Europe Speaks English
By Rick Steves
English has become Europe's dominant second language. For 30 years most official forms and menus came in French, German, English, and Italian or Spanish. Things have changed. Now, throughout Europe, signs are in only two languages: the local language and English. Woe to the traveler who doesn't speak English.
English is even supplanting the legal second languages in Switzerland. Most Swiss speak either German or French first. Traditionally Swiss children were required to learn both languages. Now, the famously old-fashioned German-speaking Swiss state of Appenzell is leading a linguistic revolution by requiring English rather than French as a second language in its schools.
For up-to-date specifics, see the latest edition of the Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door guidebook. We also offer free-spirited tours of Europe.