Article Details

Article Details

Key data on teaching languages at school in Europe

Author: European Commission
Publisher: European Commission
Date of Publication: September 2012
Series Title: Key Data

Key messages:

 

  • Children are starting to learn foreign languages at an increasingly early age in Europe, with most pupils beginning when they are 6-9 years old.
  • The amount of teaching time students receive has not significantly increased. Indeed, teaching time dedicated to foreign languages is rather low compared to other subjects.
  • An increasing number of pupils now learn two languages for at least one year during compulsory education. 
  • English is by far the most taught foreign language in nearly all European countries, with French, Spanish, German and Russian following far behind.

 

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