10 most useful languages to learn in 2024

Picking up a new language is like having a superpower. Suddenly, you've got the keys to unlock new cultures, opportunities, and adventures. But with over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, how do you choose which ones to learn? We've compiled a list of the 10 most useful languages to learn in 2024.

These languages will help you connect with people, advance your career, and explore the world like never before. Imagine chatting with locals in their native tongue, reading foreign literature, and watching movies without subtitles. Your language adventure awaits!

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• How long does it take to learn a language?
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10 most useful languages to learn

Here's the spoiler: Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi are the top 10 most useful languages to learn in today's globalized world.

But why these specific languages? It comes down to a few key factors: the sheer number of native speakers, the geographic regions where they're commonly spoken, and their value in international business and travel.

If you've already learned at least one foreign language, you know it opens up a whole new world. Sure, it's handy to be able to read a menu in Paris or chat with a taxi driver in Tokyo. But the real magic happens when you start to see things from a different perspective. You realize that there are so many ways to live, to think, to be. And that's pretty incredible.

There are many ways to learn languages, but one of the easiest and most fun is to immerse yourself in a destination where that language is spoken. And if you’re thinking that studying abroad is too expensive, think again. You can travel with free accommodation all around the world by doing social or environmental volunteer work or work exchange programs through Worldpackers.

This online platform connects hosts that need help with their small businesses or non-profit organizations to travelers looking for a cultural immersive, low-budget experience. There are opportunities available in more than 140 countries, with a variety of tasks and different benefits apart from a free stay. 

Read our guide on How Worldpackers works to find out more.

And now let’s get down to business: what are the most useful languages in the world, and why should you consider learning them?

1. Mandarin Chinese

With over 1.1 billion native speakers, Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language on the planet. It's the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and is also commonly spoken in many other parts of Southeast Asia.

Learning Mandarin is like having a secret weapon in your business arsenal. As China continues to flex its economic power, being able to communicate with Chinese professionals can give you a massive edge in industries like manufacturing, technology, and international trade. It's about opening up a whole new world of opportunities.

Of course, Mandarin is known for being a challenging language for English speakers to learn, with its complex tonal system and thousands of unique characters. But with the right resources and dedication, it's absolutely possible to gain proficiency - and the payoff is more than worth it.

What about learning Mandarin while volunteering in China? Check out all the positions available on Worldpackers.

2. Spanish

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world, with over 500 million speakers across Spain, Latin America, and even parts of the US. It's the official language in 20 different countries.

Mastering Spanish is a total game-changer for traveling around Central and South America. When you speak the local language, it's like unlocking a secret door to more authentic and meaningful interactions.

Even if you're not a globetrotter, Spanish is still incredibly useful to know - especially if you live in the US, where there are over 40 million native Spanish speakers. Being bilingual in Spanish can open up job opportunities in fields like healthcare, social services, and customer service.

You can learn Spanish while immersing yourself in some of the amazing countries that have it as a native language. See the work exchange opportunities all over Latin America (where most countries have Spanish as the official language) and in Spain.

You might also like these articles:

• The benefits of speaking Spanish and how to become fluent
• Why learn Spanish and the best way to do it
• Spanish immersion through volunteering, traveling, and more

3. English

Okay, I know what you're thinking - if you're reading this, chances are you already speak English. But hear me out. While English may be your first language, it's still hands-down one of the most important languages to know in our increasingly interconnected world.

As the official language in more than 60 countries and the mother tongue of around 1.5 billion people, English has become the ultimate tool for breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. 

Knowing English can open doors to job opportunities with multinational companies, allow you to study at top universities abroad, and make travel to English-speaking countries a breeze. Plus, so much of the internet and global media is in English - being fluent gives you access to a wealth of information and entertainment.

In case you’re not a native English speaker and want to improve your fluency in the language, consider doing a work exchange in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or South Africa.

4. Arabic

Arabic, spoken by around 400 million people, is a language that bridges cultures and continents. Primarily heard in the Middle East and North Africa, it's the official language of 26 nations. When you travel to places like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, or the United Arab Emirates, you'll find that Arabic is the common thread that ties these diverse countries together.

The Arab world is stepping into the spotlight on the global stage. Rapidly growing economies and a rising middle class are drawing businesses like moths to a flame. If a company is looking to expand into these markets, having Arabic-speaking employees is a must-have.

But beyond just the economic benefits, learning Arabic can also give you a fascinating window into rich and ancient cultures. From the intricate art of Arabic calligraphy to the delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, there's so much to discover and appreciate.

Volunteer in destinations like Egypt for an amazing language immersion.

5. French

French is more than just a romantic language – it's a global powerhouse. Spoken by over 300 million people across the world, French is the official language in 29 countries on multiple continents. From Europe to Africa to North America, French connects people from all walks of life.

From the streets of Paris to the villages of Africa, French is a language that connects people across continents. It's the go-to choice for many learners after English, and it's no surprise why – French is an official working language in influential international bodies like the UN and EU, making it a valuable tool for global communication.

From sipping coffee in a Parisian café to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Morocco, speaking French can allow you to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture in a way that wouldn't be possible otherwise.

French is a valuable language in the business world too. Fashion, food, and fancy goods companies often use French, especially if they're based in Europe or Africa. Lots of international businesses have meetings, emails, and contracts in French.

So whether you dream of working at a haute couture fashion house or simply want to read Voltaire in the original French, this is definitely a language worth adding to your repertoire.

What about learning French with free accommodation? Check out the positions available for volunteering in places like France, Switzerland, Belgium, Cameroon and Morocco.

You might also like to read: How long does it take to learn French

6. German

Germany is an economic powerhouse, boasting one of the largest economies in the world. It's a major player in global business and international trade.

If you're doing business in Europe, chances are you'll be working with German companies at some point. Many of the world's leading corporations are based in Germany, like Siemens, BMW, and Adidas. Knowing even a little German can go a long way in building rapport with your German business partners. It shows that you're making an effort to understand their culture and language.

But German isn't just useful for doing business with Germany itself. The language is also spoken in other places, like Austria and Switzerland, and many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have close economic ties with Germany. Nations like Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary often look to Germany as a key trading partner. Speaking German can open doors to these markets as well.

Feel like practicing your German while doing a work exchange in Germany or Austria? Check out all the Worldpackers positions available and save your favorites to your wish list.

7. Japanese

Japan is renowned as an economic powerhouse, with a GDP that ranks third in the world. Its influence extends far beyond its borders, particularly in the realms of technology and innovation.

For anyone serious about global business, learning Japanese is a smart move. Japan is home to some of the world's most recognizable brands, from Toyota and Honda to Sony and Nintendo. Having even a basic grasp of Japanese can be a huge asset when working with Japanese companies. It demonstrates respect for their language and culture, which is highly valued in Japanese business etiquette.

But the benefits of learning Japanese extend beyond just doing business with Japan itself. Many Japanese companies have a significant presence in other Asian markets, such as China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Speaking Japanese can give you a competitive edge when navigating these markets, as it's often used as a lingua franca among Asian businesses.

Learning Japanese takes dedication, but it's a worthwhile investment for anyone with global ambitions. Even a little Japanese can take you a long way in the international business world. 

And of course, this beautiful language allows you to fully immerse yourself in all things Japanese, from its delicious food and impressive traditions to modern lifestyle, pop and technology.

Dream of immersing yourself in Japanese culture? Volunteer in Japan!

8. Portuguese

Portuguese is a language that's often overlooked, but it's actually one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It's the official language of several countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique.

Brazil alone has over 210 million Portuguese speakers. As this Latin American country’s economy continues to grow, so does the importance of the Portuguese language. Many international companies are setting up operations in Brazil, drawn by its vast consumer market and abundant natural resources.

But Portuguese is also widely spoken in Africa, in countries that were former Portuguese colonies like Angola and Mozambique. Speaking Portuguese can be a valuable skill for anyone doing business in these emerging markets. It can help you navigate cultural differences and build relationships with local partners.

Learning Portuguese may not be as common as learning Spanish or French, but it's a language that's full of opportunities. It’s quite close to Spanish, so you can pick it up fairly easily if you know that or other romance languages.

Volunteering in countries like Brazil, Portugal or Mozambique will be the experience of a lifetime.

Keep reading:

• Is Portuguese hard to learn?
• Quitting my job to learn Portuguese as a volunteer in Portugal
• Learn portuguese in Brazil for free: best destinations and methods

9. Russian

Russian is a language that's steeped in history and culture. It's the official language of Russia, as well as several other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

In the world of international diplomacy, Russian is a key language. After all, Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and plays a major role in global politics. Many important international organizations, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, have Russian as one of their official languages.

But Russian isn't just important for diplomacy - it's also crucial for business. Russia has a massive economy, with vast reserves of oil, gas, and other natural resources. 

While Russian may have a reputation as a challenging language to learn, it's a language that's full of richness and nuance. For anyone interested in global politics or business, learning Russian is a smart investment.

10. Hindi

Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 600 million speakers. It's the official language of India, along with English, and is also spoken in several other countries, such as Nepal, Fiji, and Mauritius.

India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a rapidly expanding middle class and a thriving tech industry. As India's economic influence continues to grow, so does the importance of the Hindi language. Many international companies are looking to tap into the Indian market, and having Hindi language skills can be a major advantage. 

But learning Hindi isn't just about business opportunities. It's also a gateway into the rich culture and history of India. If you're interested in doing business in India, or simply want to learn more about Indian culture, learning Hindi is a great place to start.

What about doing a work exchange in India and learning Hindi in loco? Click here to see the opportunities available in this amazing country.

When you learn a language, you gain more than just a new skill or a line on your resume. You open the door to meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. You dive into their culture, their way of thinking, and their unique view of the world. Learning a language tears down walls and constructs bridges of compassion, allowing us to relate to one another on a profound level.

So whether you choose to learn Mandarin, Spanish, English, Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Hindi, remember that you're not just learning a language - you're unlocking a whole new world of possibilities. And that, my friend, is the most useful thing of all.

Ready to delve into this language learning adventure while having a lot of fun? Create a free profile on Worldpackers and start saving your favorite work exchange positions.