15 Foreign Language Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job, the questions you’re asked can be divided into two categories: general questions about your experience and qualifications, and specific questions about the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a job that requires foreign language skills, you can expect to be asked interview questions about your language abilities.

Foreign language interview questions will vary depending on the level of the position you’re applying for. For entry-level positions, you may be asked basic questions about your language skills, such as “What is your level of proficiency in [language]?” or “Do you have any experience using [language] in a professional setting?” For more senior positions, you may be asked more detailed questions about your language skills, such as “Describe a time when you had to use [language] in a difficult situation.”

No matter what position you’re applying for, you should be prepared to answer questions about your language skills in an interview. In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on how to answer common foreign language interview questions.

1. What is your native language?

This question is often asked to determine your level of fluency in a foreign language. It also helps the interviewer understand if you have any accent when speaking another language. You should answer this question honestly and briefly explain why you speak English as your primary language.

Example: “My native language is Spanish, but I grew up speaking both languages at home. My parents wanted me to learn English early on so that I could communicate with my friends and teachers. As a result, I am fluent in both languages.”

2. How many languages can you speak fluently?

This question can help the interviewer determine your foreign language skills and how many languages you speak fluently. You may have studied a few different languages in school, but if you only speak one or two fluently, it’s important to be honest about this with the interviewer.

Example: “I am fluent in three languages—Spanish, French and German. I took these classes throughout high school and college, so I’m comfortable speaking all of them. However, my writing skills are strongest in Spanish.”

3. What other languages do you know?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have foreign language skills beyond the one they’re looking for. They might also want to know how many languages you speak so that they can determine whether you would be a good fit for their company culture. When answering this question, it’s important to mention all of the languages you speak and give examples of when you’ve used them in your previous jobs.

Example: “I speak Spanish fluently, as well as some French and Italian. I use these languages daily at my current job where I work with students who are learning those languages. In addition, I use Spanish every day with my family members who only speak Spanish.”

4. Do you have a certification in any foreign language?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any formal training in a foreign language. If you do, they might want to know what your certification is and how it relates to the job. If you don’t have a certification, they might want to know about your experience with the language instead.

Example: “I studied Spanish for four years in high school and earned my diploma. I also took an online course that allowed me to earn a certificate of completion from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. This helped me learn more about teaching foreign languages.”

5. Can you explain what the difference between a first, second and third-language speaker is?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the language and culture. It also shows that you understand how languages are used in different situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of each type of speaker.

Example: “A first-language speaker is someone who learned their native language from birth. A second-language speaker is someone who learned their native language as a child or adult. Finally, a third-language speaker is someone who learned their native language later in life. For example, I am a first-language Spanish speaker because I was born into a Spanish-speaking family. However, I am a second-language English speaker because I learned English in school.”

6. Why do you think it’s important to learn a new language?

This question can help an interviewer get to know your motivations for learning a foreign language. It can also show them how you think about the value of education and personal growth. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about specific instances where you’ve used your foreign language skills in your life or career.

Example: “I believe that learning a new language is one of the best ways to grow as a person. I have always been fascinated by other cultures and languages, so when I was younger I decided to take Spanish classes. Now, I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which has helped me communicate with my family members who speak Spanish.”

7. What are some common challenges in learning another language?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your foreign language skills and how you approach challenges. Use examples from your experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to adapt to new situations and willingness to learn from mistakes.

Example: “The biggest challenge I’ve encountered in learning another language is that it’s not always easy to find resources or people who speak the same language as me. This means I have to be more creative when looking for ways to practice my skills. For example, I once found an online forum where people could ask questions about their native language and others would answer them in other languages. It was a great way to meet new people and improve my skills.”

8. Have you ever traveled abroad for work or pleasure? If yes, then how did your knowledge of foreign languages help?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have practical experience using your foreign language skills. They want to know that you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. If you haven’t traveled abroad, then consider describing a time when you used your foreign language skills for work or pleasure.

Example: “I studied Spanish in college and took several trips to Mexico with my friends. I found it helpful to be able to communicate with locals and understand their culture. It was also nice to be able to order food and drinks without needing an English menu.”

9. Do you think knowing multiple languages helps you get along better with people from different backgrounds? Give me an example.

This question is a great way to show your interpersonal skills and how you can use them to help others. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the importance of foreign language skills in helping you communicate with people from different backgrounds.

Example: “Yes, I do think knowing multiple languages helps me get along better with people from different backgrounds. For example, when I was working as an interpreter for a hospital, I had a patient who spoke Spanish but didn’t speak English very well. The family members were also bilingual, so they helped translate some things. However, there were many times where I needed to interpret for both the patient and their family member at the same time. In these situations, my knowledge of multiple languages really helped me communicate effectively.”

10. Are there any advantages to being bilingual?

Employers may ask this question to see if you understand the benefits of being bilingual. They want to know that you are motivated by more than just money and that you have a passion for your work. When answering, think about what has been most beneficial in your life from being bilingual.

Example: “There are many advantages to being bilingual. I can communicate with my family members who speak different languages, which is especially helpful when they need help or advice. Being bilingual also helps me learn new things faster because I am able to read and listen at the same time. This skill has helped me excel in school and in my career.”

11. What’s the best way to learn a new language?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have a plan for learning new languages. They want to know that you’re self-motivated and can learn on your own. Show them that you’re willing to put in the time and effort to learn a new language by practicing with resources like apps, websites or books.

Example: “I think it’s important to practice speaking as much as possible. I’ve found that using an app like Duolingo is helpful because it gives me daily lessons and tests. It also has a community of other learners where we can help each other out when we get stuck. Another great way to learn a new language is through travel. When I was studying abroad in Spain, I had to use my Spanish every day. This helped me improve my skills quickly.”

12. Is it possible to forget a language once you’ve learned it?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have a realistic view of foreign language learning. They want to know that you understand the effort it takes to learn a new language and that you’re committed to using your skills in the workplace. In your answer, explain that while it’s possible to forget a language, it can be difficult to do so. Explain that you’ve taken steps to ensure you don’t lose your fluency.

Example: “Yes, it is possible to forget a language once you’ve learned it. However, I think it would take a lot of work to get back to where I am now with my foreign language skills. I’m always practicing my skills by reading books or watching movies in the target language. I also make sure to speak the language regularly with native speakers.”

13. What are some ways that you can use to improve your skills when learning a foreign language?

This question can help the interviewer determine your study habits and how you apply them to learning a foreign language. Use examples from past experiences that show your ability to self-motivate, plan ahead and learn new skills.

Example: “I find it helpful to use flashcards when I’m studying a foreign language because they’re easy to carry around with me and review on my own time. Another way I’ve found to be successful is by finding native speakers of the language I’m learning and practicing with them. This helps me hear the language in real-life situations and understand how people actually speak.”

14. What do you understand about second language acquisition?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of how languages are learned. It also helps them understand whether you have any experience with learning foreign languages and what methods you used.

Example: “I know that second language acquisition depends on many factors, including age, motivation, exposure to the language and the learner’s first language. I’ve seen this in my own life as well, as I was able to learn Spanish more quickly than my friend who took it at the same time. She had a harder time because she didn’t have anyone to practice with outside of class.”

15. What are the phases involved in acquiring a second language?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the process involved in learning a foreign language. They want to know that you understand how to teach others and help them learn new languages. In your answer, explain each phase of second-language acquisition and what it involves.

Example: “There are five phases involved in acquiring a second language. The first is listening, which involves understanding the sounds of the language. Next is speaking, where I can use words and phrases correctly. Then there’s reading, where I can read simple sentences. After that comes writing, where I can write basic sentences. Finally, there’s the last phase, which is called comprehension. This is when I can fully understand everything I hear or read.”