Lorraine Williamson
In Spain, many job openings remain vacant because most Spaniards do not speak English well enough. According to ABC España, around 100,000 jobs go unfilled each year due to a lack of English skills.
This issue is especially critical in tourism, technology, and international trade, where English is essential for communication.
Why is English a challenge for most Spaniards?
Despite being a major tourist destination, Spain lags behind other European countries in English proficiency. The EF English Proficiency Index 2023 ranks Spain 36th globally, below Portugal and Germany.
Several factors contribute to this language gap:
- Education policies – English was integrated into the Spanish education system relatively late. For many years, French was the primary foreign language in schools, leaving many adults without proper English instruction.
- Dubbed media – Films and TV series are routinely dubbed into Spanish, reducing exposure to English.
- Regional autonomy in education – Each autonomous region sets its own education policies, leading to variations in the quality of English teaching.
- Lack of practice – English is taught as a school subject but is rarely used in daily life, making it difficult for Spaniards to develop speaking and listening skills.
As a result, many young professionals struggle to secure jobs in international industries. Spanish employers increasingly report a shortage of English-speaking staff.
Issues with bilingual education
Despite investments in bilingual education, results have been mixed. Arcadia College in Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, recently discontinued its bilingual programme after students struggled to understand subjects like science in English. This highlights flaws in the current education system, affecting job prospects for graduates.
Impact on the Spanish economy
The lack of English skills negatively impacts Spain’s economy. According to EsadeEcPol, many Spanish companies struggle to expand internationally due to a lack of English-speaking employees. This is particularly problematic for start-ups and tech firms reliant on foreign investment.
The Spanish Chamber of Commerce reports that foreign companies also find it difficult to recruit English-speaking staff in Spain. As a result, many businesses choose countries with higher English proficiency, such as the Netherlands.
Common mistakes Spaniards make in English
Spaniards frequently struggle with:
- Pronunciation – Mispronouncing English words as if they were Spanish (e.g., “hello” pronounced as “gello”).
- Omitting the subject – In Spanish, subjects are often omitted, while in English, they must be explicitly stated.
- Confusing “his” and “her” – Spanish uses “su” for both, leading to frequent mistakes.
- Adjective order – In English, adjectives precede the noun (“the blue house”), unlike in Spanish (“la casa azul”).
- Mixing Up “make” and “do” – Spanish uses “hacer” for both, causing confusion in English.
- Incorrect use of plurals – Some Spaniards incorrectly say “persons” instead of “people.”
How can Spain improve English proficiency?
Several solutions could address this issue:
- Better education – More focus on practical skills, such as conversation practice with native speakers.
- Encouraging courses and training – Subsidies for workers to improve their English.
- Mandatory English in key sectors – Countries like the Netherlands require English for many professions.
- International collaboration – Exchange programmes and internships in English-speaking countries.
Spain must take action
The lack of English proficiency is a growing problem affecting the job market and the economy. While other European countries invest in language education, Spain is falling behind. Without a stronger strategy to integrate English at all levels, the shortage of English-speaking professionals will continue to worsen. Collaboration between the government, education system, and businesses is essential to improving the situation.
Also read: Ten English words indispencable in Spain