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Telephone 020 8295 5877
August 4, 2025
I’m sure we’d all love to download a new language into our brain like Neo in The Matrix! But sadly, there’s no instant download option (yet).
So, how long does it take to learn a language?
It’s a question with no one-size-fits-all answer. The timeline can vary widely depending on your goals, the language you’re learning, your native language, your learning methods and how much time and effort you’re prepared to invest.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors that affect how long it takes to learn a language, what the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) says, and how you can speed up the process.
The more similar a language is to your native tongue, the faster you’re likely to learn it. For example, English speakers often find European languages like Spanish or German easier due to similarities in vocabulary and grammar. In contrast, languages like Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese or Korean—which have different writing systems and structures often require much more time to learn to a functional level.
If you’ve learned a second language before, you’re likely to pick up a third more quickly. That’s because you already understand grammar concepts, learning techniques, and have developed mental agility for switching between languages. Even basic experience with another language can give you a boost in confidence and help reduce the overall time needed.
Naturally, the more consistent time you dedicate to language study, the quicker you’ll progress.
Someone learning 2 hours a week will learn at a different pace than someone immersed 3-4 hours per day. Language learning is like going to the gym - short, regular sessions yield better results than cramming once a week.
Daily habits that accelerate progress include:
Are you aiming to order a coffee on holiday or give a presentation to a client? Your goal matters.
Basic conversational skills might only require a few hundred hours of study.
Professional fluency, on the other hand, can take thousands of hours, especially if specialised vocabulary or cultural nuance is required.
Set a clear, realistic target—e.g., “Reach B1 (intermediate) level in French in six months.”
The way you learn matters just as much as the time you invest. There are many effective approaches:
Some learners thrive with structured grammar lessons. Others improve faster through immersion or conversational practice. The key is to find what suits your learning style. Try our quiz here.
One useful benchmark comes from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which defines language levels from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Proficient). These are commonly used in European language learning contexts.
Here’s a rough guide for a complete beginner.
These figures assume a mix of formal study and practice, but they can vary based on your exposure, intensity, and individual ability.
The US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) categorises languages based on the estimated time needed for English-speaking diplomats to reach “Professional Working Proficiency”.
Here are examples:
Category I: Spanish, French, Dutch (approx. 600-750 hours needed)
Category II: German (approx. 900 hours needed)
Category III: Russian, Turkish (approx. 1,100 hours needed)
Category IV: Arabic, Japanese, Korean (approx. 2,200 hours needed)
Keep in mind that this assumes full-time, intensive study, so your timeline may differ significantly.
While everyone progresses at different speeds, here’s a typical timeline for an adult beginner studying a language 5–10 hours per week.
Want to speed things up? Try these expert-backed strategies:
Let’s debunk some persistent myths:
❌ “You have to be young to learn a language.”
Wrong. Adults are often better learners than children - they just have less time!
❌ “It takes years to become fluent.”
Depends. Conversational fluency is achievable in months, not years, with regular effort.
❌ “You have to live in the country.”
Not anymore. Technology has made immersion possible from anywhere.
❌ “I’m just not good at languages.”
Not true. Everyone has the ability—it’s more about consistency and mindset than innate talent.
Emma, a busy marketing executive in London, started learning Spanish using Duolingo. Her company then booked a tailored language programme with Babel and she practiced work-related content with our tutor, in 60-minute sessions twice a week. After six months, she could travel in Spain, have basic conversations, and write simple emails to colleagues in Madrid. Our tutor encouraged Emma to have 15 minutes of practice daily and using her interests (films, food, travel) to stay motivated.
So, how long does it take to learn a language? It depends on the language, your goals, and how you study. But with smart techniques, consistent effort, and the right mindset, meaningful progress is possible in just a few months. Set small, achievable goals. Mix up your resources. Celebrate your milestones. And remember, language learning is not a race, it’s a journey.
Whether you’re aiming for conversational confidence or professional fluency, our bespoke language courses are tailored to your goals, schedule, and learning style. Work with our experienced tutors who understand how to get results, and make learning enjoyable.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your language learning journey.
Q: Can I learn a language in 3 months?
A: Yes, conversational fluency is achievable in 3 months with daily practice and effective methods
Q: What is the fastest language for English speakers to learn?
A: Spanish, French and Dutch are among the fastest due to grammatical similarities.
Q: Do I need to travel to learn a language?
A: No — online resources and apps allow full immersion from home.
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