Multilingualism in Europe: A positive trend

The newest Eurobarometer survey on languages is here, and the verdict is clear: the Netherlands knows the value of speaking more than just Dutch! Over 90% of Dutch respondents agree that knowing foreign languages is a huge asset for finding a good job—and we couldn’t agree more.

The study shows that the Dutch are some of the most multilingual citizens in Europe, with English being the top second language spoken (no surprise there!), followed by German and French. A solid 70% of Dutch people report speaking at least one foreign language well enough to hold a conversation and score higher than the rest of Europe in the percentage of people currently studying a new language. Even better? A majority say learning languages is not just useful—it’s fun.

At Undutchables, we know how language skills can be a true game-changer when it comes to recruitment and career growth. Many of the international jobs we fill require strong English or even a second (or third!) language like German, Spanish, or French. Companies love candidates who can communicate across cultures and bring an international mindset to the team. It’s not just about what’s on your CV—it’s also about how well you can connect with colleagues and clients worldwide. 

So whether you're brushing up on your German, diving into Dutch, or perfecting your English, you can feel confident that you are taking important steps to boost your future career prospects with every new word you learn.

This survey was conducted throughout the European Union and compared to data previously gathered in 2012, so shows the evolution of multilingualism over time as well as per country. Click here to view the full report. To view country specific data, scroll down to "Reports and Documents" where you will find "Country Factsheets in English" with downloadable files per country.  

Are you a multilingual ready to put your languages to work in the Netherlands? Reach out to our team or browse our current vacancies to discover the opportunities. 

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