This profile of the English language teaching situation in Hungary discusses the role of English within Hungarian society and within the educational system. It is noted that English is taught as the main foreign language after Russian and that it is offered mainly in the gymnasiums and on the university level. The composition of the teaching cadre is addressed as well as teaching materials. The state educational administration, the general framework of the educational system, development and planning activities in teaching English, and English outside the educational system are described, as well as British support, which is limited to the Cultural Exchange Program. The problems with commerical opportunities to study English due to a shortage of hard currency are noted. Short discussions are given of the limited amount of creative writing in English and of the current research situation. A concluding statement examines the interest in English evidenced by enrollment in English classes outside the regular school system and the English proficiency reached by scientists. It is concluded that the situation is not gloomy even though English is just an optional second foreign language in the gymnasium only. A bibliographic note is included. (AMH)