“Which language to learn — English, German, or French?” The choice should be based on your goals, not on rumors about difficulty. But briefly: learning English first is almost always a sensible choice — it’s the most useful and one of the easiest to start with.
| Feature | English | German | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | none | 3 genders | 2 genders |
| Cases | none | 4 cases | none |
| Reading | irregular | predictable | rules-based but complex |
| Starting Level | easy | medium | medium |
| Main Benefit | maximum, everywhere | work and study in DACH | Francophony, culture |
English or German
English is easier to start: there are no genders, cases, or complex declensions, and the vocabulary is partially familiar due to loanwords. German is more complex at the beginning due to articles and cases, but its reading is predictable. If the goal is maximum benefit and a quick start, the choice is English; German logically follows as a second language — it is easier after English. The process is outlined in the guide how to learn English.
English or French
Both are comparable in difficulty, but French can be daunting due to pronunciation and reading, though it doesn’t have cases. English is more universal: it is the language of international communication, business, and the internet, so the return on investment is generally higher. Try experiencing English:
Which one to learn first
For most purposes, English is the optimal first language: it opens doors to work, travel, and content, and once mastered, it makes it easier to focus on one language. The key is not to take on two new languages at the same time, but to bring one to a solid B1 level. Timing details can be found in the guide how long it takes to learn English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which language is easier — English or German?
English is easier to start: there are no genders or cases, the grammar is straightforward. German has cases and articles, but reading is predictable.
Which language should I learn first?
Most often, it’s English: it is incredibly useful and easier to grasp, and then it facilitates the learning of related languages like German.
English or French — which to choose?
It depends on your goals. English is more universal and in demand; French is for Francophone countries and culture. They are comparable in difficulty.
Should I learn two languages at once?
It’s better to bring one to a solid B1 level than to stagnate at A1 in two. Spreading yourself thin slows progress in both.
Will learning English help with other languages?
Yes. After learning English, related Germanic languages (German, Dutch) are generally easier due to shared vocabulary.
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