7 Countries Where English Is Easy

Netherlands: Where English Feels Like a Second Home

Walk down the bustling streets of Amsterdam, and you might be surprised by how quickly conversations slip into English. According to the 2024 English Proficiency Index (EPI), the Netherlands retains its crown with a score of 70.0—the highest in the world for non-native countries. An incredible 90% of Dutch people can speak English, and it’s not just the younger generation. You’ll see it everywhere: menus, signs, and customer service, making it effortless to get around. In Dutch schools, English lessons start young, often as early as age six, and continue through high school. This isn’t just for show—English is woven into their pop culture, workplaces, and even government services. If you’re thinking about visiting or moving, you’ll rarely feel lost in translation. The Dutch see English not just as a skill, but as a gateway to the wider world.

Sweden: Fluent from the First Hello

Landing in Stockholm, you could almost forget you left the Anglosphere. Sweden boasts an EPI score of 68.0, earning its place as the runner-up globally for English proficiency in 2024. English is mandatory in Swedish schools, and by the time students reach their teens, they’re impressively fluent. Surveys from 2023 show about 86% of Swedes speak English—a number that makes getting by as a tourist or expat a breeze. The influence of Hollywood blockbusters, internet culture, and English-language music is huge here, making the language feel natural, not forced. In offices and universities, meetings often switch to English without a second thought. Even in smaller towns, you’ll find locals eager to practice their skills. If you’re worried about language barriers, Sweden will put your fears to rest.

Denmark: Effortless English in Every Corner

Copenhagen’s cozy cafes and design shops are filled with chatter—much of it in English. Ranked third in the 2024 EPI with a score of 67.0, Denmark has made English a core part of its education system for decades. Danish children begin learning English in primary school, and by graduation, nearly everyone can hold a conversation. Around 85% of Danes are comfortable speaking English, making it simple to travel, work, or study here. You’ll notice English in advertising, technology, and the media, which keeps the language fresh in daily life. It’s common for university courses and business meetings to be held in English, especially in international companies. Even if you stumble over a Danish word, a friendly local will likely switch to English and help you out without a hint of impatience.

Norway: English Proficiency with a Nordic Touch

Norway’s majestic landscapes aren’t the only thing that leaves a lasting impression. With an EPI score of 66.0 in 2024, Norway ranks just behind its Nordic neighbors in English proficiency. Nearly 90% of Norwegians can chat in English, and the language is a staple from elementary school onwards. English-language TV shows and movies are rarely dubbed, so Norwegians grow up hearing native accents and slang. This daily exposure gives them a natural ease with the language, whether in Oslo’s tech startups or Bergen’s tourist spots. International business is booming, and English is the go-to language for meetings and documents. Even in rural areas, you’ll find people eager to communicate, making Norway surprisingly accessible for English speakers.

Finland: Modern Education Meets Multilingual Culture

Finland’s reputation for educational innovation extends to language learning, reflected in its EPI score of 65.0 for 2024. English is taught as early as grade one in many schools, and immersive methods—like English-speaking camps or exchange programs—are common. About 70% of Finns can hold a conversation in English, and this is especially true in the younger generation and urban centers like Helsinki. English-language music, films, and online content are extremely popular, giving Finns constant practice outside the classroom. Universities offer dozens of degree programs in English, drawing students from across Europe and beyond. For anyone moving here, the combination of a strong education system and widespread media exposure makes picking up or practicing English feel natural.

Germany: A Bridge Between Cultures

Germany stands out as a powerhouse not only in economics but also in language skills. Scoring 63.0 in the EPI 2024, Germany’s commitment to English is clear in its school curriculums—most students start learning English from age seven or eight. By adulthood, roughly 56% of Germans can converse in English, with higher rates in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. English is the language of business in many multinational companies, and academic journals are frequently published in English. German TV and streaming services offer a vast array of English-language shows, often with subtitles rather than dubbing, reinforcing listening skills. If you’re traveling, you’ll find it easy to get help, navigate public transport, or make new friends using English.

Austria: Tradition Meets Global Connection

Austria holds steady at seventh place in the 2024 EPI with a score of 62.0. English is a compulsory subject in Austrian schools, and about 60% of Austrians report proficiency. Vienna, with its vibrant expat community and international organizations, offers countless opportunities to hear and use English daily. In the tourism industry, hotel staff and guides are almost always fluent, while many restaurants provide English menus. Cultural exchange programs and widespread internet access have made English even more common among the youth. The Austrian government also encourages foreign language learning as a way to keep the country globally connected. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or professional, communicating in English here is refreshingly straightforward.