How long does it take to learn German fluently? How quickly one learns the language differs from person to person and depends on factors like prior knowledge, immersion in the language, and amount of practice.
According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), German typically takes around thirty weeks (or 750 classroom hours) to master. This may take less time if you’re taking intensive lessons or dedicating more hours in a day to learning the German language. Conversely, it could take up to two to three years to become proficient if you’re learning at a slower pace.
Factors that Affect How Quickly You Learn German
Various factors can affect the speed of your learning. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
Prior Knowledge
Some beginners start learning German with absolutely zero knowledge of the language. These students will likely take slightly longer to be proficient because they’ll have to start from scratch. On the other hand, those who have some prior knowledge of German will find it easier to pick up the language.
Mode of Learning
If you search ‘how to learn German for beginners,’ you’ll find that there are multiple modes of learning the language, from enrolling in formal lessons to using language learning apps to consuming German content such as videos, podcasts, and books. Whichever one you choose will affect your learning speed as they define the types of lessons and support you can access.
Amount of Practice
As with any skill, practice makes perfect. The more you practice your German, the better you’ll be at the language. Some people might have less time to spend on their studies, which may prolong their learning a little bit more.
Language Immersion
People who are immersed in the German language, such as expats already living in a German community while they learn, will learn the language faster than those who aren’t exposed to it. This is why it helps to surround yourself with all things German when you’re learning.
Motivation
The greater your motivation to be fluent in German, the faster you’ll likely achieve your goal. This is because you’ll be more empowered to take those lessons, learn outside of class, and seek more opportunities to improve your skills.
Is It Hard to Learn German?
While German has some similarities with English, it’s still quite different. There are gendered words, distinct letters and pronunciations, and new linguistic rules. Still, it’s not as difficult to learn as other languages. With complete immersion and at least eight hours of practice a day, you can learn German in less than twenty weeks!
How long does it take to learn German fluently? It will take time, but with a good mix of studying, immersion, and real-life practice, you can become proficient quickly! It’s said that you’ll be considered fluent once you know 10,000 words in German.
How to Learn German Quickly
The best way to learn German quickly is to use a mix of methods to stimulate your reading, writing, speaking, listening, and comprehension skills. German Academy Zurich offers courses that can help you reach German proficiency effectively through a variety of learning modes.
We provide private classes with a tutor and access to thousands of resources, including exercises and activity sheets. Once you finish your program, you’ll receive a certificate that proves your proficiency. Get ready to learn German quickly–check out our available courses based on your level today!
