna. Tourists flock to Vienna for its rich history and stunning architecture, which is ranked among the world’s cleanest cities.

Sweden

Sweden possesses a high level of English proficiency, with about 86% of Swedes able to communicate effectively in English. This fluency allows tourists to explore the country. Stockholm serves as a cultural and innovative hub for Sweden, where most signs, menus, and public announcements appear in English.

Denmark

Denmark, a beautiful Scandinavian nation, has 86% of the population speaking English. Tourists love Copenhagen for its stunning architecture and atmosphere. In 2023, Denmark attracted around 14 million international tourists.

Finland

Finland serves as a hidden gem for English speakers. Approximately 70% of Finns can speak English fluently, especially in urban areas. Helsinki blends modernity with history and innovation.

Belgium

Belgium is a multilingual country where people widely speak English and German, especially in urban areas like Brussels. More than 60% of Belgians can communicate in English, which is very helpful for tourists.

Germany

Germany stands as the largest economy and a great place in the EU. Deutschland plays a significant role on the global stage. While German is the official language, about 56% of Germans can speak English, especially in major cities like Munich and Frankfurt.

Portugal

Portugal has seen a notable increase in English proficiency over recent years. More than 60% of its population can speak English, particularly in tourist areas like Lisbon.

Croatia

Croatia is known as a rising star in tourism with its stunning coastline and rich history. Approximately 54% of Croatians can speak English, especially in tourist areas. Croatia welcomed around 20 million international visitors in 2023, and this number is increasing with English speakers.

Language Status in the EU

Most EU countries use their official languages. However, communicating in English has been increasing day by day on a large scale across Europe. Countries like the Netherlands and Ireland excel in their English proficiency levels, making them ideal destinations for English speakers to study or travel while comfortably engaging with local cultures. There is a proficiency chart with data from 2023

Rank	Country	Proficiency Score	Proficiency Level
1	Netherlands	652	Very High
2	Ireland	628	Very High
3	Austria	628	Very High
4	Denmark	626	Very High
5	Sweden	623	Very High
6	Belgium	617	Very High
7	Portugal	608	High
8	Germany	606	High
9	Croatia	604	High
10	Finland	Not Ranked	Not Ranked

This chart aims to reflect accurately the state of English proficiency in European Union countries as of 2023. This blog post will update more information about top English speaking countries in Europe.