* Your native language: Speakers of Romance languages might find Italian easier than, say, Hungarian.
* Prior language learning experience: If you've studied languages before, you might pick up new ones faster.
* Learning style and motivation: Some people find grammar challenging, others pronunciation.
However, some languages are often considered more difficult due to:
* Complex grammar: Hungarian is notorious for its complex grammar with 14 cases, a vast array of verb conjugations, and a unique system of suffixes. Finnish also has an intricate grammar with agglutination (stringing suffixes together).
* Different writing system: Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian use Cyrillic script, which can be challenging for learners accustomed to Latin alphabet. Greek has a unique alphabet as well.
* Sound system: French has a complex pronunciation system with silent letters and liaisons, making it tricky to master. German has many sounds not present in English, such as umlauts and the "ch" sound.
Other languages often considered difficult:
* Icelandic: Complex grammar, rich vocabulary, and a unique sound system.
* Basque: Completely unrelated to other European languages, with a unique grammar and vocabulary.
* Romanian: Despite being a Romance language, it has some unique features like a complex verb conjugation system.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which language is hardest for you is to try learning them and see which one you find most challenging. Don't be discouraged by perceived difficulty! With dedication and practice, you can learn any language you set your mind to.