What Are the Easiest Languages to Learn for English Speakers?
The Top 8 Languages Ranked by Simplicity
- May 30, 2025
- By Tim Lorenz
Table of Content
Introduction
If you’re an English speaker looking to expand your horizons with a new language, you might be wondering: what’s the easiest language to learn? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, some languages naturally align better with English in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
At Tobian Language School, we work with learners from all over the world and often get this exact question. With personalized guidance from native teachers, mini-group or private lessons, and courses tailored to your level and goals, we make the journey into a new language smoother—especially if you’re starting with one that shares similarities with English. In this blog, we’ll break down the top languages that English speakers typically find easiest to learn—and why.
Factors Influencing Language Learning Ease
Before delving into specific languages, it’s essential to understand what makes a language easier or more challenging to learn:
- Linguistic Similarity: Languages that share roots with English, such as those in the Germanic family, often have similar vocabulary and sentence structures.
- Grammar Complexity: Languages with straightforward grammar rules and fewer exceptions tend to be easier for learners.
- Pronunciation and Phonetics: Languages with sounds familiar to English speakers and consistent pronunciation rules are generally more approachable.
- Writing System: Languages that use the Latin alphabet, like English, eliminate the need to learn a new script.
- Learning Resources: The availability of quality learning materials, courses, and language communities can significantly impact the learning process.
Top Languages Considered Easiest for English Speakers
Norwegian
Norwegian, a North Germanic language, is often cited as one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.
It shares a significant amount of vocabulary with English and has straightforward grammar rules. For instance, verbs are not conjugated for person or number, simplifying sentence construction.
Additionally, Norwegian pronunciation is relatively intuitive, and the language uses the Latin alphabet.
The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) estimates that it takes approximately 600 hours (24 weeks) for English speakers to achieve proficiency in Norwegian.
Swedish
Swedish, another North Germanic language, shares many similarities with English, including vocabulary and sentence structure.
It also employs the Latin alphabet and has consistent pronunciation rules. The FSI also categorizes Swedish as a Category I language, requiring around 600 hours of study for proficiency.
The Tobian Language School offers courses (private and mini-group) for all Nordic languages at very competitive prices.
Spanish
Spanish, a Romance language, is widely spoken globally and is known for its phonetic spelling and relatively simple grammar. It uses the Latin alphabet, and many English words have Latin roots, making vocabulary acquisition more manageable.
The FSI estimates that English speakers can achieve proficiency in Spanish with approximately 600 hours of study.
Our native teachers at the Tobian Language School will help you to achieve your personal Spanish learning goal.
Dutch
Dutch, a West Germanic language, shares a considerable amount of vocabulary with English. Its grammar is more straightforward than German, and it uses the Latin alphabet.
Pronunciation can be a bit challenging due to some unique sounds, but overall, it’s considered accessible for English speakers.
The FSI categorizes Dutch as a Category I language, requiring about 600 hours of study for proficiency.
As a School based in the Netherlands, we are absolute top experts when it comes to teaching you the beauties of the Dutch language!
Portuguese
Portuguese, particularly the Brazilian variant, is known for its melodic sound and relatively simple grammar. It shares many cognates with English due to Latin roots and uses the Latin alphabet.
Pronunciation can vary between European and Brazilian Portuguese, but learners often find Brazilian Portuguese more phonetically consistent.
The FSI estimates around 600 hours of study for proficiency. No matter if you prefer Brazilian or European Portuguese, our native teachers will teach you the right flow and pronunciation.
Italian
Italian, another Romance language, is appreciated for its phonetic spelling and straightforward grammar. It shares many cognates with English and uses the Latin alphabet.
The musicality of the language often aids in memorization and pronunciation.
The FSI categorizes Italian as a Category I language, requiring approximately 600 hours of study for proficiency.
Learn more than Pizza and Amore in one of our flexible Italian courses offers.
French
French has significantly influenced English vocabulary, making many words familiar to learners. While French pronunciation and grammar can be more complex, its widespread use and the abundance of learning resources make it accessible.
The FSI estimates that English speakers need about 600 hours of study to achieve proficiency in French. This language might not be the easiest but rest assured that our native teachers will make it a fun experience.
Afrikaans
Afrikaans, derived from Dutch, is spoken primarily in South Africa and Namibia.
It boasts a simplified grammar system, with no verb conjugation for person or number and no gender distinctions. Its vocabulary shares many similarities with English, and it uses the Latin alphabet.
These features make Afrikaans one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.
Honorable Mentions
- Frisian: Often cited as the closest language to English, Frisian shares a significant amount of vocabulary and similar sentence structures. However, it’s spoken by a small population, primarily in parts of the Netherlands and Germany.
- Indonesian: Known for its straightforward grammar and phonetic spelling, Indonesian uses the Latin alphabet and lacks verb conjugations, making it accessible for English speakers.
Conclusion
While the ease of learning a new language varies based on individual aptitude, motivation, and exposure, languages that share linguistic similarities with English, have straightforward grammar, and use the Latin alphabet tend to be more accessible.
Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Afrikaans are among the top contenders for English speakers seeking a new language to learn.
Ultimately, the best language to learn is one that aligns with your personal interests, goals, and the cultural experiences you wish to explore.
At the Tobian Language School we teach over 30 languages so sign up now for your language learning adventure!
