How Many People in Germany Speak English? (Updated 2026)
Quick Answer: Over 45.5 million people in Germany speak English as a second language — that’s 56% of the population. Germany has the largest number of non-native English speakers in Europe and ranks #10 globally for English proficiency (EF EPI 2024). The average German speaks at a C1 (advanced) level, and younger adults (21–25) show the highest fluency. English is most widely spoken in cities like Karlsruhe, Munich, and Cologne, and in states like North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria.
Overview: English in Germany by the Numbers
- 56% of Germans speak English as a second language — approximately 45.4 million people (Eurobarometer).
- Germany has the largest number of non-native English speakers in Europe.
- Around 392,000 people (0.47% of the population) speak English natively.
- 10.08 million Germans rate their English as “very good”; over 20 million say “fairly good” (Statista).
- English is compulsory in schools from as early as age 5.
How Good Are Germans at Speaking English?
Germany ranks #10 worldwide on the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) with a score of 598/800 — categorized as “High Proficiency.” The average German speaks at a C1 level (advanced), capable of fluent conversation, professional work, and consuming English media without difficulty.
| Country | EPI Score (2024) | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 636 | #1 |
| Finland | 626 | #3 |
| Norway | 623 | #4 |
| Germany | 598 | #10 |
| France | 559 | #34 |
| Spain | 545 | #36 |
Regional Breakdown: English Proficiency by German State (Bundesland)
| State (Bundesland) | EPI Score | Proficiency Level | CEFR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 619 | Very High | C1 |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 617 | Very High | C1 |
| Bremen | 616 | Very High | C1 |
| Bavaria | 615 | Very High | C1 |
| Baden-Württemberg | 613 | Very High | C1 |
| Hesse | 588 | High | B2 |
| Berlin | 592 | High | B2 |
North Rhine-Westphalia ranks highest in the country with a score of 619, surpassing the national average by 21 points. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has the lowest regional score (571) but still falls within the “high” proficiency category.
English Proficiency by German City
| City | EPI Score | Proficiency Level | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karlsruhe | 672 | Very High | 313,092 |
| Munich | 658 | Very High | 1.47M |
| Dresden | 652 | Very High | 554,649 |
| Bremen | 646 | Very High | 569,352 |
| Düsseldorf | 636 | Very High | 619,294 |
| Berlin | 592 | High | 3.645M |
| Frankfurt | 591 | High | 753,056 |
Despite being only the 22nd largest city in Germany, Karlsruhe takes the crown with an impressive EPI score of 672 — categorized as “very high” proficiency, well above the national average.
Demographic Trends: Age, Gender & Education
| Demographic | Proficiency Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age 21–25 | Highest | Strongest fluency, influenced by digital exposure |
| Age 26–30 | Very High | Closely follows the 21–25 group |
| Under 40 | High to Very High | Consistently strong across the board |
| Over 40 | B2 (Fluent) | Slightly less proficient but still conversational |
| Men vs. Women | Men +10 points | Both at C1 level overall |
| School-age (Grade 9) | B1 (Intermediate) | Expected conversational fluency by Grade 9 |
English became a mandatory subject in German schools in 1964, which explains the generational divide. Germans under 40 typically have high to very high proficiency, while those over 55 were less represented in the data.
English in the German Workplace
English is commonly used in German workplaces, particularly in technology, finance, hospitality, and international business. Many multinational companies use English as their primary language. In major cities, up to 15% of job listings are specifically targeted at English speakers, making Germany a top destination for expats and international professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Browse All Data & Statistics →Conclusion: Germany’s English Advantage
With over 45 million English speakers and a #10 global ranking, Germany stands as a European leader in English proficiency. The combination of early compulsory education, cultural exposure, and professional demand has created a population that is not only fluent but confident in English. Whether you’re traveling, working, or studying in Germany, you’ll find that English opens many doors — though a few words of German will always be warmly welcomed.
Continue exploring with our guides on How to Train Yourself to Speak Good English, Reflexive Verbs, and Its vs It’s.
Belekar Sir is the founder and lead instructor at Belekar Sir’s Academy, a trusted name in English language education. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has helped thousands of students—from beginners to advanced learners—develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills. Known for his practical teaching style and deep understanding of learner needs, Belekar Sir is passionate about making English accessible and empowering for everyone. When he’s not teaching, he’s creating resources and guides to support learners on their journey to mastering spoken English.