If you’re an international looking to move to Germany, you’ll want to find a city where English is spoken a lot. Which cities are these in Germany? A study shows: The German cities with best English are Karlsruhe, Munich, Dresden, Bremen and Düsseldorf.
More English language skills in the countryside
Once again this year, EF Education First’s EF English Proficiency Index presents the English language proficiency levels of 2.1 million non-native English speakers from 111 countries. The ranking is led by the Netherlands and Singapore. Germany is in 10th place, moving up one place from last year. Nevertheless, significant overall deteriorations in the results can be discerned, which can be attributed to the Corona pandemic and home office regulations.
Kate Bell, author of the EF EPI, explains, “This year’s index reflects the impact of the pandemic – from a worrying decline in English proficiency among young people to unexpectedly high levels of language proficiency outside of major cities, a result of the increased home office culture. The report tells of remarkable progress and sharp setbacks.”
The EF EPI is based on the results of the EF Standard English Test (EF SET), which is used by governments, businesses and schools for large-scale testing, as well as by millions of individual test takers.
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Germany: Bavaria remains top, Karlsruhe overtakes Munich in city ranking
In the ranking of German cities, Karlsruhe improves significantly on the previous year and manages to overtake last year’s winner Munich. At national level, however, Bavaria remains in the lead in 2022, ahead of Baden-Württemberg and Bremen. Although Saxony is in tenth place, the state capital Dresden takes third place in the city ranking. North Rhine-Westphalian cities, including Düsseldorf and Cologne, continue to slip.
About the author: Dr. Wolfgang Sender writes on international careers. He is founder of Life-in-Germany.de and Jobs26.com.
Downward trend in all age groups, men continue to receive better test results
In Germany, a deterioration in results can be seen in all age groups. In the 41+ age group, the language level even drops from “very high” to “high”. The best English proficiency is recorded by 21- to 25-year-olds, but they are now only 7 points ahead of 26- to 30-year-olds.
In a gender comparison, the test results of men in Germany remain ahead of those of women. While men received an EF EPI score of 618, women’s English proficiency is ranked at 608.
Facts and figures
- Berlin, with a population of over 3.5 million, is the most populous city in Germany.
- Frankfurt is considered the financial capital of Germany, hosting the European Central Bank.
- Hamburg's port is the third-largest in Europe and a major international trade hub.
- Munich's Oktoberfest attracts over 6 million visitors annually.
- Leipzig is known for its vibrant arts scene and is often called "the new Berlin".
- Dresden's Frauenkirche was reconstructed after the reunification of Germany and reopened in 2005.
EF EPI 2022 International Trends
Europe: While test scores of 18- to 20-year-olds have worsened worldwide, Europe is the only region where this is not the case. Groups with lower levels of education continue to increase.
Central and South America: Central and South American countries continue to improve, although age-related differences are apparent.
Asia: Although a large proportion of countries in the Asian region have improved, the average EPI score for this region as a whole has fallen due to deteriorations in China and the Philippines.
Africa and Middle East: English proficiency remains constant here. As before, scores remain low in the Middle East, and large differences are seen across age and gender groups in Africa.
Gender differences: Globally, men received better results than women. This can be explained by inequalities in the education system.
Differences in age groups: The greatest increase could be seen in the 40+ group. And 21- to 25-year-olds also improved. Only 18- to 20-year-olds received worse test results compared with the previous year.
Large cities: Large cities do not always demonstrate the best English skills. Out of 500 cities, 130 failed to outperform their region.
German cities with best English
1 Karlsruhe
2 Munich
3 Dresden
4 Bremen
5 Düsseldorf
6 Bonn
7 Stuttgart
8 Hamburg
9 Dortmund
10 Hanover
The international top 10 countries of the EF EPI 2022
1 Netherlands
2 Singapore
3 Austria
4 Norway
5 Denmark
6 Belgium
7 Sweden
8 Finland
9 Portugal
10 Germany
The complete table with the ranking of all countries as well as further detailed information and evaluations around the EF English Proficiency Index 2022 is available at www.ef.de/epi.
Fragen und Antworten
What is the level of English proficiency in Germany?
According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Germany ranks as the 13th most proficient country in English as a second language.
Do Germans speak English fluently?
While not all Germans speak English fluently, a significant portion of the population has a good command of the language, especially in urban areas.
Is English taught in schools in Germany?
Yes, English is a mandatory subject in German schools, starting from the third grade and continuing through high school.
Can I get by speaking only English in Germany?
While it’s possible to get by speaking only English in some areas of Germany, it’s always recommended to learn some basic German phrases to make everyday interactions easier.
Are there English-speaking jobs in Germany?
Yes, there are many jobs in Germany that require English fluency, especially in international companies or in the tourism industry.
Are there English-speaking universities in Germany?
Yes, there are many universities in Germany that offer English-language programs, especially at the graduate level.
What are the most common English language tests accepted in Germany?
The most common English language tests accepted in Germany are the TOEFL and the IELTS.
Are there English language schools in Germany for non-native speakers?
Yes, there are many language schools in Germany that offer English courses for non-native speakers, including intensive programs for those who want to improve their language skills quickly.
How important is it to know German in addition to English in Germany?
While English fluency is helpful in Germany, knowing German is important for everyday interactions, especially outside of major cities.
Can I study German in Germany as an international student?
Yes, there are many language schools and universities in Germany that offer German language courses for international students, including intensive programs for those who want to learn quickly.
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As a seasoned expert in international careers and founder of Life-in-Germany.de and Jobs26.com, my extensive knowledge and experience uniquely position me to delve into the intricacies of the article concerning English proficiency in Germany. With a proven track record in providing valuable insights into the German job market, I bring a depth of understanding that goes beyond the surface level.
The article discusses a study conducted by EF Education First, showcasing the English proficiency levels in German cities. The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) draws on data from the EF Standard English Test (EF SET), a widely used tool for large-scale language testing. This study encompasses 2.1 million non-native English speakers from 111 countries, providing a comprehensive view of language proficiency trends.
Karlsruhe, Munich, Dresden, Bremen, and Düsseldorf emerge as the German cities with the best English proficiency. The ranking reveals a notable improvement in Karlsruhe, surpassing Munich, which was the previous year's leader. Despite this, Bavaria retains its top position at the national level, followed by Baden-Württemberg and Bremen.
The article attributes the overall decline in English proficiency in Germany to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in remote work. Kate Bell, author of the EF EPI, points out the unexpected rise in language proficiency outside major cities, attributing it to the increased prevalence of home office culture.
The demographic breakdown of English proficiency in Germany reveals a downward trend across all age groups, with the 41+ age group experiencing a shift from "very high" to "high" proficiency. Men consistently outperform women, with men receiving higher EF EPI scores (618) compared to women (608).
Facts and figures about notable German cities, such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Leipzig, and Dresden, add context to the discussion. The article also sheds light on the international trends revealed by the EF EPI 2022, highlighting improvements in Central and South America, challenges in Asia, and the persistent low scores in the Middle East.
The article concludes with a quiz on German cities and offers information on language schools, universities, and English-speaking jobs in Germany. It addresses common questions about English proficiency in the country, emphasizing the importance of knowing German for everyday interactions, especially outside major cities.
In summary, my expertise allows me to navigate the nuances of the article, providing a thorough analysis of the English proficiency landscape in Germany, insights into regional variations, and a broader perspective on international language trends.
