Have you ever wondered how languages are ranked in terms of difficulty level?
Foreign Service Institute has done a good job of ranking the easiest and hardest languages to learn.
Learning a new language is fun and rewarding, but not all languages are equal. Some languages are widely spoken, which can make them easier to learn due to greater exposure and resources.
For native English speakers, some languages are much easier to learn because of their linguistic similarities and simpler grammar rules. Languages with different writing systems or complex phonetic patterns are harder.
Languages like Dutch and Danish are often the easiest for English speakers. They share a lot of vocabulary and have the same grammatical structures as English. So, the learning curve is much gentler, and you can start communicating sooner.
On the other hand, languages like Chinese or Arabic are the hardest for English speakers. They have writing systems and grammar rules that differ from English. Becoming proficient in these languages takes more time and effort, but the challenge can be a deep and rewarding learning experience.
- According to the FSI:
- Dutch and Danish are the easiest languages.
- Chinese and Arabic are the hardest languages due to their unique writing systems and complex grammar.
Language Difficulty for Native English Speakers
Language difficulty varies greatly among native English speakers. Several factors affect this, including grammar, syntax, writing systems, and phonetic similarities.
Factors
Grammar: Languages like German and Hungarian have complex grammar rules.
Hungarian has many noun cases where the endings of words change based on their grammatical role, which can be tough for English speakers.
The influence of the mother language can significantly affect how easily one learns a new language, as similarities or differences in grammar and structure play a crucial role.
Syntax: Sentence structure variations make some languages harder to learn. In some cases, Hungarian puts objects before verbs, which differs from English syntax.
Writing Systems: Learning new alphabets or characters can be challenging. Modern Greek has a different alphabet, and Japanese has kanji, which can be overwhelming for English speakers who are used to the Latin alphabet.
Examples
Easier Languages:
- Italian: Many cognates and phonetic structure makes Italian relatively easy.
- Dutch: As a Germanic language, Dutch shares many vocabulary and sentence structures with English.
- Romanian: It uses the Latin alphabet and has many cognates but its grammar is slightly more complex than Italian or Dutch.
Harder Languages:
- German: Pronunciation and grammar is nuanced.
- Hungarian: Unique language features and many case systems make Hungarian the hardest language for English speakers.
Language difficulty is about understanding these and adapting to them. Each language has its opportunities and challenges for native English speakers.
Why Some Languages Are Easier or Harder
Language difficulty depends on many factors. One key factor is how similar the target language is to the learner’s native language.
For example, languages in the same family often share similar vocabulary and grammar rules, making learning easier.
Learning other Germanic languages like Dutch or Afrikaans can be easier for native English speakers.
These languages have many words that look or sound similar to English, which greatly helps the learning process.
Another factor is grammar. Some languages have simpler grammar structures.
English’s grammar is relatively simple compared to Russian or Mandarin, which have complex rules and structures.
Writing systems also play a big role. Languages that use the Roman alphabet, like Spanish or French, are generally easier for English speakers to learn than those with different scripts, like Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese. Learning a new set of symbols adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Tonality is another factor. Tonal languages like Chinese or Vietnamese use pitch to differentiate word meanings, which can be very challenging for native speakers of non-tonal languages.
Motivation and exposure are also important. Learning a language requires commitment and practice. If a learner is highly motivated and has regular exposure to the language, their chances of success are much higher. Native speakers’ availability for practice can greatly impact language learning speed.
Each factor can make a language easier or harder to learn, depending on the learner’s background and resources.
Factors That Affect Language Difficulty
Language difficulty depends on many factors. Key points are how similar the new language is to your native language, the writing system, grammar rules, pronunciation, and the cultural context where the language is used.
Linguistic Similarity
Linguistic similarity plays a big role in how easy it is to learn a new language. The English language, for example, has a historical entwinement with French, including the influence of French vocabulary due to the lengthy history of wars and conquests between France and England. If a language is closely related to your native language, it can be easier to learn. Germanic languages like Dutch and Swedish are simpler for English speakers because they have shared roots.
German also falls into this category but has extra pronunciation nuances. Romance languages like French, Spanish, and Romanian, which have Latin roots, share some vocabulary and structure with English, which is also relatively easier. Languages from different families, like Mandarin or Arabic, have no shared vocabulary and structure, making them more challenging.
Writing Systems
Writing systems can add another layer of difficulty. English uses the Roman alphabet, so languages with similar alphabets, like Dutch and German, are easier to learn in terms of writing. However, others, like Japanese, which uses Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji, require learning multiple sets of characters.
Arabic and Hebrew have unique scripts that can even be read from right to left, which can be confusing initially. Mandarin Chinese uses characters representing words or morphemes, which adds complexity. Koreans use Hangul, which is considered one of the most scientific and logical writing systems, but it still requires memorizing new symbols.
Grammar Rules
Grammar complexity can be a big hurdle. Some languages have simple grammar rules, while others have complex ones.
For example, Finnish has a complex grammar system with 15 cases, while English has very few. German also has cases, but not as many as Finnish.
This makes it harder for English speakers. Turkish and Hungarian have an agglutinative structure, meaning they build words by adding various suffixes to a root.
Mandarin Chinese doesn’t have conjugation and has quite a linear sentence structure, which can be easier in some ways but challenging in others.
Pronunciation
Pronunciation can greatly affect language learning. Some languages have sounds not found in others.
Mandarin Chinese and Vietnamese are tonal languages, meaning changes in pitch can change the meaning of a word.
This is usually tricky for English speakers. German has some guttural sounds, which can be challenging.
Dutch and Swedish are more phonetic and have sounds that are familiar to English speakers, so pronunciation is less challenging.
Learning to pronounce words correctly also involves phonetic understanding and practice, which varies greatly between languages.
Cultural Context
Cultural context also matters when learning a new language. Understanding cultural nuances can help you master a language.
For example, Japanese people speak differently based on social hierarchy, which is deeply embedded in their culture.
Mandarin Chinese, Turkish and Arabic cultures have unique insights that come through in language use.
Engaging with a language’s culture can help improve your language skills.
This includes consuming media, participating in traditions and understanding cultural differences and connections.
Motivation and mindset driven by cultural appreciation can speed up learning.
Easiest Languages for English Speakers to Learn – Category I Languages
These languages are the easiest for English speakers to learn. They share many similarities in English, such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation.
Spanish
Spanish is one of the most popular languages for English speakers to learn. It uses the Latin alphabet, so it’s familiar.
Pronunciation is straightforward because words are pronounced as they are written.
Spanish has relatively simple grammar. Verbs are conjugated predictably and have fewer irregular verbs than in English.
Exposure to Spanish through media or travel lets you quickly improve your communication skills.
Dutch
Dutch is part of the Germanic language family like English, which makes it relatively easy for English speakers to learn.
It has a similar sentence structure and many cognates, words that look or sound similar in both languages.
Pronunciation can be tricky due to guttural sounds, but with practice, it’s manageable.
The grammar is also more straightforward than English, with fewer exceptions to the rules.
Norwegian
Norwegian is another Germanic language that’s easiest for English speakers to learn. Its vocabulary and sentence structure are quite similar to English.
Norwegian has simpler grammar with fewer verb forms and no gendered nouns.
Plus, Norwegian is relatively easy to pronounce. The language is phonetic, meaning words are pronounced as they are written.
Exposure to Norwegian through media can help a lot in learning.
Swedish
Swedish, another Germanic language, is one of the easiest for English speakers to learn. It has many cognates with English so that you can build vocabulary quickly.
Pronunciation is straightforward, and Swedish is also a phonetic language. Grammar is simpler than English and has fewer irregularities.
Swedish is often present in popular culture and media, so learning it is easier.
Portuguese
Portuguese is a Romance language and shares many similarities with Spanish. The vocabulary has many cognates, so it’s easier for English speakers to learn. Portuguese pronunciation is slightly different from Spanish but still manageable.
Portuguese grammar is regular, with predictable verb conjugations and fewer irregular verbs.
Exposure to Portuguese cultures like Brazil or Portugal can help you grasp the language faster.
Italian
Italian is another Romance language that is easy for English speakers. It uses the Latin alphabet and has many cognates with English due to its Latin roots. Italian pronunciation is straightforward, and most words are phonetic.
Italian grammar is logical, with regular verb conjugations and clear rules. It is also widely available through media, food, and culture, making learning easier.
French
French is also a Romance language; many of its cognates are English. It uses the Latin alphabet, so reading and writing are easier. However, French pronunciation can be tricky due to nasal sounds and silent letters.
The grammar is somewhat complex but still manageable. Exposure to French through media like films and music can help you learn the language faster.
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a Germanic language spoken in South Africa. Its grammar is simpler than English, with no gendered nouns and fewer verb forms.
The vocabulary overlaps much with English and Dutch.
Pronunciation is straightforward, and Afrikaans is phonetic, so it’s easier to learn. Its simple structure and familiar vocabulary make Afrikaans accessible to English speakers.
Esperanto
Esperanto is a constructed language designed for easy learning. It has simple grammar, no irregular verbs, and phonetic pronunciation.
The vocabulary has roots in several European languages, so it’s familiar to many learners.
Esperanto’s grammar is logical and regular so that it can be learned quickly. It is also an international language, so communication and learning are simplified.
Indonesian
Indonesian is a phonetic language, so pronunciation is straightforward. The grammar is simple, with no verb conjugations or tenses. Sentence structure is also straightforward, and in many cases, it is similar to English.
Indonesians use the Latin alphabet so English speakers can read and write it easily. Learning Indonesian is made simpler by its regularity and lack of complicated grammar rules, so it’s an easy and practical language to learn.
Medium Difficulty Languages for English Speakers – Category II Languages
Category II languages are a medium difficulty for English speakers. They require more effort and time to learn but can be done with dedication. Here are six examples of their features.
Romanian
Romanian is a Romance language from Latin. It has many similarities with other Romance languages, such as Italian, Spanish, and French, so the vocabulary is somewhat familiar to English speakers. However, Romanian retained complex case systems for nouns, which adds to the challenge.
The grammar has verb conjugations and gendered nouns that may be new to English speakers. Pronunciation is generally phonetic, so speaking and reading can be easier once you learn the rules. Romanian has a mix of Latin roots and Slavic influences, so it’s richer to learn.
German
German is a Germanic language related to English. It uses the Latin alphabet, so reading is easier. However, German is challenging due to its complex grammar.
It has four cases—nominative, accusative, genitive, and dative—which can be tricky to learn. German also has multiple verb tenses and rigid word order in sentences.
German pronunciation can be tricky, especially with sounds that don’t exist in English. Words are often long and compound, so learners need to understand their components.
Learning German is worthwhile despite the challenges, especially for European business and travel.
Swahili
Swahili is a language spoken in East Africa. It’s known for its simple grammar, which does not include complex verb conjugations like many other languages.
The vocabulary has many loanwords from Arabic, so some parts are easier to understand if you know Arabic.
One challenge in Swahili is the noun classes, which differ from the gender in European languages. Each noun class has its own prefix that affects adjectives and verbs.
But Swahili has no significant verb tenses and a regular structure, so it’s easy for beginners. It’s a useful language for African travel and cultural interaction.
Welsh
Welsh is a Celtic language with its own grammar system. It uses the Latin alphabet but has some sounds that don’t exist in English.
Welsh has initial consonant mutations where the word’s first letter changes based on grammar, which can be confusing at first.
The vocabulary is not familiar to English speakers, so memorization is challenging. Despite the challenges, Welsh has a poetic rhythm and structure that many find beautiful.
Learning Welsh connects learners to a rich cultural heritage and is useful in regions of the UK where it’s spoken.
Danish
Danish is a Germanic language closely related to English. It uses the Latin alphabet, so it’s easy to learn.
However, Danish pronunciation is difficult due to subtle vowel shifts and glottal stops that are unfamiliar to English speakers.
It’s less complicated than German, with fewer cases and simpler verb conjugations. Vocabulary overlaps with English so that you can pick up words fast. Danish is useful if you’re interested in Scandinavian cultures and societies.
Learning these languages requires commitment, but the rewards are big. Each language opens up new cultural experiences and valuable skills for global communication.
Persian
Persian, also known as Farsi, is an Indo-Iranian language that uses the Arabic script. Although this writing system can be a barrier at first, the grammar is relatively simple compared to other languages.
Persian has no gendered nouns and simple verb conjugations.
The vocabulary has some roots in Arabic, but modern Persian has many loanwords from French and English. Pronunciation is generally consistent and phonetic, which helps in learning.
Persian is useful for understanding the culture and history of countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
The Hardest Languages for English Speakers to Learn – Category III Languages
Now, buckle up for the linguistic Everest – languages that will push you to your limits, stretch your tongue to its breaking point and challenge every linguistic muscle you have.
With complex grammar, unfamiliar sounds and scripts that have no relation to the English alphabet, these languages are for the brave and the bold.
But don’t worry, the climb is steep, but the view from the top is worth it.
Icelandic
With its sagas and otherworldly landscapes, Icelandic is as tough as beautiful. Its verb and noun structures are like ancient runes—full of mystery and complexity.
This makes it one of the hardest languages to learn.
The language has many old Norse words, so the vocabulary is unique to that of geysers and glaciers.
It’s a trip back in time to the land of Vikings and epic poems, but it requires a commitment to the language’s details.
Polish
Polish is a web of consonant clusters and diacritical marks that will confuse the uninitiated. It’s seven cases, and complex phonetics are a tongue-twister’s dream.
Navigating the cobblestone streets of an old city is like navigating the cobblestone streets of an old city—full of unexpected turns and hidden treasures for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.
Russian
Russia shares a continent with English but is a different world when it comes to language. Its Cyrillic script is a hall of mirrors of unfamiliar symbols, letters that look like Latin characters but sound completely different.
The grammar is a matryoshka of complexities with six cases to juggle in your sentences.
It’s like playing chess with a grandmaster – challenging but mentally stimulating.
Finnish
Finnish is a language that sings its own song, with a grammar that stands out even among its Uralic relatives.
It’s known for its many cases and verbs with many possible endings.
The lack of cognates will make you feel like you’re in a linguistic sauna – it’s intense, but you will feel accomplished and refreshed.
Hungarian
Hungarian, a cousin of Finnish, is a linguistic Rubik’s cube with:
- 18 cases
- vowel harmony
- consonant clusters
- unique pronunciations
You have to attune your ear to a whole new frequency.
But Hungarian is a fun challenge for those who love a good puzzle.
Turkish
Turkish is a language of harmony—vowel harmony, that is. Its agglutinative structure, where suffixes are piled onto base words, and its vowel harmony system make Turkish a fascinating language to study.
Learning the steps to a traditional dance is like learning the steps to a traditional dance—complex but beautiful once you get the rhythm.
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, and the pitch of one’s voice can change the meaning of a word entirely.
Add to that thousands of characters to memorize, and you have a language that requires as much commitment as climbing the Great Wall.
However, the cultural and economic benefits of learning Mandarin are as big as China itself.
Arabic
Arabic is like a desert with its own rules:
- A flowing script is written from right to left
- A phonetic system with guttural sounds
- A grammar as rich and complex as the civilization it comes from
It’s a popular language, connecting learners to a rich cultural heritage and a key to a large and geopolitically important part of the world.
It has endured and is still relevant in the global community as a popular language.
Korean
Koreans have a simpler alphabet system than some of their Asian cousins, but it will stretch your cognitive flexibility to new limits.
With a verb at the end of the sentence and honorifics that change depending on the social context, Korean makes you think in a whole new way.
It’s like learning martial arts – it takes time to master the forms, but the discipline pays off.
Japanese
Japanese is tough with its three scriptwriting systems and thousands of characters.
Learning Japanese is like mastering an art form – it takes time, patience and an eye for detail.
With multiple readings for each Kanji character and nuanced hierarchical language forms, Japanese is a linguistic and cultural challenge that will push you to your limits.
How to Make Any Language Easier To Learn
No matter which language you choose, there are tried and true ways to make the journey smoother. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and make learning any language more fun and rewarding:
Language Partner
Finding a language partner is one of the best ways to bring your language to life. This travel companion on your linguistic journey can be a native English speaker or another learner.
You can practice speaking, exchange cultural insights and support each other through the ups and downs.
With language exchange apps, finding a partner is easier than ever.
Practice Daily
They say practice makes perfect, and this is especially true for language learning. Putting your target language into your daily routine, like changing your phone’s language settings, can create a mini immersion.
Consistent practice helps to cement your knowledge and keeps the language at the top of your mind.
It’s the daily habits that paint the picture of fluency.
Immersive Media
Here are some ways to use immersive media to help your language learning:
- Watching movies without subtitles to test your listening skills
- Listening to music in the target language
- Following influencers in the target language on social media
- Tuning into a podcast in the target language during your commute
- Watching YouTube videos in the target language
These will help your learning.
Each of these is a thread in the fabric of your language learning, weaving together comprehension and cultural fluency.
To Wrap Up
We’ve journeyed through the easiest and hardest languages to learn. Whether you’re starting with Spanish or diving into Mandarin, remember that language learning is an adventure.
Stay curious, keep practising, and, most importantly, have fun! Are you ready to pick your next language challenge?
Happy learning!
