Portuguese 
Spanish 
Duolingo Reveals Accelerated Growth of Languages Like Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese in 2025, Highlighting the Importance of Learning Chinese in the Global Scenario and Its Increasing Popularity in Various Countries
The Duolingo Language Report 2025 reveals that global motivation to learn Chinese (Mandarin) and new languages has reached unprecedented levels. English leads in 79% of the analyzed countries, while Asian languages reorder digital education and certification rankings in a rapidly changing landscape.
English Hegemony and Formal Validation
The document shows that English maintained the position of favorite in 79% of the analyzed countries on the platform. The language topped the statistics in 154 nations, registering a numerical increase of 14% compared to the consolidated data from 2024.
Even in places with official status or high proficiency, like Sweden, Tanzania, and the United States, the language stands out. Currently, there are only 25 countries where English is not listed among the two most popular in the ranking.
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Interest has shifted towards formal validation, with candidates from 219 countries and 148 native languages taking the Duolingo English Test in 2025. Asia accounted for 55% of the tests administered, while Africa increased from 7% to 8.3%.
The growth in Africa in certification was primarily driven by students from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana. Mandarin, Spanish, and Arabic speakers accounted for about 31% of the total tests taken for English proficiency validation.
The Phenomenon of Learning Chinese and the Asian Rise
The report highlights the rise of East Asia, with Japanese taking the 4th global position and surpassing German. At the same time, Korean reached the 6th position in the platform ranking, ahead of the Italian language.
For the first time, speakers of over 20 languages can study these languages from their native tongue. Previously, the courses were available only to those who spoke English, Japanese, or Chinese, but the recent expansion has reordered the list.
In terms of percentage growth, interest in learning Chinese leads in Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and South Korea. The language also ranks first in Spain, France, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and Turkey.
In addition to leading in various countries, the quest to learn Chinese occupies the second spot in demand in the United States. This movement reflects behavior influenced by culture, work, and opportunities available in different global markets.
Korean appears as the second fastest-growing language in Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, France, Mexico, and Poland. Portuguese leads the growth in China and India, possibly influenced by Brazil’s economic relevance.
The Portuguese language ranks second in growth in South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and Turkey. These data show that the evolution did not occur uniformly across all regions, revealing distinct regional behaviors.
Data on Dedication, Profile, and New Courses
Two newcomers have taken the lead among polyglots, with Japan claiming the top spot after years of European competition. Australia follows closely, while Finland, Germany, and the United Kingdom remain strong in the global top 5.
In average study time, Japan led for the second consecutive year and the third time in four years. Following closely are Hungary, Belarus, Russia, and Germany, maintaining high discipline across diverse markets.
Spanish attracts the most dedicated students, followed by English and Italian learners, according to the annual report. Welsh and Norwegian appear in the top 5, indicating consistent engagement beyond the traditionally more popular courses.
The study ecosystem has gained new fronts with the inclusion of courses in chess, music, and mathematics. Among Latin students, over 19% also practice chess, 14% study mathematics, and 13% study music.
The data expose a rapidly changing agenda of interests impacting academic and professional goals. The scenario reshapes priorities as English expands reach and more people seek to learn Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese.
