Language as Career Multiplier: Is Learning Another Language Worth It for Brussels?

For EU jobseekers aiming to build a career in Brussels, language skills are often presented as essential. But the real question is not whether languages help, but which languages actually improve your job prospects, to what level, and in what sectors. This article offers a clear answer, based on data from the first half of 2025, on how to approach languages in the context of EU job hunting.

English: The Baseline, Not the Differentiator

English remains the primary working language in Brussels. According to the latest Eurobarometer data, around 35.5% of EU citizens speak English well or very well, and in Brussels itself English dominates in institutions, consultancies, NGOs, and trade associations. However, this offers no competitive edge. As McKinsey noted in its EU labour market outlook for 2025, English is simply the price of entry, not a career booster. Without native-level or near-native English, candidates are excluded from the serious job market. With it, they are merely meeting the minimum expectation.

French: The Language That Opens Doors

French is where language investment starts to pay off. Brussels is officially bilingual, but in practice French is the operational language in daily business. It is used for dealing with local administration, HR matters, office management, and informal networking. Recent data shows that 88% of Brussels residents understand French well or perfectly. The Belgian job vacancy rate was 4.1% in early 2025, higher than the EU average, which reflects strong demand for talent, especially in French-speaking roles.

French at B2 level or higher is now widely expected for permanent, operational, and client-facing jobs. This applies across consultancies, trade associations, and NGOs. Without it, candidates are often confined to temporary or entry-level positions.

German: A Sector-Specific Advantage

German can offer a competitive edge, but only in defined areas. It is useful in sectors where Germany’s influence shapes EU policy, including automotive, chemicals, energy, and regulatory affairs.

The European Commission and major consultancies confirm that German fluency is valuable for candidates working in standardisation or industrial policy. Pay data from Brussels recruitment firms shows that German speakers in these sectors often earn a salary premium of 5% to 10% over non-German-speaking peers.

However, German is not a general employability booster in Brussels. Its value comes from targeting specific roles linked to German industrial or policy interests.

Southern and Eastern EU Languages: Limited General Value

Spanish, Italian, Polish, Romanian, and other major EU languages have limited stand-alone value in the Brussels job market. These languages are occasionally useful for roles linked to national representations, cohesion funding, or regional policy. However, they are rarely required for mainstream Brussels public affairs jobs. Fewer than 10% of Brussels job ads list these languages as desirable or essential. For most candidates, investing heavily in one of these languages will only pay off if they are targeting a very specific employer or sector.

Rare EU Languages: Only for Linguistic Specialists

Languages such as Maltese, Slovene, or Finnish are only relevant for candidates aiming for roles in translation, interpretation, or linguistic services within the EU institutions. For general policy, legal, or consultancy work, these languages add no value. There is no data to suggest they improve employability outside specialist language services.

Proficiency: The Real Requirement

Employers consistently expect language skills at B2 level or higher. Anything less is of little practical use. Candidates who list languages they cannot use fluently in meetings, emails, or reports risk being viewed as unserious. Employers expect languages to be functional tools, not aspirational lines on a CV.

What This Means for Your Career Plan

If you are aiming to work in Brussels, the first priority is strong English. The second is French at B2 level or higher. If your target sector relates to German industry or policy, German at B2 level will strengthen your position. Other languages should only be pursued if directly linked to a specific employer or mission. Rare languages are only worth learning if you plan to work in linguistic services. Language skills can strengthen your employability in Brussels, but they must be chosen and developed with care. The right language, at the right level, for the right job target will pay off. Anything else is wasted effort.