How many Ukrainian refugees have overcome the language barrier abroad?

A study conducted by CES shows that overcoming the language barrier for Ukrainian refugees is a long process that directly depends on motivation, age, and support measures from the host country. Find out how many Ukrainians abroad have reached a confident level of proficiency in the language of their country of residence

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According to the study ‘Ukrainian Refugees after Three Years Abroad’ presented by the Centre for Economic Strategy (CES) in February 2025, about 36% of Ukrainians fleeing war outside their homeland attend language courses in the host country. These data show that a significant number of IDPs are trying to adapt and overcome language difficulties, but not all of them have reached the level required for full integration.

How many Ukrainian refugees speak the language of the host country

According to the study, only 18% of Ukrainian refugees speak B2 or higher (i.e. a level that allows them to communicate confidently in a wide range of situations, work and study).

Language proficiency levels were distributed as follows:

🗣 None 12,2%

🗣 А1: 31,1%

🗣 А2: 20,5%

🗣 B1: 18%

🗣 B2: 10,3%

🗣 C1: 5%

🗣 C2: 3%

Thus, despite the fact that in the process of adaptation, many have already reached intermediate levels (A1 - B1), the full overcoming of the language barrier (B2 and above) is still a challenge for most refugees.

Who shows the best results

Language skills among Ukrainian refugees vary depending on age and motivation:

1. ‘Quasi-labour migrants’ (24% of all refugees):

- The main motivation is economic, not just seeking asylum from war.

- 29 per cent of this group have B2 and above language skills.

2. Young people aged 18-24:

- 36% of them already know the language of the host country at B2 and above.

- The figures decrease with age: in the group over 65, only 4% were able to reach high levels (B2+).

Where Ukrainian refugees speak B2 and above

The study revealed significant differences by country:

🗣 Canada: 42,6%

🗣 United Kingdom: 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 total for the sample is 18.3%.

The reason for the higher rates in English-speaking countries (Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States) may be the initial knowledge of English of many Ukrainians before leaving. In German- and Polish-speaking countries, a longer period of adaptation is usually required due to the significant differences between these languages and Ukrainian and the higher complexity of the grammar.

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How refugees learn the language of the host country

According to experts, it takes 800 to 1000 hours of study to reach B2 in German or Polish with zero knowledge. If you spend at least an hour a day studying, it can take up to three years. That is why in a number of countries, refugees are actively motivated (or even obliged) to attend language courses.

In Germany, Ukrainian refugees are required to attend integration and language courses as part of the social assistance programme (Bürgergeld). Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a 30% reduction in benefits. As a result, the proportion of those enrolled in special courses in Germany is the highest.

The share of refugees receiving assistance in the form of language courses by country

🗣 Germany: 57,1%

🗣 Italy: 52.6 per cent

🗣 Canada: 42,6%

🗣 United Kingdom: 40%

🗣 Other countries: 37,3%

🗣 UNITED STATES: 32,4%

🗣 Czech Republic: 29,2%

🗣 Poland: 12,3%

The total sample is 35.8%.

We remind you! Ukrainian has become the second foreign language in Hesse schools in Germany. This is an important step in supporting Ukrainian children and promoting Ukrainian culture in Europe.

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