How Long Does it Take to Learn Another Language? (From a Polyglot)

How long does it take to learn another language? If you’re curious about learning another language, and wondering how long it could take you to get fluent – then you’re in the right place.

I’m a language teacher and tutor, and a polyglot who speaks 4 languages fluently, 1 conversationally, and the basics of a handful of others.

You can learn the foundations of another language in a matter of weeks, or months. But if you want to become fluent in another language, it can take anywhere from several months to several years.

How fast you reach fluency depends on:

• How difficult the language is (see the different category difficulties here – category 1 largest are the easiest, category 4 are the hardest)
• Where you’re starting from – already knowing the basics is an advantage
• How much exposure to the language you have in your daily life
• How comfortable you are getting out of your comfort zone and making mistakes

Generally, being fluent means being able to converse comfortably and spontaneously in any situation.

The languages I speak are:

• English (my native tongue)
• French
• Swedish
• Spanish
• German

In addition, I also know basic Korean and Polish, and bits of Japanese, Italian and Greek. I love languages and have dedicated much of my life to learning and studying them.

As someone who has picked up several languages and lived in other countries, I’m going to share with you:

At the end of the article, I’ll share how I learned each of my languages, and give you an idea to push through language-learning barriors.

So, let’s jump in!

How long does it take to become FLUENT in another language?

The short answer is that you can become fluent in another language in a matter of only months. For most people, it takes a year or two if they’re really making the effort.

How long it takes depends on how much exposure you have, and how hard you’re working at it, and how challenging of a language it is.

First, let’s define what “fluent” means.

Fluent does not mean:

• perfect grammar
• perfect accent
• knowing the language as well as a native speaker

Fluency isn’t about perfection or even knowledge.

It’s about being able to use the language spontaneously with ease. You can be fluent in a language while still working to improve your grammar, accent and even vocabulary.

If you can talk at length about pretty much any topic in the target language, without having to constantly pause to formulate your thoughts, or look up words – then you are speaking it fluently.

Having said that, being fluent takes time. Here’s an idea of how long it may take you to become fluent in another language, depending on what your situation is:

• If you are fully immersed (live in the country, and hear and use the language 90% of the time while studying) then you could become fluent in 3-12 months. 3 months if you already have a conversational level, but closer to a year if you’re starting from scratch
• If you live in an English-speaking country and are trying to learn another language, then it will likely take at least a year to become fluent in it and that’s only if you’re dedicated and already know some of the language. If you don’t any of the language already, then I would estimate it would take you closer to 2 years to reach fluency. (Again, that’s if you’re putting the effort in.)

Let’s dive into some tips to speed up the process of reaching fluency in another language; regardless of which of these two situations you’re in.

How to Speed Up the Language Learning Process

Here are some ways to learn another language much faster:

• ✅ Pick an easier language. Unless you’re learning a specific language for a certain reason, category 1 languages are generally much easier to learn and you can gain a working proficiency in less than a year if you’re working at it.

Category 1 languages (the easiest to learn, especially for native English speakers) are: Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish. Check out the different categories of difficulty on the Rosetta Stone website here.

• ✅If you’re a complete beginner, get the 10 Minutes a Day book for your target language (if they have it – only 12 languages available) I’ve picked up the basics of both German and Japanese from the 10 Minutes a Day books, and was able to have simple conversations in Germany and Japan with my skills learned from those books

• ✅ If you can already read the alphabet and know the basics in the other language, then switch all your browsers, social media accounts, laptop and phone into your target language. That way, you’re exposed to it daily and effortlessly!
  
• ✅ Switch your TV shows into your target language, or at least add subtitles of the language you’re learning
  

• ✅ Spend time in a place where the target language is spoken. Even spending 6 weeks being immersed in the language can really boost your language level and fluency.
  
• ✅ Watch children’s shows and movies, and read children’s books in the target language.(Whether its toddler books or YA novels.) Yes, they may be way too young for you – but being at your level will help you learn faster. I used to watch my favourite Disney movies in the language I was learning
  
• ✅ If you already know the basics of the target language, get some one-on-one tutoring with a language teacher to get stronger. I take lessons on italki as a student (and I’ve also been teaching on there for over 10 years.)

• ✅ Use a growth mindset attitude. Never be hard on yourself for mistakes, or not being where you want to be. Making mistakes and learning a language go hand in hand

• ✅ Avoid switching to English when people try to ‘help’ you by answering you in English when you try to speak in the target language. (It’s pretty common for people to answer you in English in touristy places, regardless of what language you spoke to them in.) If you simply switch to English whenever its convenient, then it will slow down your learning process.

As you can see, tips on how to get to the next level depend on where you currently are with your language.

Here are the different language levels according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and then how long it generally takes to reach them from scratch.

Language Levels, and How Long It Takes to Get There

When we talk about language fluency levels, we generally refer to the CEFR levels. Here’s what they are:

• A1 – you know the basics of the language (greetings, numbers 1-10, and other basic vocabulary)
• A2 – you can start to get by in simple, everyday situations – asking for directions, talking about yourself, asking questions to other people. You can usually get the ‘gist’ of sentences you read or hear
• B1 – You can have conversations, but not spontaneously. You may need to frequently look up words, hesitate to formulate your sentences
• B2 – This level is considered “fluent.” You can have conversations spontaneously, and at length about pretty much any topic. You may still lack some of the more complex or even slang vocabulary
• C1 – You’re quite fluent. You could go to university and get a degree in this language. You know sophisticated words and slang. In everyday situations, there are almost no words you don’t know.
• C2 – You’re an expert at this language, and can understand all aspects of it. Old literature, scientific research, medical text, nuanced slang. You could be hired to teach literature in this language at a university to native speakers

How long does it take to reach each language level if you’re starting from nothing?

• A1 – A1 is not a complete beginner – it takes time just to get to A1. Give it 1-3 months if you’re working at it every day
• A2 – 3-6 months
• B1 – 12-18 months
• B2 – 12-24 months
• C1 – Years. It’s hard to say how many; it depends on how much exposure you have to it, and if you’re using it.
• C2 – Generally, only native speakers reach level C2 in language; it’s hard to reach it as a non-native speaker (although very possible if they continue to study even after they reach fluency.) Being a level C2 is about much more than simply being fluent – you need to also know the nuances of all the words, in every situation.

Keep in mind that these estimates above are optimistic side. This is assuming that you’re exposing yourself to the language every day, and using it every day, plus doing some personal study. If you’re not working hard at it, then add a bit more time to these estimates.

In addition, if you’re learning a very challenging language, such as Mandarin or Hindu, then it will likely take longer than the estimates above.

Tips for Getting to Each Language Level Faster

Go to the level you’re currently are, to figure out how to level up to the next level

A1

• Label household items in that language, so you see it every day
• Buy a simple book to teach you the basics (if the 10 Minutes a Day series doesn’t offer your target language, then find another similar resource)
• Quiz yourself with flashcards
• Get a notebook and write down all the basic words that you’re learning, and keep reviewing them
• Watch YouTube videos to practice the pronunciation

A2

• Start writing out some of your own sentences
• Read simple books, or watch kid’s movies or TV shows in that language to hear how it’s used in a simple way
• Use apps, such as Duolingo to start seeing how sentences are structured
• Find someone to practice with, whether it’s a patient native speaker or someone at your level

B1

• Continue using language learning apps, such as Duolingo. The further you get, the more challenging it will be to push through
• Take a class or course, if there is one
• Find someone to practice with; ideally someone who is fluent in it (not necessarily a native speaker, but speaks it well) who can help bring you beyond the basics
• Make an effort to pick up new words, slang and expressions. Write them down, and review them

B2

• Make sure you’re using the language as much as possible. Read books, and watch TV in that language. You know enough of the language to understand the majority of the media you consume.
• Communicate with others in that language
• Practice with native speakers. You are fluent now, and native speakers would be best at helping you enhance and build on that fluency that you already have
• Hire a 1-1 tutor on italki who can help you retain your fluency, and give you challenges to polish your skills

C1

• Hire a tutor, ideally a native speaker with a background in language teaching. The tutor can identify areas of growth, and help you improve on those areas that are lacking in you speaking or understanding ‘like a native’
• Immerse yourself as much as possible in a variety of medias – books, newspapers, movies, TV shows. If there’s a word or expression you don’t know, look it up and write it down.
• Start learning common idioms and expressions in that language. You likely already know a few, but most languages have lots that are used very often by native speakers
• Interact with native speakers in casual settings, and watch how they use the language – in person, and online. (I have joined Facebook groups and subreddits on Reddit where my other languages are used, so I can keep reading how native speakers are communicating and what kinds of words they use.) It’s great practice

C2

C2 is the ultimate goal, and dream of many people – it means knowing the language and being able to use it almost as well as a native speaker.

You need a lot of exposure to get here. This isn’t something that can happen in just a year or two. I consider C2 to be native-level, and you need to spend many years immersed with other native speakers to be able to speak and understand the language anywhere near as well as they do.

Pro Tip: Not sure what language level you’re currently at? Some people overestimate or underestimate which level you’re at. You can do a self-assessment to get an accurate idea according to a CEFR rubric here.

How I Learned My Languages and How Long It Took Me

Here are the languages that I speak either fluently, or enough to ‘get by.’ Here’s what it took me to get to the level that I’m at, and how I retain them

English

My self-assessed level: C2

• English is my default language.
• I was born into an English-speaking family in Toronto, Canada and have lived in Ontario all my life (besides some temporary stints living abroad.)
• Most of my schooling has been in English, and I use it every day.

French

My self-assessed level: C1

• I started learning French in school in Grade 4 (age 9.)
• I switched to an Extended French immersion program in Grade 5, and stayed in it
• I did a 3-month exchange program to France as a teenager, and have been back to France several times to visit.
• I live hours from Quebec, and have visited Montreal and Quebec City many times (Quebec City is a better place to practice and be immersed in French.)
• I’ve had many online friends, and penpals that were French-speaking, and have been using language with Francophone friends since my teen years
• I’ve taken one-on-one lessons on italki from professional teachers who helped me maintain my fluency, and deepen my knowledge and understanding of French
• I worked as a French teacher in the public school board for a number of years. Using French every day helped me to retain it, and even learn new vocabulary

Swedish

My self-assessed level: B2 (currently working towards reaching C1)

• My grandparents were from Sweden. I grew up hearing them and their friends, and my mom speak Swedish. It wasn’t my first language, but I picked up many words, starting from my toddler years
• We visited Sweden during many summers of my childhood.
• I sang in a Swedish Christmas choir from age 8 to 18
• I went to a Swedish school for a few years as a pre-teen
• I communicate in Swedish with relatives in Sweden
• I take one-on-one lessons on Italki with native-speaking Swedish tutors

Spanish

My self-assessed level: C1

• I started learning Spanish in high school
• I chose it Spanish a minor in university
• I went on an exchange to Mexico, where I lived for 6 months.
• I have been back to Mexico many times, and always speak Spanish when I’m there
• I’ve had many Spanish-speaking friends; most of which I met in Mexico and kept in touch with (in Spanish) for years
• I have travelled to other Spanish-speaking countries since my exchange to Mexico – Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Costa Rica where I’ve also spoken Spanish the whole time I was there
• I’ve taken lessons on italki
• I’ve taught English to native Spanish speakers who hardly spoke any English at all, so I’ve used Spanish to communicate with them
• My current house cleaners don’t speak English, so I speak Spanish with them regularly

German

My self-assessed level: A2

• I started learning German at age 18, from the 10 Minutes a Day book
• I did a 6-week exchange program to Germany, where I lived with a German family (and insisted on speaking German, since they otherwise would have spoken English to me the whole time.)
• I’ve had a few German penpals over the years that supported me in writing in German. (I met them on Penpal World.)

Korean

My self-assessed level: A1

• I spent a year living in South Korea, working as an English teacher
• I studied the alphabet and learned to read Korean (sound out the words.)
• I learned enough of the basic vocabulary to be able to express the most basic needs, such as ordering food, asking for prices, where washrooms are, that I’m a vegetarian, etc

Polish

My self-assessed level: A1

• I was paired with a Polish woman in university as a part of a ‘language partner’ exchange. I met with her several times a month to learn Polish words and phrases, and pronunciation which she very kindly put together and tutored me through
• I visited Poland to attend the wedding of my Polish language partner and used the Polish that I had learned. I used it with her family members who didn’t speak English, and I also used it in stores (asking how much things were, where the washrooms were, etc.)

3 Factors that Make it Take Longer to Reach Fluency

As someone who has studied many languages, here are some things I’ve noticed that can make learning another language take a bit longer… and what you can do about them.

1. Being a perfectionist

Getting caught up in trying to speak the language as perfectly as possible is not a great way to become fluent.

Overthinking your choice of words or how you’re saying something can interfere with fluency and picking up the language.

What to do about it: Get out of your comfort zone and be willing to make mistakes. You will not sound ‘stupid.’ Being willing to take risks with language learning is the only road to fluency.

2. Being shy

I’m not a naturally outgoing person, I’m a shy person. Being reserved and not jumping in and speaking with people can slow the language-learning process down.

You can learn a lot from reading, writing and listening; yes. But if you don’t speak the language, then its hard to reach conversational fluency.

What to do about it: Make an effort to talk to people, even if its uncomfortable or doesn’t feel natural. Every verbal interaction, whether it goes smoothly or not, is a learning experience that will contribute to your language acquisition

3. Native speakers of your target language answering in English

The world has more second-language English speakers, than native speakers! Fascinating, right?

While this is useful for global communication, I see it getting in the way of people trying to practice languages other than English.

When everyone knows English, it becomes the default language of communication; native speakers of another language are less likely to want to speak their language with you because it would be faster and quicker to just speak English.

My Polish friend tried to learn Swedish in Sweden, but it was hard when everyone was able to speak English to her. I used and learned some Italian in Italy, but not nearly as much as I would have learned if everyone had spoken Italian to me.

What to do about it: You cannot always control what language people speak. If it’s a short interaction, then simply continue speaking in your target language even if they switch to English – at you least you can practice; making yourself understood through verbal communication is still very valuable. However, if you’re on an exchange or study abroad program, or taking a language class and your host family or language tutor speaks more English than you want them to – then remind them that you are learning and practicing your target language, and request that they speak that language to you so that you can learn. I had to do this in Germany, as everyone spoke such great English!

Learning Another Language FAQ

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the amount of time it takes to learn another language

How fast can you learn a new language?

You can learn another language as fast as you want – generally, you should give it 6 months to pick up another language, give or take – but this really depends on many factors. There are many factors that could cause it to take much longer than 6 months, or even happen quicker

Can you learn a language in 3 months?

Yes, you can learn a language in 3 months. You can become fluent in 3 months if you already knew a fair bit of the language already and you’re fully immersed. You can also learn the foundations of a brand new language in only 3 months.

How long does it take the average human to learn a new language?

According to the Language Testing Institute, it can take anywhere from 8 to 92 weeks to learn a new language, depending on how hard the language is, how much exposure you have to it and how hard you’re working at it.

Is 25 too late to learn a language?

25 is not too late at all to learn another language. I have seen people become fully fluent in a language having started at age 25 or later. Science shows that your capacity to become a ‘native speaker’ (with no accent) in a language significantly drops after puberty. But, you can become fluent in another language at any age if you put the work in.

Is 1 hour a day enough to learn a language?

Yes, 1 hour a day is more than enough time to learn a language. You could even spend as little as 10 minutes a day. Exposure every day is a key to picking up a language quickly.

Final Thoughts on How Long It Takes to Learn Another Language

I hope that this article has been helpful to you in giving you an idea of how long it may take you to learn another language. I hope that you found it both realistic and inspiring in showing you how quickly you can expect to attain the language level that you wish to have.

Learning another language is the most humbling experience. It’s very hard, but also very rewarding in so many ways.