The 10 easiest languages for English speakers to learn
And how they can help you study abroad!
Nicolò Branchi – CMO at wearefreemovers | February 12, 2025
✈️ Want to study abroad?
These languages will make your experience smoother, both in and out of university!
Let’s be real: learning a new language always feels like climbing Mount Everest 🧗♀️
Endless grammar rules, sounds that seem impossible to pronounce, and the sheer terror of sounding like a fool in front of native speakers.
But what if I told you that some languages are way easier to learn than others? Yup, that’s right!
If English is your starting point, certain languages share similar structures, recognizable vocabulary, and grammar rules that won’t drive you insane.
For students dreaming of studying abroad, mastering even a bit of the local language can be a game-changer. It helps with everything—understanding lectures, making friends, networking, and even just ordering food without looking lost. Whether you’re considering an exchange semester, a full degree abroad, or simply want to enhance your global opportunities, choosing the right language can set you up for success.
So, whether you want to boost your academic experience, prepare for university life in a foreign country, or just impress your classmates with a cool new skill, this is the list for you. I’ll reveal the 10 easiest languages to learn for English speakers, so you can pick your next challenge… without spending years of your life on it!
Ready? Let’s dive in!🚀
Table of contents
- Spanish 🇪🇸 – The global powerhouse
- Portuguese 🇵🇹🇧🇷 – The bridge between continents
- Italian 🇮🇹 – The language of art and culture 🤌
- Dutch 🇳🇱 – The Easiest Germanic Language You Can Learn
- Norwegian 🇳🇴 – The Closest Language to English?
- Afrikaans 🇿🇦 – The Simplified Dutch
- French 🇫🇷 – The Language of Diplomacy and Prestige
- German 🇩🇪 – The Language of Science and Business
- Indonesian 🇮🇩 – The Easiest Asian Language for English Speakers
- Swahili 🇰🇪🇹🇿🇺🇬 – The Gateway to Africa
- Wrap-up
1. Spanish 🇪🇸 – The global powerhouse
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 580 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Spain, Latin America (except Brazil), United States (second most spoken language)
Spanish isn’t just a language; it’s a golden ticket to half the world. Whether you’re planning to study in Madrid, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, or Mexico City, knowing Spanish will make your academic life so much easier. Plus, it’s the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers, so learning it isn’t just a good idea—it’s a power move.
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- Tons of words look and sound similar: actor, problema, radio, hotel (yes, those are all Spanish words).
- The pronunciation is clear, and you read it as it’s written—no surprise letters like in French.
- You’re probably already familiar with basic words thanks to pop culture, music, and food (tacos, salsa, fiesta, tequila—need we say more?).
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Verb conjugations can be a headache—Spanish has more tenses than English, and irregular verbs love to mess with you.
- Different accents and slang—Spanish in Spain sounds quite different from Mexican or Argentine Spanish.
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Spanish-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
If you want a widely spoken, useful, and relatively easy language, Spanish is a no-brainer. Whether you plan to study abroad, work internationally, or just impress your friends, this language will pay off big time.
2. Portuguese 🇵🇹🇧🇷 – The bridge between continents
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 260 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde
Portuguese might not be the first language that comes to mind when thinking about studying abroad, but it absolutely should be. With over 260 million speakers, it’s the sixth most spoken language in the world. If you dream of studying in Lisbon, São Paulo, or Rio de Janeiro, knowing Portuguese will make your experience 100x smoother. Plus, if you already know Spanish, you’re halfway there!
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- Shares a lot with Spanish – If you’ve dabbled in Spanish, Portuguese will feel familiar in terms of grammar and vocabulary. (Exemplo = Example, Problema = Problem, Informação = Information).
- Phonetically more flexible – Even if you mispronounce a word, Portuguese speakers will likely still understand you.
- You can understand Brazilian media – From Bossa Nova music to Netflix series, exposure to Portuguese is easier than ever.
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Pronunciation can be tricky – European Portuguese has closed vowel sounds that might confuse English speakers, while Brazilian Portuguese is more melodic but fast-paced.
- Some false friends with Spanish – Just because words look similar doesn’t mean they mean the same thing. (Embaraçado in Portuguese means “embarrassed,” not “pregnant”! Be careful with that one. 😅)
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Portuguese-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
If you want a widely spoken, culturally rich, and relatively easy language, Portuguese is an excellent choice. Plus, learning it gives you an advantage in both Europe and South America, which is a win-win!
3. Italian 🇮🇹 – The language of art and culture 🤌
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 85 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Italy, Switzerland (Canton Ticino), Vatican City, San Marino
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying history in Rome, fashion in Milan, or art in Florence, then learning Italian is a no-brainer. While it might not have the same global influence as Spanish or Portuguese, Italy is home to some of the best universities in Europe—especially for students in art, design, history, and gastronomy. Plus, let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to confidently order a plate of carbonara in perfect Italian?🍝
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- Clear pronunciation – Italian is phonetic, meaning you pronounce words exactly as they are written (unlike English or French).
- Lots of familiar words – English and Italian share tons of Latin-rooted words. (Università = University, Musica = Music, Famiglia = Family).
Simple sentence structure – - Compared to other Romance languages, Italian grammar is logical and structured.
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- The subjunctive (congiuntivo) – Italians love using it, and it doesn’t exist in English in the same way. (Spero che tu venga = “I hope that you come” – but that “venga” might make your head spin at first!).
- Regional accents and dialects – While standard Italian is clear and easy, dialects vary a lot from north to south.
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Italian-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
Italian might not be the most “practical” language globally, but if you love art, history, food, or fashion, learning it will transform your experience. Plus, Italy is one of the top study-abroad destinations, so you might as well dive in! 🇮🇹✨
4. Dutch 🇳🇱 – The Easiest Germanic Language You Can Learn
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 23 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Netherlands, Belgium (mainly in Flanders), Suriname
If you want to study in one of Europe’s most international and innovative universities, the Netherlands should definitely be on your radar. Dutch is like the perfect middle ground between English and German, making it one of the easiest languages for English speakers to pick up. And if you’re heading to Belgium, it’s also useful in the Flemish-speaking regions.
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- Super similar vocabulary – Dutch and English share a ton of words. (Water, beer, lamp, hotel, park… see the pattern?)
- Grammar is way easier than German – No complicated case system like in German, and sentence structure is quite familiar.
- Dutch people speak English REALLY well – So even if you mess up, they’ll understand you (but they’ll love you for trying!).
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Pronunciation can be tricky – Some sounds (like the famous guttural “g”) might feel awkward at first.
- Word order can get weird – In longer sentences, the verb placement sometimes follows odd rules.
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Dutch-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
If you’re considering studying in the Netherlands or Belgium, Dutch is a fantastic and easy-to-learn choice. And even if you just pick up the basics, it’ll make your life abroad way smoother!🇳🇱✨
5. Norwegian 🇳🇴 – The Closest Language to English?
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 5 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Norway
If you’re looking for a Scandinavian language that won’t make you lose your mind, Norwegian is your best bet. With its simple grammar, clear pronunciation, and tons of similarities to English, it’s considered one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. Plus, Norway has some of the best universities in Europe, offering world-class education in fields like technology, environmental sciences, and business.
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- Sentence structure is super familiar – If you can form a sentence in English, you can probably do it in Norwegian too. (Jeg liker kaffe = “I like coffee” – see? Easy!☕).
- Words often look like English – Sommer = Summer, Vinter = Winter, Glass = Glass. Not bad, huh?
- No crazy verb conjugations – Unlike in Spanish or French, verbs don’t change based on the subject (Jeg er, du er, vi er – “I am, you are, we are” – all basically the same!).
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Two written forms (Bokmål & Nynorsk) – Bokmål is the standard, so focus on that. Nynorsk is mostly used in rural areas.
- Regional accents can be wild – The Oslo accent is clear and easy, but venture into the fjords and… good luck!
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Norwegian-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
If you want to study in a Scandinavian country, Norwegian is hands down the easiest language to learn. And once you know it, you’ll understand a lot of Swedish and Danish too—talk about a triple win! 🇳🇴🔥
6. Afrikaans 🇿🇦 – The Simplified Dutch
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 6 million (first language), 10-15 million (as a second language)
📍 Countries where it’s useful: South Africa, Namibia
Afrikaans is often called “Dutch made easy“, and for good reason! It’s a direct descendant of Dutch, but with a much simpler grammar, making it one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers. If you’re thinking of studying in South Africa or Namibia, knowing Afrikaans can help you understand locals, culture, and history much better. Even if most South Africans speak English, Afrikaans is still widely used in education, media, and everyday life.
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- No verb conjugations – Unlike in English (I am, you are, he is), Afrikaans keeps it simple: Ek is, jy is, hy is (no changes!).
- A lot of words look like Dutch or English – Kind = Child, Water = Water, Bank = Bank. Easy, right?
- Straightforward pronunciation – If you can read English, you can read Afrikaans without major surprises.
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Limited global reach – Afrikaans is mostly spoken in South Africa and Namibia, so it’s not as useful internationally as Spanish or French.
- The “trilled R” – Some sounds, like the rolled “r,” might take a bit of practice.
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Afrikaans-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
If you’re heading to South Africa or Namibia, Afrikaans is a great bonus language that will make your life easier. Plus, it’s one of the fastest languages to learn, making it a fun challenge with quick rewards! 🇿🇦✨
7. French 🇫🇷 – The Language of Diplomacy and Prestige
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 30 weeks (750 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 300 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: France, Canada (Quebec), Belgium, Switzerland (Romandy, the French-speaking region), African nations, parts of the Caribbean
French isn’t just the language of romance and fine dining—it’s one of the most important academic and diplomatic languages in the world. With top universities in France, Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland, mastering French can open doors to incredible study-abroad opportunities. Plus, if you already speak English, you’re in luck: about 30% of English words come from French!
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- Massive shared vocabulary with English – Information, conversation, restaurant, façade—surprise! Those are all French words.
- Tons of learning resources – French is one of the most-studied languages in the world, meaning you’ll never run out of books, courses, and apps.
- Strong global presence – French is spoken across multiple continents, making it useful in academia, business, and travel.
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Pronunciation can be tricky – Silent letters (bonjour sounds like “bohn-zhoor”, not bon-jou-r), nasal sounds, and the infamous r might take time.
- Formal vs informal language – You’ll need to master both tu (casual) and vous (formal) to avoid awkward moments.
🎓 Best universities for free movers in French-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
If you want to study in a top-ranked university, work in diplomacy, or simply enjoy one of the most culturally rich languages, learning French is an excellent investment. Just be ready to master that pronunciation! 🇫🇷✨
8. German 🇩🇪 – The Language of Science and Business
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 36 weeks (900 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 130 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Germany, Austria, Switzerland (German-speaking region), Liechtenstein
If you’re planning to study abroad in Europe, learning German is one of the smartest choices you can make. Germany is home to some of the best universities in the world, many of which offer tuition-free or low-cost education for international students. Plus, if you’re into science, engineering, or business, German is one of the most widely used languages in academia and industry.
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- German and English share the same roots – Many words are almost identical (Haus = House, Freund = Friend, Mutter = Mother).
- Logical grammar structure – Once you learn the rules, they don’t change much.
- Plenty of learning resources – With German being one of the most-studied languages, you’ll find tons of courses, books, and apps.
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- The famous “cases” (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive) – English mostly ditched these centuries ago, but German still loves them.
- Long compound words – Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaft (Danube steamship company) might scare you, but don’t worry—you won’t need to use words like that in daily life.
- Pronunciation quirks – Some sounds, like the hard “ch” in “ich”, take a bit of practice.
🎓 Best universities for free movers in German-speaking countries:
🌍 Final verdict
If you’re serious about studying in Europe, German is one of the most useful languages you can learn. Yes, it takes a bit more effort than Spanish or French, but the career and academic opportunities it opens up are totally worth it! 🇩🇪🔥
9. Indonesian 🇮🇩 – The Easiest Asian Language for English Speakers
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 36 weeks (900 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 200 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Indonesia
If you’ve ever thought about studying abroad in Southeast Asia, Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is one of the best languages to learn. Unlike many other Asian languages, it uses the Latin alphabet, has a straightforward grammar, and doesn’t have tones like Chinese, Thai, or Vietnamese. Indonesia is home to a fast-growing economy, rich culture, and some of the most stunning destinations in the world—so knowing a bit of the language can be a game-changer.
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- No verb conjugations – No need to worry about I am, you are, he is—in Indonesian, the verb stays the same for all subjects! (Saya makan = I eat, You eat, He eats).
- No complicated tenses – Forget about past, present, and future tenses—context is enough to understand meaning.
- Phonetic spelling – Indonesian is pronounced exactly as it’s written. If you can read it, you can say it!
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Some unique vocabulary – Since it’s not a European language, words won’t always be familiar (Rumah = House, Makan = Eat, Jalan = Road).
- Slang & informal speech – Like English, Indonesian has a lot of colloquial expressions that differ from textbook learning.
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Indonesia:
- 🇮🇩 Universitas Indonesia
- 🇮🇩 Gadjah Mada University
- 🇮🇩 Bandung Institute of Technology
🌍 Final verdict
If you’re looking for an easy-to-learn non-European language, Indonesian is the best choice. With simple grammar, phonetic pronunciation, and no verb tenses, it’s the perfect introduction to Asian languages without the usual difficulties! 🇮🇩✨
10. Swahili 🇰🇪🇹🇿🇺🇬 – The Gateway to Africa
🕐 Approximate time to learn: 36 weeks (900 hours)
🗣️ Number of speakers: 75 million
📍 Countries where it’s useful: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other East African nations
If you’re planning to study, work, or volunteer in East Africa, Swahili (Kiswahili) is the best language to learn. Unlike many African languages, Swahili is not tied to one ethnic group, making it a lingua franca spoken across multiple countries. Plus, it has a surprising number of words borrowed from Arabic, Portuguese, and even English, making it easier to pick up than you might think!
🔥 Why it’s easy for English speakers:
- No verb conjugations based on subject – Similar to Indonesian, verbs don’t change depending on who is doing the action. (Ninapenda, Unapenda, Anapenda = I love, You love, He/She loves*).*
- Phonetic spelling – If you can read it, you can pronounce it—no tricky silent letters like in French or English!
- Lots of borrowed words – Swahili has absorbed words from Arabic, English, Portuguese, and German, so some vocabulary will feel familiar.
⚠️ Challenges you might face:
- Noun classes – Swahili uses a system of prefixes that change based on the category of the noun, which takes some getting used to.
- Less learning material – Unlike French or Spanish, finding Swahili courses and resources can be a bit harder (but they’re growing!).
🎓 Best universities for free movers in Swahili-speaking countries:
- 🇰🇪 University of Nairobi
- 🇹🇿 University of Dar es Salaam
- 🇺🇬 Makerere University
🌍 Final verdict
Swahili is one of the easiest African languages to learn, and it’s perfect if you’re planning to study, travel, or work in East Africa. If you’re looking for a unique but accessible language with real-world benefits, Swahili is an amazing choice! 🇰🇪✨
🔥 Alright, time to wrap this up! 🔥
Learning a new language might seem like a grind, but pick the right one, and it’s a total cheat code.🌍✈️
Want to crush uni abroad, boost your career, or finally stop butchering restaurant menus? These languages give you an unfair advantage. And the best part? They’re some of the easiest for English speakers to master.
So, what’s the move? Keep making excuses or start unlocking doors you didn’t even know existed?🚀✨
