It’s no secret that workers who are bilingual have a distinct advantage over those who only speak one language (businesses who work with bilingual employees see a 22% increase in productivity, for instance). But if you’re planning to do business in Europe, which language should you focus on learning?
Determining the best European language to learn for business is a tricky endeavor, what with the sheer number of profitable markets and diverse cultures on the continent. After all, the European Union has 24 official languages! The right choice depends on your industry, target market, and long-term business goals. In this article, we’ll break down the most valuable European languages for business, helping you make an informed decision for the growth of your company.
Table of Contents
- Helpful European languages for business
- How to determine which European language for business to learn
- Babbel for Business teaches the best European languages for business
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Helpful European languages for business
While learning any new language has significant benefits (like improved memory, cognitive flexibility, and cultural awareness) some European languages stand out for their business value. Let’s take a closer look at the most useful European languages for business today.
German for business
In terms of market share, German is a good European business language to learn. Germany boasts the continent’s largest economy, and the fourth-largest GDP worldwide. According to US News & World Report, Germany is the #1 country for entrepreneurship in the world. With industries ranging from automotive and engineering to pharmaceuticals and finance, Germany is a crucial market for any business with European ambitions. Additionally, German is the official language of several countries in the European Union, including Austria and Switzerland, and Indeed’s career guide ranks German as the #3 business language to learn for career advancement worldwide.
Speaking German can open up your business to a range of possibilities, from economic growth and influence to advancements in particularly strong industries. If your business is involved in manufacturing, technology, or exports, or if you’re interested in expanding your B2B operations into central Europe, German is a great language to learn.
English for business
Of course, if you don’t already speak English (but you’re somehow reading this blog), English remains the most important European language for international business. Not only is English the primary language of global business, finance, science, and technology, as the global lingua franca, it’s also widely considered the corporate standard. In fact, many companies based in non-English speaking countries are now adopting English as their official business language, thanks to its widespread use. That being said, attempting to simply rely on your knowledge of English to do effective business in Europe is misguided. Take it from the US companies who lose out on $2 billion each year thanks to language misunderstandings.
Spanish for business
While Spain’s economic contribution to Europe is smaller than Germany’s, the Spanish language connects you to a vast global network. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers and is widely used across both Europe and the Americas, which makes it a smart language to learn for business, especially if you have plans to expand your business globally, or if you want greater flexibility in which global markets to serve.
Frankly speaking, if you ever plan to do business in the United States, it’s best not to overlook Spanish as a viable second language option. Spanish is spoken by over 460 million people worldwide, including in Spain, Latin America, and parts of the United States. Clearly, Spanish-speaking markets are expanding, particularly in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture. Furthermore, learning Spanish is especially crucial for business applications, since Spanish culture is high-context, and places great value on personal relationships in business. Knowing the language can help build vital trust and rapport for networking and expansion.
If you plan to stay in Europe, Spanish might not need to be your first priority, but if expansion is on the table, you should consider it.
French for business
French is often considered the language of diplomacy, but it’s also a major business language in Europe and Africa, making it a good contender as one of the best European languages for business. Through France’s economy is smaller than Germany’s, France remains the world’s seventh-largest economy, bringing in around 3 trillion dollars GDP annually, and is a leader in luxury goods, fashion, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. Not only is French spoken throughout Europe, it’s also an official language in 29 countries, including in parts of the Caribbean and, more importantly, Africa.
In much the same way that learning Spanish for business is a good option for companies that seek to expand into the United States, French opens doors to fast-growing African markets. This is because French is widely spoken in Africa, in such strong economic countries as Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire.
Portuguese for business
Though Portugal may be small physically, it has connections to Brazil, which boasts one of the largest economies in the world, and the largest economy in South America, bringing in a little over 2 trillion dollars GDP every year. Portuguese is a language that’s spoken by over 250 million people, and if your specific business needs align with the people it serves, learning Portuguese for business can be a strategic choice to make.
Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish for business
Scandinavia, composed of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, is widely known for its innovation, high quality of life, and strong economies. Particularly if your business is involved in technology, energy, sustainability, or design, learning one of these languages can be smart. It is true that most Scandinavian business people also speak English, but if you’re looking to network strategically, having better insights into the culture and language of the country where your business partners are based is never a bad idea.
How to determine which European language for business to learn
Determining which European language to learn for business goes beyond simply choosing the most widely spoken option. The decision should be guided by several important considerations.
Start by assessing your target market and analyzing where your current or potential customers are located, using sales data and identifying areas of growth. Industry-specific needs also play a significant role, as certain sectors such as automotive, finance, or technology are often concentrated in particular countries or regions.
Your company’s strategic plans for expansion should also be taken into account, focusing on which languages will support your business goals most effectively. It’s also valuable to look at your employee demographics, considering the languages your team already speaks and identifying where additional language skills could enhance your business.
Finally, remember that language is a key to cultural understanding, influencing everything from negotiation styles to business etiquette. The optimal language choice is the one that best supports your objectives and helps you access new opportunities.
Babbel for Business teaches the best European languages for business
At Babbel for Business, we understand that every organization is unique. That’s why we offer flexible, tailored language learning solutions for companies of all sizes. Our platform covers the most valuable European languages for business, including German, English, Spanish, French, and more.
Our learners see real progress, with lessons designed by language experts and tailored for business contexts. With our scientifically-designed blended learning method, employees can learn at their own pace, on any device, with bite-sized lessons that fit into busy schedules. Even better, with Control Panel, you can track your team’s progress with measurable insights and see the ROI of language learning with detailed analytics.
