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Duolingo 2025 Reveals Changes in Global Ranking, Growth in Language Learning and English Dominance in 154 Countries.
The Duolingo 2025 Language Report shows what has changed in the world of language study, who is driving this transformation, when this movement gained momentum, where it stands out the most, how digital platforms accelerate this expansion, and why global interest has never been greater.
Published this year, the survey gathers data from millions of students spread across several countries and highlights that language learning has reached new heights, influencing behaviors, priorities, and the global popularity ranking of languages.
The 2025 edition reveals, above all, that increased access to free and high-quality courses has skyrocketed demand for new languages, especially in regions that previously had fewer teaching offerings.
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In addition, the report confirms a strong trend: studying languages has become a direct path to improving academic and professional opportunities in different corners of the globe.
Education Trends: A Year Marked by the Expansion of Language Learning
According to the Duolingo 2025, students from diverse profiles, ages, and nationalities have increased their engagement with online courses, elevating the platform to a record level of activity.
Moreover, the document emphasizes that “global interest in learning has never been greater than now,” reflecting an acceleration that crosses geographical and cultural boundaries.
This growing adherence is not limited to the volume of users. It also reorganizes preferences, impacts the global ranking, and confirms the prominence of Asian and European languages in emerging and traditional markets.
Japanese and Korean Rise in Global Ranking and Gain New Speakers
Among the most notable changes, Japanese has assumed the 4th position as the most popular language on the platform, surpassing German.
Korean has also advanced and now occupies the 6th place, surpassing Italian.
The novelty in 2025 lies in the broader access: “for the first time, speakers of over 20 languages can study Japanese and Korean from their own languages.”
Previously, these courses were restricted to those who spoke English, Japanese, or Chinese. With the expansion of offerings, millions of new students have started studying both Asian languages, causing immediate changes in the overall ranking.
English Dominates the World and Leads in 79% of Countries
The report confirms that English remains the most studied language on the planet. In 2025, it became the number 1 language in 154 countries, an increase of 14% compared to the previous year.
Only 25 countries do not place English among their two most popular languages.
The document highlights that, even in nations with already high proficiency like the United States, Sweden, and Tanzania, demand remains strong.
The reason is clear: in much of the world, mastering English is synonymous with access to quality education and better economic opportunities.
The Search for English Certification Is Also Growing
The strength of English appears not only in the number of learners but also in the race for certifications.
In 2025, candidates from 219 countries and 148 native languages took the Duolingo English Test, a figure higher than in 2024.
Asia maintained its leadership, accounting for 55% of the exams taken. Africa has increased its share, rising from 7% to 8.3%, driven by countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Among non-natives, Mandarin, Spanish, and Arabic speakers represent about 31% of all tests administered.
Chinese, Korean and Portuguese Are Among the Fastest-Growing Languages
Moreover, education trends show that these three languages are accelerating in strategic markets.
Chinese is the fastest-growing language in Germany, Brazil, Mexico, France, and various other countries with a large digital presence.
Korean ranks 2nd among the fastest-growing languages in seven countries, including Argentina and Poland.
Meanwhile, Portuguese stands out as the fastest-growing language in China and India, possibly driven by Brazil’s “cultural and economic influence,” according to the report.
Thus, it also appears in 2nd place among those advancing the most in South Korea, Turkey, Japan, and Indonesia.
Japan and Australia Take the Lead Among the Most Multilingual Countries
Two surprises marked Duolingo 2025: Japan and Australia lead the ranking of multilingual countries for the first time, surpassing Germany, Finland, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, the report points out that “Japan ranked 1st among the countries with the most dedicated people” for the second consecutive year, considering the average daily study time.
Hungary, Belarus, Russia, and Germany complete the top 5.
Spanish Leads Among Courses with the Most Dedicated Students
When engagement is the criterion, Spanish ranks at the top, followed by English and Italian. Next are Welsh and Norwegian, which, despite having a smaller number of students, register a high level of commitment.
Those Who Study Latin Tend to Seek Other Skills
The report also highlights the multidisciplinary behavior of Latin students.
Thus, according to the document, 19% also study chess, 14% learn mathematics, and 13% take music courses, reinforcing the diverse nature of the audience interested in classical languages.
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