# Explainer on ‘Working knowledge of a third EU language’

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/
- Published: 2021-05-17T20:50:00+02:00
- Author: Ben

One of the conditions to get a job at the [European Commission](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/european-commission/)
or another institution of the European Union is to have the working knowledge of
two EU languages. For most people these are their native language and English, French
or German. However, in order to get promoted within the same institution or to keep
working for a longer time and to get an indefinite contract, you will have to prove
the working knowledge of a third EU language (in French – _[Évaluation de la capacité à travailler dans une troisième langue](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/evaluation-de-la-capacite-a-travailler-dans-une-troisieme-langue/)_).

The working knowledge of a third EU language must be proven before [promotion](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/reclassification/),
for example, from one [grade](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/) to another.
It is also necessary before your second contract extension that entitles you to 
an ‘indefinite contract’.

Regarding indefinite contracts:

 * For **[Administrators](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/administrators/) (AD5-
   AD16) **and **[Assistants](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/assistants/) (AST1-
   11) **this means that you will have to undergo a language exam no later than 
   before 10 years of employment as your first contract is usually 5 years, second
   also for 5 years, after which you can become ‘indefinitely’ employed.
 * For **Contract Agents in [function group](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/function-group/)
   IV (FG IV)**, if the institution practices indefinite contracts, you will have
   to undergo the EU 3^(rd) language exam just before the six years mark (first 
   contract 3 years, second contract 3 years, third contract for an indefinite period).
   There can be exceptions that shorten the amount of time to learn a language, 
   for example, if you are a project staff member and the project cycles are shorter
   than regular contract periods. There can be a situation where you need to prove
   your 3^(rd) EU language skills after 3 years or less, for example, if a project
   you’re engaged in is implemented in very short segments.

Contract agents in the function groups I-III (FG I, FG II, and FG III) do not have
to prove the working knowledge of a third EU language.

## What level of language skills is required?

You will have to prove working knowledge of a third EU language at the B2 level 
according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, also known
as [CEFRL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_European_Framework_of_Reference_for_Languages)(
Wikipedia link).

According to [CEFRL](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/cefrl/) methodology, mastery
of a language at B2 level means that you can:

 * **understand the main ideas of complex text** on both concrete and abstract topics,
   including technical discussions in their field of specialization.
 * **interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity** that makes regular interaction
   with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
 * **produce clear, detailed text** on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint
   on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

You will find the complete [CEFRL](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/cefrl/) common
reference levels table at the end of this article.

## What happens if I do not have the necessary EU language at B2 level?

If you do not have the proof of having a third EU language at the B2 level at the
required time before your second contract extension, you will be dismissed. You 
will not be able to stay in the current position. Plain and simple.

In case you think you will not be able to pass a language exam, you can try to get
a new contract within the same or a different EU institution as that “resets the
clock” on the language requirement.

Fortunately, in case you are dismissed because of missing EU language skills, you
will be entitled to the [European Commission unemployment allowance](https://euemployment.eu/unemployment-allowance-european-commission/).

## What counts as proof of a third EU language?

There are multiple ways of showing that you possess ‘working knowledge of a third
EU language’.

 * A native language of a person is accepted as a valid EU language, usually attested
   just by **proof of citizenship** (passport, etc.). Here dual nationality is very
   useful, as this allows one to prove mastery of two EU languages at once.
 * **Bachelors or master’s diploma** if studies were fully or to a significant amount
   carried out in a particular language and the person successfully graduated. The
   diploma will have to be recognized [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/),
   and this process might take up to half a year.
 * **Language test certificate at B2 level** from an institution recognized by [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/).

## Which are the official EU languages?

The following are the [official EU languages](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/official-eu-languages/):
Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German,
Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese,
Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish. This list comes from [article 55 of the Treaty on European Union](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A12016M055).

[According to the European Commission](https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/languages_en),
English continues to be counted as an [official](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/official/)
EU language despite Brexit. This is because English has been enshrined in EU legal
documents as one of the [official](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/official/) and
working languages of the EU institutions, and because it is also one of the [official](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/official/)
languages of Ireland and Malta.

## Do non-EU languages count?

Unfortunately, no, non-EU languages do not count as the required 3^(rd) working 
language. This is despite the fact that such languages as Russian, Arabic, and Chinese
might be directly required or useful for your work. As the EU wants to promote multilingualism
in the EU institutions, only the [official](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/official/)
languages of EU member states are officially recognized.

## What if I fail the EU 3^(rd) working language exam?

Unless your [promotion](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/reclassification/) or the
2^(nd) contract prolongation is shortly due, there are no consequences of failing
a language exam.

In fact, as soon as you feel that your third EU language skill is more or less at
the necessary level for a B2 exam, sign up for a language test. Even if you fail
it, you will not only find out where your weaknesses are, but you will also become
acquainted with how the tests are run and what to pay attention to better prepare
for the next test.

In EU institutions learning a 3^(rd) EU language and the associated testing costs
are covered as part of the employees’ benefits package. Also – if you opt to take
a test in person and need to go to a different country, that will count as an administrative
work [mission](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/mission/). This means that your 
institution will pay not only for the flight/train/car, but also for accommodation
and pay you the [daily subsistence allowance](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/daily-subsistence-allowance/).

There are no limits on how frequently you may take the language test, and get the
associated costs reimbursed.

## What to expect from a B2 level third EU language test?

### Which EU language tests are recognized?

[EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) recognizes test results from a number
of institutions for each EU language. However, there is also the option to undergo
the test at a certified [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) testing center
in Brussels or Luxembourg.

There should be no substantive differences between the way tests are done at a language
center and an [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) testing center. However,
there is a benefit of doing the language test at an EPSO-accredited facility. It
can take around 3-4 months for language tests done outside [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/)
to be recognized by the EU testing institution. If you do your language test at 
an EPSO-accredited facility, your test results will be ready and recognized in around
one month.

The remaining article will be about the B2 EU working language tests at EPSO-accredited
facilities/language schools as that is what I have had experience with.

### Structure of the B2 level third EU working language test

The EU language tests at various languages schools and [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/)
facilities usually have five parts: reading, listening, grammar, writing, oral. 
At [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) test facilities the parts are 
weighed as follows.

The maximum score for the test at an [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/)
facility is 100 points:

 * **Reading **– 10 points.
 * **Listening **– 15 points.
 * **Grammar **– 15 points.
 * **Writing **– 30 points.
 * **Oral **– 30 points.

You need to score at least 60 points in total to pass. There appear to be no minimum
points for each part.

### Physical vs remote test attendance

Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) has
introduced remote testing. However, carefully evaluate the following paragraphs 
before you opt for the remote test option over the in-person test.

While the remote test sounds good on paper, from my personal and various colleagues’
experience there are a number of drawbacks:

 * **Technical difficulties** at EPSO’s end were reported by a number of people,
   which in some cases necessitated a repeat test.
 * Staff managing the online test environment seem to not always be completely aware
   of how to run the system. **You cannot count on technical support**.
 * You might be **required to install some software** on your computer which might
   be a problem if you only have a work computer.
 * You are required to turn on your camera and **show around your home** or the 
   place from where you are taking the test to prove that you are not receiving 
   any assistance.
 * If you are a “people’s person”, the test environment may seem very sterile and
   technical adding to **psychological stress**.
 * Some languages have **specialized keyboards/characters** that are not available
   on the default English keyboards. Even if you are able to install the necessary
   Microsoft software language pack, the remote language test might not be the best
   place where to try to find out which special character hides under which keyboard
   button. If you decide to take the remote test, be sure to also get the appropriate
   physical keyboard (this definitively applies to French, German, Polish and a 
   number of other EU languages).

In short, if you have the time, I suggest to go for the in-person test in Brussels
or Luxembourg.

## Tips

Here is a collection of tips from myself and other people that you might find useful
in various stages of preparing and going for the test:

 * **External language courses vs in-house classes**. If your workload allows, enroll
   in in-house languages classes for your 3rd EU language every semester. However,
   once you decide to take the test, consider requesting external individual language
   instruction. This allows for more intensive training, tailored to your needs 
   and addressing any gaps or deficiencies you have. Both types of language training
   are paid by your institution, however, for the external training you will have
   to advance funds and will be reimbursed after completing a particular agreed 
   segment of training.
 * **When to take the test?** Many staff of EU institutions make the mistake of 
   postponing their 3rd EU language test until shortly before their [promotion](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/reclassification/)
   or contract extension to an indefinite period. A better strategy is to take the
   test when you are in your “prime”, e.g., immediately after you have finished 
   studying a language at B1 or B2 level. This will not only ensure that the skills
   are fresh at the forefront of your mind, but that you can re-take the test if
   you happen to fail the first exam.
 * **Focus on your weaknesses**. If a particular language skill is underdeveloped,
   think of ways to reinforce it in addition to language classes. For example, if
   your weak spot is speaking, ask a colleague who is a native-speaker only to converse
   with you in your third EU language, find a person in your institution or online
   with whom you can do language “exchanges” (meet regularly and half the meeting
   speak in your native language, half in the colleague’s). If your weakness is 
   listening and comprehension, make it a habit to consume popular culture content
   in the required language, e.g., Netflix shows in French, German or Spanish.

## Sample tests

If you are interested in finding out what your test might look like, here are some
sample online tests:

 * Mock [EPSO B2 language test](https://www.telc.net/fileadmin/user_upload/landingpage/EPSO/20211004_EPSO_B2_Englisch_8111-B00-010101_Mock_1_af.pdf)
   in **English **by the [TELC GmbH](https://www.telc.net/en/about-telc.html), a
   subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association (DVV). Another sample [B2 language test](https://tracktest.eu/english-practice-test-with-answers-b2/)
   in English by Tracktest.
 * Information about a sample [B2 language test in ](https://www.french-exam.com/mock-french-exam/)**
   [French](https://www.french-exam.com/mock-french-exam/) **(DELF); another sample
   French test, and one more [French sample test](http://www.delfdalf.fr/delf-b2-sample-papers.html).
 * [Goethe Institut sample B2 **German **test](https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/kup/prf/prf/gb2/ue9.html)
   materials. Another good sample [B2 language test in German](https://eclexam.eu/sample-test-german/).
   I also recommend you take a look at this excellent [Reddit thread on B2 German language exams](https://www.reddit.com/r/German/comments/ldzj5d/goethe_zertifikat_b2_module_exams/).
 * Sample [B2 language test in ](https://www.dele.org/?page=dele/high-intermediate-level)**
   [Spanish](https://www.dele.org/?page=dele/high-intermediate-level) **by DELE.

## My experience of what it’s like

The next section will cover my experience of taking the B2 language test in the 
[EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) test center in Luxembourg in 2021.

### Arriving at the test center

[EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) recommends arriving at the test center
30 minutes before the test starts. While half an hour is clearly too much, do not
arrive precisely on time as you have to undress, your ID documents need to be checked,
and you might want to visit the loo and get a glass of water.

[⌊Google Maps Streetview screenshot of at ALLINGUA Language Centre, 29 Avenue Guillaume,
L-1650 Luxembourg⌉⌊Google Maps Streetview screenshot of at ALLINGUA Language Centre,
29 Avenue Guillaume, L-1650 Luxembourg⌉[

_Google Maps Streetview screenshot of at ALLINGUA Language Centre, 29 Avenue Guillaume,
L-1650 Luxembourg_

Finding the test center is easy. It’s a building right next to the pavement with
a side entrance. You can follow Google Maps without any difficulties.

There are numerous public bus stops that are 1-5 minutes away depending on where
your hotel is located. I chose to arrive on foot from my hotel; if you do the same
and take a route in the valley, have some extra time in case you can’t find a bridge
to cross the river right away. 

### Language test parts – experience and tips

#### 00 | Overall impression

As I hadn’t taken a language test in many years, I was quite worried about how difficult
the test would be, particularly the grammar and writing parts. Afterall, the B2 
level in my perception should already be one where the person demonstrates very 
good proficiency in a language and comfort with all aspects of using it.

In order to decrease my worries, I spoke to several colleagues and acquaintances
who had taken a B2 language test in 2021 and earlier. Their overall message – **
the [EPSO](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/epso/) B2 language test was in fact 
easier than expected **irrespective of the language it’s taken in.

#### 01 | Reading

In this, the initial part of the language test, you are given a text to read, and
then complete two tasks.

The **first task** is an MCT or multiple choice test with four fact-like answers,
out of which you have to choose one. Two of the answers can be eliminated easily,
but for the other two it can at times be tricky. If unsure, go back and consult 
the text.

For the **second task**, based on the initial text, you are given four statements
and you have to chose the one that best applies to the text. Here, again, two options
can be eliminated easily, but the other two can be very tricky. For example, the
two possible options might not match the text completely but to a varying degree,
say, one is 70% appropriate, and the other is around 85%. Due to the stress in the
test environment it’s not that easy to choose the best option.

Tips.

 * If you are not certain about an answer, do not hesitate to go back and check 
   the text.
 * You are supposed to use only the information provided in the text; do not rely
   on any external knowledge you might have about the topic.
 * If unsure, make a choice and move on. If you have time at the end of this part,
   revisit the particular question and give it another thought.

#### 02 | Listening

In the listening par tone is also given **two tasks**. At first you get a longer
audio sample that is replayed twice. My first task was about a general popular science
topic. Already at the start of the first replay, you are free to mark your answers
sheet or make notes. After the second reply you have around 5-10 minutes to choose
the right answer from a multiple choice test that quizzes you about statements and
facts in the story.

After this you will listen to a second recording that will be replayed only once.
This recording was about a social everyday situation. After this recording you have
to choose the correct statement from a number of options.

While listening was not the hardest part to of the test for me (grammar and writing
was), this was probably the most tricky one due to the fact that you cannot re-listen
to the story beyond the one or two initial playbacks. If you fail to note something
down, you’ll have to rely on your memory or a lucky guess.

**Tips**

 * If you are given this option, try to read through the provided answer options
   ahead of playback of one or both recordings. Immediately try to note down if 
   there’s something specific like facts or quantitative details that you have to
   pay attention to during the recordings.
 * Don’t try to note right answers from the start. Rather, make quick notes about
   details in the story so that it’s easier to remember.
 * Pay particular attention and note all quantitative information, for example, 
   whether something happened in 1954 instead of 1945, or the temperature of something
   was 38.9 degrees instead of 39.8 degrees Celsius.

#### 03 | Grammar

The grammar section was the shortest of all parts of the test. In my exam I was 
just given around eight sentences and had to properly conjugate verbs to fit the
sentence.

I don’t even have any particular tips about this section. It’s mostly about checking
whether you know the basics or not.

#### 04 | Writing

For the writing part you are usually given two options to choose from. Read through
both and choose with which described situation you feel most comfortable with.

Usually, you are presented with a problem situation, described in 3-4 paragraphs.
You are then required to write a letter or an email to your supervisor or someone
higher up the hierarchy, and inform them about the particular problem and propose
a solution for their approval.

**Tips**.

 * Choose one of the offered topics and stick with it. While there is enough time
   to produce the required written response (if I remember correctly, it was about
   40 minutes), the time allotted might not be enough if you decide to switch to
   the other topic mid-way.
 * My experience and that of my colleagues is that you are given at least half of
   the text of your written exam in the text of the task. It is up to you to skilfully
   peruse it and add some content by yourself.
 * Use the notes paper given to you. Spend 5-10 minutes thinking about your response,
   and sketch an outline of what you want to write, including any vocabulary or 
   synonyms of used words you might want to include.
 * Creativity is not the main aim of this exercise. Rather, try to put emphasis 
   on a) clear responses to any questions given, b) having a clear response structure(
   introduction, description of problem, proposed solution, cordial beginning and
   end of the letter or email, etc.), c) demonstrating your vocabulary.

#### 05 | Oral

For the oral test you are given a choice of 6 “tickets”. You are not informed which
topics are on the tickets, and have to take one at random.

After you take your ticket, you are given 5 minutes to collect your thoughts. Following
that:

 * You are at first expected to talk for 5 minutes or so by yourself and share your
   thoughts about the particular topic.
 * After your monologue, you are engaged in a conversation by the assessor who will
   ask you questions to which you can respond as you see fit.

**Tips**. During the 5 preparatory minutes do not only think about the topic, but
use the note paper and make a plan for your 5 minutes of monologue. Note down the
starting sentence, create a structure for the rest of the intervention, etc. I would
also recommend to make a list of words that you want to use to show off your vocabulary,
or words with which you have difficulty with, so that you don’t forget them. I also
realized that there are some words which I know in English, but which I could not
recall right away in my chosen third language, so I used the time to remember their
translations.

For the conversation part I would recommend the following:

 * Pay attention to the question content and structure. This will give you at least
   50% of your response.
 * Try to appear and be calm, show that you have command of the language. Do not
   shy away from taking pauses to think your responses over a bit. I would say that
   it’s better to produce a decent answer with a delay, rather than mumble something.
 * Reuse vocabulary and sentences you used in the first “monologue” part, as you
   will be talking about the same subject.

#### Logistics tips

**Buses**. Since several years ago Luxembourg has introduced free public transport,
also for foreign visitors. This makes moving around the capital city and the country
even more comfortable. I can highly recommend the bus transit system in Luxembourg
as the busses are very clean, run on time and quite frequently.

**Taxi**. If you arrive in Luxembourg airport late in the evening, you might be 
required to take a taxi to the city centre or location of your hotel. While your
EU institution will most likely reimburse these costs due to late plane arrival,
bear in mind that taxis in Luxembourg are quite expensive. I took a 10-minute ride
to my hotel and it cost me 58 Euros. While the taxi service at the airport appeared
to be well regulated, be sure to ask if the particular taxi can provide you with
a receipt for the ride. While most taxis advertise that they accept payment cards,
be sure to check before the ride if the particular vehicle’s card reader is functional.

**Hotels and other accomodation. **To avoid unnecessary stress and save time on 
the day of your test, I would recommend to stay close to the testing centre on 29
Avenue Guillaume.

## Background information

### CEFRL common reference levels

| **Level** | **Description** | 
| **Basic user A1** | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. | 
| **Basic user A2** | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. | 
| **Independent user B1** | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. | 
| **Independent user B2** | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. | 
| **Proficient user C1** | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. | 
| **Proficient user C2** | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. |

### Legal notes

Requirement to be able to work in at least two EU languages is mentioned in Article
28(f) of the [Staff Regulations](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01962R0031-20140501).

_An [official](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/official/) may be appointed only
on condition that:_

_[…]_

_(f) he produces evidence of a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the
Union and of a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Union to the extent
necessary for the performance of his duties._

Assessment of the capacity to work in a third EU language is mentioned in article
45(2) of the [Staff Regulations](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01962R0031-20140501).

_Officials shall be required to demonstrate before their first [promotion](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/reclassification/)
after recruitment the ability to work in a third language among those referred to
in Article 55(1) of the Treaty on European Union. The appointing authorities of 
the institutions shall adopt common rules by agreement between them for implementing
this paragraph. These rules shall require access to training for officials in a 
third language and lay down the detailed arrangements for the assessment of officials’
ability to work in a third language, in accordance with Article 7(2)(d) of Annex
III._

> I wrote this article to make it easier to understand the sometimes complex EU 
> HR and administrative rules. However, your individual case might have unique angles
> due to prior work experience, family situation, or other factors.
> **Where to ask
> questions?**Rather than leaving a comment below, please bring your questions to
> our [**Jobs in EU Institutions Facebook Group**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/jobs.in.eu.institutions).
> We have nearly 10,000 members there, including EU ‘insiders’, so you will receive
> a much faster and more thorough reply from me and the community.**Looking for 
> weekly ‘Zero EPSO’ vacancies across EU institutions** **and daily tips?**Follow
> the [**Jobs in EU Institutions Facebook Page**](https://www.facebook.com/people/Jobs-in-EU-Institutions/61556372262919/)
> and join alongside over 6,000 other followers.⌊Ben Vandervelde - profile image⌉
> Best regards, **Ben**

## Comments

### By: Marko

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-7698
- Published: 2025-03-04T19:14:40+01:00

Hello, I have a question concerning timing 🙂 I could be eligible for promotion 
next year, and I will finish level 5 this june. So, do I have to enrole and pass
level 6 during the summer intensive module, or can I enrole in regular language 
class at my institution in Septmeber and pass the level 6 exam in February?

Thank you

### By: private opinion

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-7642
- Published: 2025-02-13T15:25:10+01:00

to be honest this is crazy.

I mean a need to get a 3rd language that is probably is useless in your day to day
work or life. I mean, is it not about time to reform that? and allow people to train
in skills that matter.

Maybe we need to have an equivalent of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency)
type to review and scrutinize some outdated regulations.

### By: alex

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-8760
- Published: 2026-01-08T14:06:58+01:00

A DOGE-style task force, maybe even led by a Musk 2.0, is exactly what we DO NOT
need in my opinion..
 May I ask what is wrong with speaking a third language? It
is beneficial to your brain, your social skills and, most important, allows you 
to better understand its native speakers.

On top of it, the EU lets you take a course FREE of charge, during working hours
and \-cherry on top of the cake- even increase your salary when you pass the test!

Don’t you think you’re complaining of your good fortune?

### By: Jorge

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-5351
- Published: 2024-01-31T17:24:26+01:00

Dear Ben,

Thank you very much for this article 🙂

I have a question similar to the previous comment as I also got les than 10 years
ago the French DELF B2 certificate. This certificate according to the French Ministry
of Education is valid for life, but I wonder whether EPSO has a different approach
on the validity of the certificates.

Thank you in advance for your views.

### By: Ben

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-5388
- Published: 2024-02-08T10:15:09+01:00

Usually EPSO respects the certificate validity as indicated by the issuing institution.
If you have such certificate, ask your EU institution’s HR to send it to EPSO as
soon as possible. The recognition procedure usually takes around 3 months (can be
expedited in urgent cases). Try to get clarity as soon as possible so you know whether
you have to take the a language test for the 3rd EU language or not.

### By: L.G.

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-4975
- Published: 2023-11-05T15:54:45+01:00

Could you share with me the legal basis or case law on which a language is accepted
purely based on citizenship/nationality?
 Thank you

### By: Adam

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-4012
- Published: 2023-02-08T14:18:57+01:00

In the following sentence: “The grammar section was the shorted of all parts of 
the test.” you probably meant “the shortest”?
 BTW, thanks for a very informative
and helpful article.

### By: Ben

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-4027
- Published: 2023-02-15T00:30:56+01:00

Adam, thanks for spotting the typo. Corrected now.

### By: evian

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-3193
- Published: 2022-06-24T12:07:16+02:00

Great website Ben !
 1st q: I passed the Cambridge CAE test, which is equivalent
to the C1 CEFRL grade, but it was back in 2003\. Do the European Institutions have
some time limitations about when the certificate was awarded?

2nd q: If I want to apply to a position where is advertised “The main working languages
of the unit are English and French: C2, B1”, does this mean I have to provide proof
of language tests for both? In the JD it does not say anything else about French
as mandatory. The job is in Bruxelles.

All the best!

### By: Ben

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/working-knowledge-of-a-third-eu-language/#comment-3239
- Published: 2022-06-30T14:55:32+02:00

Dear Evian, thanks for the words of appreciation!

Q1. Usually an expired certificate appears not to be a problem, however, you can
always stumble on a particularly diligent HR person. My experience is that everyone
uses common sense and if you obtained a certificate for C1, it’s highly unlikely
that your language skills have evaporated in thin air over the years.
 Also, a number
of other things are accepted as proof of language skills besides “native language”
and language school certificates. These are having studied in a university with 
a particular language of instruction, or even just having succesfully passed university
courses in a language. In the latter case these might have to recognized by a special
EPSO committee (your institution’s HR will address EPSO on your behalf).

Q.2. Nominally you can only be evaluated during the selection process on the criteria
that are listed in the vancancy notice. If French is not a precondition for employment,
you should not get penalized in the evaluation points tally. On the other hand, 
if its a required language, hard to get around this unless the competition is very
weak/you are a strong candidate in most other areas important to the employer.