How many people in Greece speak English?
According to a 2012 study, 51% of Greeks can speak English at least on some level. That is a really good amount of population, and you should be able to survive just speaking English when visiting Greece.
Also, Greece ranks in position 14 of 35 countries in Europe when measuring proficiency in the English language. The data says that English proficiency in France is high, making Greece an excellent traveling destination for English speakers.
In this post, we will go through everything you need to know about the English language in Greece.
Let’s get started!
Is English widely spoken in Greece?
Around half of the population of Greece can speak English, at least on some level. Especially in tourist areas and larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki areas English is widely spoken.
In these areas, you will likely encounter people who speak at least some English. However, outside of these areas, English may not be as widely spoken, especially among older generations who may not have had the opportunity to learn it.
It is always a good idea to learn a few basic Greek phrases if you are planning to visit Greece, as this can help you communicate more effectively with locals and show your appreciation for their culture.
Can you survive with just English in Greece?
It is feasible to manage solely in English when in Greece, though proficiency in Greek can greatly facilitate communication with locals.
While English is spoken to some degree in certain parts of Greece such as tourist hotspots and larger cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, outside of these areas, English may not be as extensively used, especially among elderly residents who may not have had the opportunity to learn it.
I have a full post about the topic of Visiting Greece with just English.
What percent of Greece speaks English?
According to a 2012 study, 51% of Greeks can speak English at least on some level. That is a really good amount of population, and you should be able to survive just speaking English when visiting Greece.
The percentage of English speakers will be higher in popular tourist destinations, where people will be more likely to encounter English speakers in their jobs and everyday lives.
Why English is so common in Greece?
English is quite widespread in Greece, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations, for a few reasons. Firstly, English is taught as a second language in Greek schools, so many younger Greeks have at least a basic understanding of the language.
Additionally, due to Greece’s strong ties to the UK and the US, English has become a common language for business and international communication.
Greece is also a popular tourist destination, and English is often used as a lingua franca between travelers from different countries and locals.
Can you live in Greece if you don’t speak Greek?
It is possible to live in Greece without speaking Greek, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas where English is more commonly used.
However, it may be more challenging to navigate certain aspects of daily life without knowledge of the language, such as communicating with government agencies, local businesses, and healthcare providers.
In addition, learning Greek can greatly enhance your experience of living in Greece by allowing you to connect more deeply with the local culture and community.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, English is pretty widely spoken in Greece. Nearly half of the population of Greece does speak English at least on some level.
English is spoken more in popular tourist destinations, but you should be able to find English speakers even outside those hotspots.
Because Greece is a popular tourist destination, you will most likely be fine with just speaking English. However, it can make your traveling experience a lot more fun, if you learn a few words of the local language.
I hope this was helpful, have a nice day!
