7 Easiest Languages To Learn For English Speakers – Coming From A Polyglot
Are you considering learning languages?
What are the easiest languages to learn for English native speakers? As the founder and owner of this website, I can tell you that I know a thing or two about languages. I developed a method that could help you, too in your language learning journey.
There are different takes on what are the easiest languages to learn for English speakers. One of these takes comes from Olly Richards, StoryLearning’s owner and polyglot.
Now, truth be told, I have a different list that’s nonetheless useful if your looking for the easiest languages to learn. All of this is coming from a polyglot’s point of view.
Come join me!
1. Spanish
Spanish is a great choice for English speakers venturing into language learning.
With its phonetic pronunciation, words sound just as they are spelled. The Spanish grammar is logical, and many Spanish words resemble their English counterparts, like familia (family). Plus, Spanish is widely spoken, offering plenty of practice opportunities in different Spanish-speaking countries.
Its status as one of the easiest languages for English speakers stems from these similarities and ample learning resources, from music to films. There’s a vast number of Spanish content on this blog, so you can explore them easily.
Spanish chunks for language learning
| Spanish Chunk | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Cómo estás? | How are you? |
| Me gusta | I like |
| Por favor | Please |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much |
| Lo siento | I’m sorry |
| ¿Qué hora es? | What time is it? |
| Hasta luego | See you later |
On Effortless Conversations, there are Spanish Chunking Guides, too. Learn more about them now!
2. German
German is another excellent option for English speakers.
Despite its reputation for complex grammar, many find its logical structure appealing.
English and German share Germanic roots, thus leading to similarities in vocabulary and sentence construction. This makes German more accessible than you might think!
Pronunciation follows clear rules, and once you understand the basics, you’ll find that German words often sound just as they’re written.
German is considered one of the easier languages for English speakers due to these shared linguistic roots and structured approach to grammar. Plus, German culture, media, and resources are abundant, so you have tons of opportunities to learn in a fun way.
Easy language chunks in German
| German Chunk | English |
|---|---|
| Guten Morgen | Good morning |
| Auf Wiedersehen | Goodbye |
| Ich verstehe | I understand |
| Keine Ahnung | No idea |
| Alles klar | All clear / Got it |
| Gute Nacht | Good night |
| Viel Spaß | Have fun |
Effortless Conversations also offers a German Conversation Based Chunking Guide, check it now!
3. Italian
Italian is a charming and melodic language, isn’t it? It is a delightful choice for English speakers.
Its phonetic nature means words are pronounced as they are spelled, simplifying the learning process. Italian grammar is straightforward, and many words are similar to English, thanks to shared Latin roots. This makes building a basic vocabulary way easier than expected.
Italian is one of the easier languages for English speakers due to these linguistic similarities and the rich cultural exposure through Italian cuisine, music, and art, providing plenty of motivation to learn.
Easy to learn Italian chunks
| Italian Chunk | English |
|---|---|
| Buongiorno | Good morning |
| Arrivederci | Goodbye |
| Non capisco | I don’t understand |
| Nessun problema | No problem |
| Va bene | Okay / All right |
| Buona notte | Good night |
| In bocca al lupo | Good luck |
Curious to learn Italian? Check our chunking kits!
4. French
French is a beautiful language that offers a rich cultural experience. And not just in terms of French cuisine.
While its pronunciation can be a little tricky at first, many English speakers find the challenge rewarding.
French shares a great amount of vocabulary with English due to historical influences, which can make learning a bit faster. Its grammatical structure, though complex, is consistent and logical once you get the hang of it.
French is considered one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers because of these shared vocabulary roots and the extensive availability of learning resources, including films, literature, and music, which provide fun and engaging ways to practice.
French chunks for native English speakers
| French Chunk | English |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Good morning |
| Au revoir | Goodbye |
| Je ne sais pas | I don’t know |
| Pas de problème | No problem |
| D’accord | Okay / All right |
| Bonne nuit | Good night |
| Bonne chance | Good luck |
Check out French chunking guides on the site!
5. Dutch
Dutch is another excellent language option for English speakers, primarily because it shares Germanic roots with English.
This results in similar vocabulary and sentence structures, making it more approachable. Dutch pronunciation is relatively straightforward, and the grammar, while featuring some unique aspects, is not overly complex.
Dutch is considered easy for English speakers because of these linguistic similarities and the availability of resources, including media and literature, to practice and immerse oneself in the language.
Learn Dutch chunks for your second languages
| Dutch Chunk | English |
|---|---|
| Goedemorgen | Good morning |
| Tot ziens | Goodbye |
| Ik weet het niet | I don’t know |
| Geen probleem | No problem |
| In orde | Okay / All right |
| Welterusten | Good night |
| Veel succes | Good luck |
6. Portuguese
Portuguese is a vibrant and expressive language, and it’s a great choice for English speakers.
With its Latin roots, Portuguese shares many similarities with English and other Romance languages, making vocabulary acquisition easier. Its pronunciation is generally straightforward once you learn the basic rules, and the grammar, while having its quirks, is manageable with practice.
Portuguese is considered one of the easier languages for English speakers due to these shared roots and the cultural richness of Portuguese-speaking countries, which provides ample opportunity for immersive learning.
Portuguese chunks are easier to learn
| Portuguese Chunk | English |
|---|---|
| Bom dia | Good morning |
| Até logo | See you later |
| Não entendo | I don’t understand |
| Sem problemas | No problem |
| Tudo bem | All good / Okay |
| Boa noite | Good night |
| Boa sorte | Good luck |
Additionally, you can check the similarities and differences between Spanish vs Portuguese.
7. Swedish
Swedish is an appealing language for English speakers, mainly due to its Germanic roots, which it shares with English.
This results in similarities in vocabulary and sentence structure, making it more accessible. Swedish pronunciation is relatively straightforward, and the grammar is less complex compared to some other languages, with no conjugation of verbs by person.
Swedish chunks – an easy language to learn
| Swedish Chunk | English |
|---|---|
| Tack så mycket | Thank you very much |
| Vi ses snart | See you soon |
| Jag förstår | I understand |
| Ingen fara | No worries |
| Allt är bra | Everything is fine |
| God kväll | Good evening |
| Ha det bra | Take care |
Swedish really sounds like a mix of English and German, so if you’re looking for a new language to learn, check these Swedish chunks!
Use Conversation Based Chunking for the easiest languages to learn
Learning any language can be a rewarding journey, and using the Conversation Based Chunking method can make this process more intuitive and engaging.
This chunking method emphasizes learning through natural interactions and understanding how native speakers communicate, making it perfect for languages like Spanish, German, Italian, French, Dutch, Portuguese, and Swedish.
Here’s how you can apply this method to master these languages:
- Observe, Don’t Memorize: Focus on how native speakers talk. Use movies and dialogues to learn natural sentence construction.
- Learn Chunks: Identify common word combinations, or “chunks,” and use flashcards to memorize them for smooth conversation.
- Practice Cycles: Use 12-week learning cycles to set goals, track progress, and immerse yourself in both structured study and casual exposure.
If you’re curious about this method and how you can learn languages with it, then it’s your chance to explore the Conversation Based Chunking method.
