How Many Languages Does the Average Russian Know?

Typical Profile

Most Russians speak one or two languages.

Breakdown

• Russian (native): ~99% fluency; sole language for ~70–80%
• English (L2): ~30–40% have some proficiency; higher in Moscow/St. Pete, youth, IT, tourism, academia
• Other L2s: German, French, Spanish, Chinese — niche (education, work, heritage)
• Regional/Minority languages: Tatar, Chechen, Bashkir, Ukrainian, Armenian, etc. — spoken in respective republics/communities
• Soviet-era: Older generations may know Ukrainian, Belarusian, Baltic languages from school/military

Education System

• English mandatory from Grade 2 (since 2020; previously Grade 5)
• Second foreign language optional (Grade 5+)
• Unified State Exam (EGE) includes English — university entry driver

Reality Check

Proficiency varies wildly. "Knows English" often = studied in school, can read simple text, not fluent conversation. True bilingualism ~5–10%.