11 Best Languages to Learn: Why & Where to Learn Them
Discover the best languages to learn, their benefits, and where to find courses. Find useful insights and resources to start your language journey!
Learning a new language can transform your personal and professional life. It opens doors to new cultures and experiences and enhances career opportunities, travel experiences, and social connections. The benefits of being bilingual even extend to the brain, improving memory and decision making!
In other words, there are a lot of good reasons why you should learn another language. This article explores the 11 best languages to learn. We highlight their usefulness, cultural significance, and where to find quality learning resources.
So, get ready to discover languages that can enrich your life and broaden your horizons!
Best Languages to Learn
In this section, we’ll explore the 11 top languages to learn. Each language offers unique benefits, making them valuable additions to your linguistic repertoire.
1. English
Even though many people reading this will be native English speakers, we had to include it at the top of the list. English is the most widely spoken second language in the world, with over 1.5 billion speakers globally.
Whether for travel, work, or leisure, English is the go-to language for international communication. As the official or dominant language in countries like the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and many others, knowing English makes traveling or working abroad much easier.
English is often referred to as the language of business, science, and technology, making it an essential skill in many industries. If you’re interested in pursuing global career opportunities or studying abroad, English is likely to be a requirement.
Additionally, English offers an enormous amount of cultural material, from Hollywood movies and bestselling novels to global news outlets and social media platforms. The wealth of resources available for learning English also makes it accessible, with countless courses, books, and English learning apps designed to help you master the language.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 1.5 billion
- Best places to learn: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 600-750 hours (about 24-30 weeks)
- Recommended courses: Coursera, EF English Live, BBC Learning English
2. Spanish
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, with approximately 477 million native speakers and over 550 million total speakers. It’s the official language in 21 countries, primarily in Latin America and Spain. It is also the second most spoken language in the United States. So, if you’re looking to expand your communication skills across the Americas, Spanish is an excellent choice.
The good news is that Spanish is a relatively straightforward language for English speakers to learn. This is particularly because of its phonetic nature — words are pronounced exactly as they’re written. If you’ve ever seen some of the words that are hard to pronounce in English you’ll know this is a good thing!
Spanish culture is rich and diverse, spanning literature, film, music, and history. This means that you’ve access to Spanish shows like La Casa de Papel and Narcos, which can provide engaging content for learners.
Additionally, Spanish is a highly practical language for travelers, with its widespread usage in both popular tourist destinations and business hubs across the globe.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 550 million
- Best places to learn: Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 600-750 hours (about 24-30 weeks)
- Recommended courses: Babbel, Rosetta Stone, SpanishPod101
3. Chinese (Mandarin)
Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, with over 900 million native speakers. It’s also the official language of China, Taiwan, and one of the four official languages of Singapore. As China’s influence continues to grow economically and politically, Mandarin is becoming an increasingly important language to learn, particularly for those interested in international business, technology, and diplomacy.
Learning Mandarin can seem daunting because of its complex writing system and tonal nature. However, overcoming the challenge can offer immense rewards.
Chinese characters, known as Hanzi, have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Once you learn the Chinese radicals and characters, you’ll notice patterns that make learning easier. China’s rich culture, history, and art become much more accessible when you understand the language. Plus, with China being a global economic powerhouse, mastering Mandarin can open doors to various career opportunities in industries like trade, manufacturing, and tech.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 1.1 billion
- Best places to learn: China, Taiwan, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 2,200 hours (about 88 weeks)
- Recommended courses: HelloChinese, FluentU, Yoyo Chinese
4. Portuguese
Portuguese is spoken by over 230 million people across several countries, most notably Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique. Brazil, the largest Portuguese-speaking country, boasts a rapidly growing economy, and Portuguese is incredibly useful for anyone interested in doing business in South America or exploring this vibrant region.
Brazil, in particular, offers a unique cultural experience, with its world-famous Carnival, samba music, and a rich culinary tradition. In addition, Portugal is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike, offering rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle.
The Portuguese language gives you access to all these experiences, from tropical rainforests to great cities like Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro. Portuguese is also closely related to other Romance languages like Spanish and Italian. So, if you know one of those, it’s easier to pick up.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 260 million
- Best places to learn: Brazil, Portugal, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 600-750 hours (24-30 weeks)
- Recommended courses: Memrise, Pimsleur, PortuguesePod101
5. Italian
Italian is the language of art, culture, and cuisine, spoken by over 65 million people primarily in Italy and parts of Switzerland. For anyone with an interest in history, fashion, or fine dining, learning Italian can deepen your appreciation of Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
From the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci to the opera of Verdi and Puccini, Italy’s contributions to the arts are unmatched, and understanding the language gives you direct access to these masterpieces.
Italian is also a relatively easy language for English speakers to learn, especially if you already know another Romance language like Spanish or French. The melodic nature of Italian, with its rhythmic syllables and flowing sounds, makes it one of the most beautiful languages in the world.
Whether you’re traveling to the scenic cities of Rome, Florence, or Venice, or simply looking to enjoy Italian films and literature, learning Italian opens up a world of beauty and history.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 85 million
- Best places to learn: Italy, Switzerland, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 600-750 hours (24-30 weeks)
- Recommended courses: Duolingo, Mondly, ItalianPod101
6. French
French is spoken by over 275 million people worldwide. It’s not just spoken in France, but also in parts of Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean. It’s also an official language of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, making it essential for anyone interested in international relations, law, or diplomacy.
Beyond its practical uses, French is often seen as the language of culture, romance, and philosophy. France has a long tradition of contributions to the arts, literature, and cinema, and learning French gives you direct access to its cultural treasures. If you want to explore Paris, study in Montreal, or visit Senegal, speaking French allows you to connect with millions of people across multiple continents.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 275 million
- Best places to learn: France, Canada, Belgium, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 600-750 hours (24-30 weeks)
- Recommended courses: Babbel, Rosetta Stone, FrenchPod101
7. German
German is the most widely spoken native language in Europe, with over 130 million speakers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Germany’s influence in science, engineering, and finance makes German a highly sought-after language for professionals. Whether you’re looking to work in international business, pursue higher education, or simply travel across Europe, learning German offers valuable opportunities.
German grammar can be complex, but the language follows very logical rules, and once you grasp the structure, it becomes easier to learn. Moreover, German-speaking countries have a rich cultural history, from classical music and philosophy to modern literature and cinema. They were also central to many important events of the 20th century.
Whether you’re fascinated by the works of Goethe or the compositions of Beethoven, or if you’re just a history buff, learning German allows you to explore these fields in their original form.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 130 million
- Best places to learn: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 750 hours (30 weeks)
- Recommended courses: Goethe-Institut, FluentU, GermanPod101
8. Japanese
With around 125 million speakers, Japanese is primarily spoken in Japan, a country renowned for its technological innovation, pop culture, and centuries-old traditions. From anime and manga to high-tech cities and historic temples, Japan has a unique cultural appeal. Learning Japanese not only gives you access to one of the world’s most fascinating cultures but also positions you well for careers in technology, gaming, and international trade.
The Japanese writing system, which consists of kanji, hiragana, and katakana, may seem intimidating, but the grammar is surprisingly straightforward. Japanese is known for its politeness levels, with specific forms of speech used depending on the situation, making it a deeply respectful language. If you’re a fan of Japanese media or plan to travel to Japan, learning the language will enhance your experience significantly.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 125 million
- Best places to learn: Japan, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 2,200 hours (about 88 weeks)
- Recommended courses: WaniKani, LingoDeer, JapanesePod101
9. Korean
Korean is the official language of both South Korea and North Korea and is spoken by 80 million people. The Korean language has gained worldwide popularity thanks to the global rise of K-pop, Korean dramas, and films like Parasite. South Korea’s booming tech industry also makes Korean an attractive language for those interested in technology, electronics, or entertainment.
One of the best aspects of learning Korean is its writing system, Hangul. It’s considered one of the most logical and easy-to-learn alphabets, designed to be accessible to everyone. Korean grammar can be challenging, but with practice, you’ll find the language offers plenty of rewarding moments. This is especially true if you want to start watching K-dramas or understanding your favorite K-pop lyrics without subtitles.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 80 million
- Best places to learn: South Korea, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 2,200 hours (about 88 weeks)
- Recommended courses: TalkToMeInKorean, LingoDeer, Coursera
10. Hindi
Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 600 million speakers primarily in India and Nepal. As the official language of India, Hindi plays a crucial role in the country’s culture and is an essential means of communication across its various regions.
Understanding Hindi opens the door to India’s traditions, cinema, music, and art, allowing you to engage with its vibrant culture more deeply.
Hindi is written in the Devanagari script, which may initially seem challenging. However, it is quite phonetic, making pronunciation easier once you master the characters. Learning Hindi is especially beneficial for those interested in travel, business, or cultural exchange in India. The language’s growing popularity also makes it an attractive option for anyone looking to expand their global communication skills.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 600 million
- Best places to learn: India, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 1,100 hours (about 44 weeks)
- Recommended courses: HindiPod101, Duolingo, Rosetta Stone
11. Arabic
Arabic is one of the world’s oldest languages, spoken by over 310 million people across 22 countries in the Arab world. It is the liturgical language of Islam and has significant cultural and historical importance. Arabic dialects vary widely, with Modern Standard Arabic serving as the common literary and formal language across Arabic-speaking countries, while local dialects dominate daily communication.
Learning Arabic can be both challenging and rewarding due to its unique script and phonetic sounds. It opens up numerous opportunities in fields like international relations, business, and cultural studies. Moreover, Arabic is a gateway to understanding a wide array of cultural experiences.
Facts:
- Number of speakers worldwide: 310 million
- Best places to learn: Middle Eastern countries, online platforms
- Approximate time to learn: 2,200 hours (about 88 weeks)
- Recommended courses: ArabicPod101, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur
Why Not Learn a Language This Year?!
Learning a new language can greatly enrich your life. The best languages to learn offer valuable benefits in communication and culture. They can enhance travel experiences and career opportunities.
By choosing one of these languages, you’re investing in your personal growth and can feel a great sense of accomplishment if you master it. So, embrace the challenge and enjoy the rewards that come with learning a new language!
