After the start of a full-scale war, thousands of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge abroad. One of the key challenges for refugees in a new country is overcoming the language barrier, because knowledge of the language is the key to integration, employment and access to social services. Mastering the language of the host country not only opens up new opportunities for everyday life, but also helps build social ties, which is especially important for psychological adaptation. However, as research shows, this process is long and depends on many factors.
In accordance with research “Ukrainian refugees after three years abroad”, conducted by the Center for Economic Strategy (CES) in February 2025, only 36% of Ukrainian refugees attend language courses in host countries. This shows their desire to overcome language difficulties, but full integration still remains a challenge for most.
Level of language proficiency among Ukrainian refugees
According to the results of the study, only 18% of Ukrainian refugees reached the level of language proficiency B2 or higher. This is a level that allows you to confidently communicate, study and work. The distribution of language competence levels is as follows:
- Lack of knowledge – 12.2%
- A1 (initial) – 31.1%
- A2 (basic) – 20.5%
- B1 (average) – 18%
- B2 (above average) – 10.3%
- C1 (high) – 5%
- C2 (free) – 3%
These data suggest that although many refugees have already reached intermediate levels of proficiency (A1 to B1), achieving confident language proficiency (B2 and above) remains a significant challenge.
Who learns the language the fastest
Language adaptation among Ukrainian refugees largely depends on age, motivation and circumstances of stay. The best results are shown by the following groups:
- Quasi-labour migrants make up 24% of all refugees. The main motivation of this group is the search for economic opportunities, not just refuge from war. In this group, 29% reached the B2 level and above.
- Youth aged 18-24 years. It is young people who master the language the fastest: 36% of them already know the language of the host country at the B2 level or higher. At the same time, only 4% of people over the age of 65 are such, which indicates age-related difficulties in learning new languages.
Countries with the highest level of language proficiency among Ukrainian refugees
The level of language proficiency varies significantly depending on the host country. The best indicators are observed in countries where the English language is widespread:
- Canada – 42.6%
- Great Britain – 40%
- USA – 29.7%
- Poland – 19.7%
- Germany – 19.7%
- Italy – 18.42%
- Czech Republic – 13.9%
- Other countries – 13.1%
- Spain – 11.4%
- Romania – 0%
The overall average is 18.3%. The higher level of language proficiency in English-speaking countries is partly explained by the fact that many Ukrainians already had basic knowledge of English before leaving Ukraine. On the other hand, learning German or Polish takes more time due to their complex grammar and significant differences from Ukrainian.
How is language learning abroad?
The process of learning a language is complex and requires considerable effort. According to experts, in order to reach the B2 level in German or Polish, it is necessary to complete 800 to 1000 hours of study. With daily classes of at least an hour, it can take up to three years. That is why some countries encourage or even oblige refugees to attend language courses.
For example, in Germany, Ukrainian refugees must take integration courses, including language courses, as part of the Bürgergeld social assistance program. Failure to comply with this requirement threatens with a 30% reduction in social benefits. Thanks to this system, the level of course coverage in Germany is the highest among all countries.
Share of refugees who receive assistance in the form of language courses, by country
- Germany – 57.1%
- Italy – 52.6%
- Canada – 42.6%
- Great Britain – 40%
- Other countries – 37.3%
- USA – 32.4%
- Czech Republic – 29.2%
- Poland – 12.3%
On average for all countries, this indicator is 35.8%.
Thus, successful mastery of the language of the host country directly depends on the availability of system support, availability of courses and personal motivation. At the same time, age and social circumstances also have a significant impact on this process. Overcoming the language barrier is an important stage of integration, so the states receiving Ukrainian refugees should continue to expand support programs to speed up language adaptation.
