Language is a powerful tool for communication, business, and cultural exchange. In today's globalised world, more than 7,100 languages are spoken, but only a handful dominate international trade, diplomacy, and technology. According to Ethnologue (2023), around 23 languages account for more than half of the world’s population, making them the most influential.

English remains the most widely spoken language, with 1.5 billion speakers, including native and non-native users. Meanwhile, Mandarin Chinese has the highest number of native speakers, exceeding 1.1 billion. Spanish is the second most spoken native language worldwide, with over 460 million native speakers.

The rise of emerging economies has also increased the demand for learning languages like Arabic, Portuguese, and Hindi, which are spoken in countries with rapidly growing GDPs. Moreover, the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) recognise multiple official languages, reinforcing the importance of multilingualism.

Data from the British Council suggests that learning an additional language can increase job prospects by 35%, with multilingual employees earning up to 15% more than monolingual workers. Additionally, a report from the Economist Intelligence Unit found that 64% of executives in multinational companies consider multilingual skills an asset for career growth.

This article explores the most useful languages to learn, considering factors such as economic power, political influence, and cultural significance.

10 most useful languages to learn

1. English

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1.5 billion speakers, including both native and non-native users. It is the official language of 67 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and India.

English is also the dominant language of the internet, with 60% of the top 10 million websites using English as their primary language. English is the primary language of international business, diplomacy, and academia.

According to the British Council, 1.75 billion people worldwide use English either as a first or second language. It is also the most commonly taught foreign language, with over 1 billion people learning it globally.

For professionals, English proficiency is often a prerequisite in multinational companies, and it is the language of instruction in many of the world’s top universities, such as Harvard, Oxford, and MIT.

2. Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken native language in the world, with over 1.1 billion native speakers. It is the official language of China, the world’s second-largest economy, which accounts for 18% of global GDP. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure project spanning over 140 countries, has further increased the demand for Mandarin speakers.

Mandarin is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations. While it is often considered challenging to learn due to its tonal nature and complex writing system, the rewards are significant.

For instance, China is the largest trading partner for over 120 countries, making Mandarin a valuable asset for professionals in international trade, logistics, and diplomacy. Additionally, China’s tech giants, such as Alibaba and Tencent, are global leaders, creating opportunities for Mandarin speakers in the technology sector.

3. Spanish

Spanish is the second most spoken native language globally, with over 460 million native speakers. It is the official language of 20 countries, primarily in Latin America and Spain. The United States is home to over 41 million native Spanish speakers, making it the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world.

The economic influence of Spanish-speaking countries is significant. Latin America’s combined GDP is over $5 trillion, with countries like Mexico and Brazil playing key roles in global trade. Spanish is also the second most used language on the internet, with 8% of online content available in Spanish. For businesses, Spanish proficiency can facilitate entry into markets like Mexico, which is the largest trading partner of the United States.

Culturally, Spanish is the language of iconic literature, such as Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, and vibrant music genres like salsa and reggaeton. For travellers, Spanish is particularly useful, as Latin America is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations, attracting over 120 million visitors annually.

4. French

French is spoken by over 300 million people across five continents and is the official language of 29 countries, including France, Canada, Belgium, and several African nations. It is also one of the official languages of international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.

France is the world’s seventh-largest economy, with a GDP of over $2.9 trillion. French-speaking African countries, such as Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, are experiencing rapid economic growth, with the African continent expected to account for 25% of the world’s population by 2050. This makes French a valuable language for businesses and professionals looking to tap into emerging markets.

Culturally, French is the language of renowned philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and iconic authors like Albert Camus. France is also the most visited country in the world, welcoming over 90 million tourists annually, making French a practical language for travellers.

5. Arabic

Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world, with over 310 million native speakers. It is the official language of 25 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, a region that holds over 60% of the world’s oil reserves. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have a combined GDP of over $1.6 trillion.

Arabic is also the liturgical language of Islam, spoken by over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal contexts, while regional dialects are spoken in everyday communication. For professionals in energy, finance, or international relations, Arabic proficiency can be a significant advantage.

Culturally, Arabic is the language of the Quran and has a rich literary tradition, including works like One Thousand and One Nights. The Middle East is also a growing tourist destination, with Dubai alone attracting over 16 million visitors annually.

6. German

German is the most widely spoken native language in Europe, with over 90 million native speakers. It is the official language of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, which are among the world’s wealthiest nations. Germany is Europe’s largest economy, with a GDP of over $4.2 trillion, and is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing, and technology.

German companies, such as Volkswagen, Siemens, and Bosch, are global leaders in their industries. Germany is also a hub for innovation, with over 70,000 patents filed annually, making German a valuable language for professionals in STEM fields. Additionally, Germany offers numerous scholarships for international students, with over 400,000 foreign students enrolled in German universities.

Culturally, German is the language of influential philosophers like Immanuel Kant and iconic composers like Ludwig van Beethoven. Germany is also a popular tourist destination, attracting over 40 million visitors annually.

7. Portuguese

Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 220 million native speakers. It is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, and several African countries, including Angola and Mozambique. Brazil, the largest Portuguese-speaking country, is the ninth-largest economy globally, with a GDP of over $1.8 trillion.

Brazil is a major player in industries such as agriculture, energy, and technology. For businesses, Portuguese proficiency can facilitate entry into Brazil’s growing market, which is the largest in Latin America. Portugal, with its strategic location in Europe, is also a gateway to the European Union.

Culturally, Portuguese is the language of iconic literature, such as Fernando Pessoa’s The Book of Disquiet, and vibrant music genres like samba and bossa nova. Brazil is a top tourist destination, attracting over 6 million visitors annually.

8. Russian

Russian is the most widely spoken Slavic language, with over 150 million native speakers. It is the official language of Russia, the largest country in the world by land area, and is widely spoken in former Soviet states. Russia is the eleventh-largest economy globally, with a GDP of over $1.7 trillion.

Russian is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is a valuable language for professionals in international relations, energy, and cybersecurity. Russia is also a major exporter of natural resources, accounting for 20% of global natural gas production.

Culturally, Russian is the language of iconic authors like Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. Russia is a popular tourist destination, with over 24 million visitors annually.

9. Japanese

Japanese is spoken by over 125 million people, primarily in Japan, the third-largest economy globally, with a GDP of over $5 trillion. Japan is a global leader in technology, automotive manufacturing, and robotics, with companies like Toyota, Sony, and Panasonic dominating their industries.

For professionals in these fields, Japanese proficiency can provide a competitive edge. Japan is also known for its unique culture, from traditional tea ceremonies to modern anime and manga. The country attracts over 30 million tourists annually, making Japanese a practical language for travellers.

10. Hindi/Urdu

Hindi and Urdu are spoken by over 600 million people in South Asia. Hindi is the official language of India, the fifth-largest economy globally, with a GDP of over $3.7 trillion. Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, a country with a growing economy and strategic importance.

India is a global leader in technology, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment. Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry, produces over 1,500 films annually, making Hindi a valuable language for cultural enthusiasts.

Final thoughts

Learning a new language is a gateway to personal and professional growth. The languages listed above are among the most useful due to their global influence, economic relevance, and cultural significance. Whether you aim to advance your career, explore new cultures, or connect with people worldwide, multilingualism is an invaluable skill in today’s interconnected world. Supported by facts and data, this guide highlights the practical benefits of learning these languages, helping you make an informed choice.