Europe is a patchwork of cultures, cuisines, and… languages. While English is widely spoken, especially in major cities, relying on it everywhere can be limiting. A few local phrases can make train rides easier, restaurant visits warmer, and small-town encounters unforgettable. Learning even a little of the right languages can turn a trip from tourist to traveler.
So, which languages will take you the farthest in 2025? Let’s explore.
1. English – Your Entry Ticket to Most of Europe
English is widely spoken across much of Western and Northern Europe, especially in countries like the Netherlands, the Nordic region, and major cities in Germany, France, and Spain. It’s the default second language in many tourism-related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.
But here’s the catch: once you step outside urban centers or talk to older generations, English proficiency often drops.
- Widely spoken in Northern Europe, big cities, and tourist hubs
- Essential for connecting travelers from different countries
- Not always reliable in rural areas, but a safe backup
2. French – Not Just for France
French isn’t only for Paris. It’s widely spoken in Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, and parts of Italy. Knowing a bit of French helps with menus, trains, and polite greetings. It’s especially useful if your travels include historic cities, wine regions, or culinary adventures. However, in rural France, many locals prefer speaking French, even if they understand some English. Having basic French can help you ask for directions, read menus, or book a room.
- Spoken in 29 countries worldwide, strong European presence
- Most helpful in France, Belgium (Wallonia & Brussels), Switzerland (Romandy), Monaco, and Luxembourg
- Bonus: locals often appreciate even small attempts in French
✅ Tip: If you struggle with pronunciation, use AI Phone’s voice translation feature to translate your speech in real time during conversations or phone calls with local hosts.
3. Spanish – A Widely Spoken Romance Language
While mainly tied to Spain, Spanish has global reach. In Europe, it’s vital for travel across Spain and the Canary Islands—but you’ll also meet plenty of Spanish speakers elsewhere.
- Second most spoken native language worldwide
- Most useful in Spain, Canary Islands, and Balearic Islands
- Perfect for Mediterranean trips
- Easier for English speakers to learn than many European languages
✅ AI Phone advantage: Use AI Phone to translate WhatsApp or regular voice calls with Spanish-speaking Airbnb hosts, taxi drivers, or restaurant staff.
4. German – Key for Central Europe
German is a top pick if you’re traveling through Germany, Austria, or German-speaking Switzerland. These countries are known for high English proficiency, especially in cities—but outside urban areas or when speaking with older adults, German knowledge becomes more important.
- Over 100 million speakers in Europe
- Most useful in Germany, Austria, Switzerland (German-speaking regions), Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg
- Practical for travelers moving across multiple borders
✅ AI Phone in action: Use real-time telephone translation for train station announcements or appointment booking calls, which may not be offered in English.
5. Italian – Culture, Cuisine, and Travel
Italy is a dream destination, but English is not as widely spoken as in other EU countries. In southern Italy and smaller towns, you’ll likely need Italian for everyday interactions—from ordering food to asking for directions.
- Essential for food, train tickets, and directions
- Most useful in Italy, San Marino, Vatican City, and southern Switzerland (Ticino)
- Adds cultural richness to your trip—ordering gelato feels different in Italian!
✅ With AI Phone: Rely on face-to-face conversation translation when speaking with locals or using AI Phone’s voice clone to say Italian phrases in your own voice.
6. Portuguese – For Iberian Peninsula Completists
Portugal is growing in popularity among tourists and digital nomads, but Portuguese is often underestimated as a travel language. While English is common in Lisbon and Porto, speaking Portuguese earns you better service and smoother travel in smaller towns and islands.
- Over 250 million speakers worldwide
- Most useful in Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores
- Great for Iberian Peninsula trips
- Easier to pick up if you know Spanish
✅ AI Phone pro tip: Use camera translation for reading signs or menus in Portuguese if you’re road-tripping along the coast.
7. Dutch – Short But Sweet
Dutch might not seem essential, but it makes travel in the Netherlands and northern Belgium (Flanders) friendlier. Plus, locals appreciate the effort—even though many speak excellent English.
- Most useful in the Netherlands, Flanders (Belgium), and Suriname for Dutch-speaking travelers
- Low barrier: Grammar and vocabulary overlap with English
✅ On the ground: Use AI Phone’s real-time app call translation when calling bike rental shops, ferry operators, or booking small guesthouses.
8. Russian – For Eastern Europe
If you’re traveling to Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, or the Balkans, you’ll find that English isn’t as common, especially outside capital cities. Polish is the official language in Poland, while Russian is a useful lingua franca in parts of Eastern Europe and the Baltics.
- Most useful in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine (some regions), the Baltics, and parts of the Balkans
- Especially useful if you’re exploring beyond mainstream tourist paths
- Challenge: Complex grammar and Cyrillic alphabet for Russian
✅ AI Phone saves the day: When you can’t read signs or communicate effectively, use AI Phone’s photo translation and voice call interpretation to stay safe and understood.
When Learning Isn’t an Option: Use AI Phone
Let’s face it—not everyone has time to learn a new language before their trip. That’s where AI Phone becomes your ultimate travel companion.
With AI Phone, you can:
- Translate phone calls in real time
- Translate live voice or video calls on apps like WhatsApp and WeChat
- Speak your native language and have your words translated in real time
- Use your own voice in another language with voice cloning
- Access camera translation for menus, signs, and documents
- Stay connected during emergencies or customer service calls abroad
🔗 Learn more about how AI Phone works
Final Thoughts
Learning basic travel phrases in local languages is always a great idea—but don’t let language barriers stop you from exploring. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or on a culinary road trip in Italy, AI Phone ensures you can communicate clearly and confidently.
Speak freely. Travel smart. AI Phone has you covered.
