The multilingual world we live in is a constant reminder that the more languages we speak, the more connected we become on so many levels.

Some of the best languages to learn will help you build and grow your personal, social, educational, and professional networks. So let’s go ahead and explore the most useful languages to learn right now.

Which language should I learn and why? 

So what are the top languages to learn to help you flourish and connect with people? Check out our key options along with reasons why we recommend them:

Languages that open millions of doors  

Spanish

One of the most popular languages to learn in the United States is Spanish, with more than 33 million speakers. It’s also one of the best languages to learn for the future. Hispanics are the largest minority in the US and the population is expected to double by 2050, so knowing Spanish gives you the chance to connect with a rich culture and people. 

Spanish is also one of the most important languages to learn for business, as Mexico is an important trading partner of the United States when it comes to exporting goods. 

German

German makes our list of the best languages to learn when it comes to business opportunities. German-owned companies account for more than 700,000 jobs in the United States, while German is one of the three official languages of the European Union. 

The country of Germany is the world’s third-largest contributor to research and development, making German one of the best foreign languages to learn for jobs.

Immerse yourself in culture  

Passionate about all forms of creativity? Then you can never go wrong with French and Italian. They are some of the most spoken languages in the world thanks to their world-renowned culture.

If you love or are curious about France’s cuisine, fine wines, and impressive architecture, you can fully immerse yourself in the culture by learning the language to help you enjoy the experience even more. Knowledge of Italian can help you appreciate opera and classical music, find out more about the art of Michelangelo, and read literary classics like Dante’s Inferno. 

What are the top languages to learn for fun? 

Portuguese

Next, we come to interesting languages to learn just for fun. If you wanted to check out the Carnival celebrations or just relax on the beaches of Brazil, learning Portuguese on vacation can be a fun way to enrich your travel experience. 

Japanese

Japanese culture is hugely popular the world over—think manga, anime, technology, and sushi for a start. You can enhance your enjoyment of any or all these aspects Japan has to offer by familiarizing yourself with what we rank as one of the best languages to learn right now.

Are you convinced yet? Check out this blog post to discover the benefits of learning a new language.

How long does it take to learn a language?

Now that you’re aware of what the top languages to learn are, it may help to know that it can take anywhere between three months and two years to learn a new language, depending on the language itself. 

For example, one of the hardest languages to learn is Mandarin, while Spanish is considered among the easiest languages to learn. Pick wisely, and stay on track!

Dedication equals fluency 

While learning a new language may seem overwhelming, it’s not impossible to achieve. Want to know the secret? The best way to learn a language is to stay committed. 

Another key factor is the method you choose. Mobile apps are growing in popularity, and you owe it to yourself to download Fluent Forever, rated one of the best language learning apps around.