Is there any single language that would be beneficial for communication in Europe?

Question

I know English would be good. But most European hardly speak much English. Is it Spanish, German or any other language?

Answer 1

More Europeans speak German as a first language than any other, but more speak English as a second language. I would say if you want only one, it would have to be English, but if you could add a second, pick Spanish. Spanish people are much less likely to know English than Germans are, and you have a bit of a shot at being understood by Portuguese, Italians, and French (roughly in order of likelihood). Still leaves a big chunk of Eastern Europe though!

Answer 2

Actually, English is the main language for business communication. French is great for literature and philosophy just like German. Italian is really beautiful.

Many Europeans speak 2 or 3 of those languages but English is spoken by more than these other languages. Especially, people from E. and N. Europe tend to learn English because of business opportunities.

Answer 3

I am not sure why you think English is hardly spoken in Europe. This is false. English is by far the biggest second language in Europe. It is becoming a mandatory second language in most countries and if I am not mistaken is considered the official language of the EU, as it is the official language of Math and Science. I was a TEFL teacher in Prague and almost everyone I met knew English to some degree. But, if you want to learn a European language which is widely accepted, I would base it on where you plan to go. German is very common in countries that border Germany and French seemed to be a very popular third language at my language school. If you plan to visit Eastern Europe, the ex-Soviet bloc countries, then you might consider Russian. Almost any slovac based language can understand each other and Russian. If your visit is going to be in mainly one country, then that is the language I would of course try to learn. Most natives can speak to you in English, but are very appreciative and more welcoming if you make an effort to speak their language.

Answer 4

English, actually. More people in Europe speak English as a second or third language than any other. I was in Eastern Europe last December with only English and I did quite well getting around on my own. If you are polite and don't walk into a place saying "Who speaks English here?" most people will use what little English they know to help you in any way they can. If you ask first, and especially if you ask rudely, you are likely to find that "no one knows English" anywhere.

Answer 5

hello,
i'm from France

if you can speak spanish, french or some others language that's great
and most of European can speak 2 or 3 languages
but english language is better

have a good day!
or have a good trip!

Answer 6

English IS the European Union's official language. No, it's not Spanish (only one country speaks that one), and no it's not German (only three or four countries speak that one). All business is conducted between different countries in English.

However, the French are snobs, so if you want to go there, learn French. The French hate the English (and vvs) and would be delighted to know you know French.

Answer 7

the place precisely in Europe are you making plans to bypass? while you're traveling for 2 or 3 weeks extremely learn some French - that's style of greater undemanding. German is complicated and to be understood you might have stable working understanding of the grammar. while you're traveling in western Germany only approximately anybody will immediately change to English no be counted how stable or undesirable you communicate German - occurs to me in many situations and that i'm fluent.

Answer 8

English/Spanish/French are good choices.

Answer 9

Body language...that works even with !Kung Bushmen in Africa.

Answer 10

Anything but Spanish, please.