Hazel Said:

Why do non-English people learn English better than we learn other languages?

We Answered:

It is called NEED.

You go to... let's say Japan and stay at a big hotel. You expect people there to speak English when addressing you. The German guy goes to the very same hotel. He might not expect the clerk to speak German... but surely expects him to speak English. I go (yeah, in my dreams) to the same hotel you two are in. I don't expect the clerk to speak Spanish... so.. I will use English.

So, thanks to the idea that "English is a world language", we must be able to use it. I am sure most of those English friends you have, if in Germany, will be tempted to go back to English because they know the clerk will have at least some command of the language.

Besides, we have way more contact with English than you with any other language. Films, music, newscasts, software, internet. I bet it is harder for any of us (except Indian pals) to get a movie in Hindi than in English.

We get more practice than you do. And I am not talking about classroom time or style. It is just that, if I need information, I first look it up in English because it'll be easier to find it. You'll do the same... but not practicing any foreign language at the same time.