Born on September 26

European Day of Languages

Learn to say hello in one more.

Next: September 26, 2027

Where it comes from

The Council of Europe and the European Union declared 2001 the European Year of Languages, and at its close the Council of Europe made 26 September an annual European Day of Languages, to celebrate the continent's linguistic diversity and encourage lifelong language learning.

How it's celebrated

Schools, language institutes and embassies hold taster lessons, quizzes and film screenings; cities put up multilingual signs; people are challenged to learn a phrase in a language they do not speak.

Did you know

Europe has over 200 indigenous languages, roughly three per cent of the world's total.

Read the full story of European Day of Languages

Also on this day

  • International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons · Eighty years on, still the largest risk we made ourselves.

Star sign

Libra · September 23 – October 22 · Air sign

Fair-minded and charming, forever weighing both sides.

What's your World Day?

中文