Spanish is a language full of beauty and diversity. How fast you learn Spanish depends on the level of fluency you wish to attain, how hard you are willing to practice, and your method(s) of learning.
For a quicker process, it is best to combine self-learning and learning with a partner or tutor. Interested in getting answers to all the questions you have regarding how fast you can learn Spanish?
You are in the right place.
What Level of Spanish Are You Okay With?
To have an idea of how fast you can learn Spanish, you must know the different levels involved and how fast you can cover them.
In Spanish, there are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 levels. Let’s see how fast you can learn each level:
1. A1 Level
A1 level in Spanish covers basic grammar and vocabulary. It is precisely foundational, designed to set you up for greatness in the language.
How fast you complete this stage will depend on the hours you devote and your seriousness. On average, it should take about 2 to 3 months to attain A1.
The best resources to cover A1 Spanish are online resources.
2. A2 Level
A2 takes your lesson a step further. This level helps you understand the process involved in constructing basic Spanish sentences.
Most of these sentences are used in everyday situations. To be A2 certified, you need an extra 3 to 4 months.
However, if you study intensely, 2 months is an ideal window. The best resources for A2 learning are textbooks.
3. B1 Level
The B1 level is also known as conversational Spanish. Many stop at this level because it contains major things you need to become a Spanish speaker.
B1 Spanish requires 5 to 6 months to complete if you go at a normal pace. An intensive study may reduce it to just 4 months.
At the end of this stage, you should be able to engage in Spanish dialogue easily. The best tools to complete this level are language applications.
4. B2 Level
The B2 level allows you to improve on everything you learned at B1. B2 is mostly about practice. You either have to engage in conversations more or listen to them more.
It is completely normal to feel stuck at some point in B2. However, the feeling of a learning plateau will erode with time.
Completing B2 requires at least 8 to 10 months. This is because you need to practice more to become an elite speaker. The best learning tools here are regular conversations and listening to Spanish music, radio or podcasts.
5. C1 Level
The C1 level is where nothing scares you anymore. You can easily talk your way out of any situation at this stage.
The timeframe required to complete C1 is 3 to 4 months if you devote 1 hour daily. Native-level content and tutorial videos are all you need at this stage.
6. C2 Level
This is the last stage and where you can call yourself an elite Spanish speaker. It requires 3 to 6 months of extra study. Native content is also the best tool for completing C2.
Different Goals and How Fast You Can Achieve Them
People learn Spanish for different reasons. Here are some of the common reasons why people want to learn Spanish:
1. To pass an official exam
For individuals interested in learning Spanish to pass official exams like DELE, you may need to practice for about 8 to 12 months (B1 to B2 levels). The difficulty level of the exam is another factor to consider.
2. To find a new job
To land a new job, you require a decent level of proficiency. Make B2 level your preference. It can take up to 1 or 2 years to be B2-worthy.
3. To travel to a Spanish-speaking country
If your objective is to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, all you need is rudimentary Spanish. A1 Spanish level should suffice.
How Long Will It Take To Learn Spanish by Your Preferred Method?
There are more than ways to learn Spanish. You must find which method works for you and dedicate yourself to it. Each method has a varying timeframe.
Let’s see some of the commons ones and how fast they are:
1. Self-learning
With suitable material, this is one of the fastest ways to learn Spanish. If you stick to your practice, it can take up to 18 months to 2 years to hone the language.
2. Traditional courses
This method usually requires studying for 3 to 4 years. Traditional Spanish courses follow a curriculum that consists of primary and secondary teachings.
In other words, what most online resources will skip, traditional courses will not.
3. Learning with a tutor
I prefer this method because it is very fast and efficient. All you need to do is to share your goals with your tutor.
He or she will decide the best and fastest way to make you achieve them. Most people steer clear of this method because they have to pay.
Nevertheless, learning with a tutor at least 3 times a week guarantees an overall one-year lesson process. At least to the C1 level.
3. Learning with a language partner
For those looking for free or cost-effective alternatives, getting a partner or Spanish friend can help.
This method is also very effective but can take longer if you get easily carried away or do not have a curriculum. 6 to 8 months is enough to get to B2 if you practice with a serious partner.
How Long Will it Take to Learn Spanish Based on Your Native Language?
For German speakers
If your primary language is German, you should be able to learn at a regular pace. Your major challenge would be to understand Spanish conjugations and subjunctives.
Overall, the entire journey should not exceed 18 months to 2 years. The same process applies to English and Dutch natives.
For French and Portuguese Speakers
Romance languages are typically French and Portuguese. If you are fluent in any of these languages, you are in luck. This is because most of the vocabulary and grammar you would be learning will be in familiar territory.
Hence, it should take you half the number of months or years it takes an English, Dutch or German native. 9 to 12 months on average.
For native speakers of a Slavic language
The Slavic language is spoken by Russians, Croatians, and Polish. Spanish belongs in the easy-to-learn things for this set of individuals.
Slavic language speakers can attain C2 in a year. At most a year and 6 months.
For native speakers of Asian, African, and other language families
Africa, Asia, and most parts of the world also find Spanish very easy to learn. This is because its pronunciations are very straightforward.
The whole journey can take up to 2 to 3 years with Spanish conjugations being the biggest challenge.
FAQs
How long does it take to become fluent in Spanish?
It may take months or a few years to become fluent in Spanish. This also depends on your level of devotion and mode of study.
Can you learn Spanish in 3 months?
Of course, you can learn Spanish in 3 months.
However, B2 is to highest you can achieve no matter how fast you go.
Can Duolingo make you fluent?
Duolingo can make you fluent in Spanish.
The app is great at teaching popular languages.
Conclusion
By now, it should be evident that there are a lot of questions that can arise from the topic “how fast can you learn Spanish?”.
Nevertheless, what matters is how much time you are willing to devote and the level you look forward to attaining.
These estimates should give you a sound knowledge of how fast you can learn Spanish regardless of your race, learning method, and dedication.
I hope you found this article helpful. Perhaps you are more interested in how you can learn any language, please see the best platforms to learn different languages.
Thanks for reading.
