How Long does it take to Learn German ?

One question that boggles every mind is how long does it take to learn German? 

The FSI time estimates that German takes 52 weeks or 260 hours. German is the second most widely spoken in the world.

If your mind is searching for how to learn German fast, we have a solution for you.

How long does it take to learn German Language, Beginner, Intermediate as well as Advanced Level?  

The time it takes to learn the A1, A2, Intermediate, and Advanced levels varies from person to person.   

However, here’s a complete breakdown of each level:  

A1 level: A1 level of German is the first level of proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Learners begin to learn the basic German language skills at this introductory level. It takes about 40-50 hours to study for the German A1 level exam.  

A2 level: Compared to A1, the A2 level demands a greater comprehension of syntax and vocabulary. At this level, one needs to write or understand longer, more complicated sentences. It normally takes 50–60 hours of supervised instruction to prepare for A2 German.  

B1 level: The completion of B1 level German represents a significant milestone in your German language study journey. You need to learn at least one thousand more words in German to get a B1 level. The entire set of 2400 German words. It takes 80 to 90 hours to complete the B1 level in German.  

B2 level: B2 is an upper-intermediate level of the German language. Reaching the B2 level in German is a significant accomplishment in your language study process. Attaining B2-level competence offers several benefits on a practical, academic, professional, and personal level. If you are aiming to get admission to German universities through Ausbildung, then B2 level certification plays a very important role.It takes 95-120 hours to complete the B2 level in German.  

C1 & C2 level: German language proficiency levels C1 and C2 represent advanced language proficiency. For learners, obtaining the certification at these levels may be rewarding yet difficult at times. As the student faces grammar difficulty, vocabulary development, expressing thoughts and opinions, and much more.  

Top 5 Major factors how long does it take to learn German?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to learn German, then let us tell you that it entirely depends on the input you give. The learning of this foreign language depends upon several factors. The factors range substantially from student to student. This can significantly alter the amount of time needed to become fluent in a language. Learning depends on a few things:

• How much effort did you put in?
• How much practice you have done?
• What type of methods/techniques you use?

Let’s examine the five main factors:

1) The German Level you want to learn

Motivated people are more likely to succeed in learning a language, and they are also more likely to give up. So, how long does it take to speak the German language?

Keep in mind the benefits of studying German and what level of German you want to study. Hence, you’ll be able to maintain your concentration and, as a result, learn more.

German has different levels from A1 to C2.

• Basic A1 to A2 – Attending an Intensive course takes A1 in around 40 hours and A2 in 50 hours.
• Intermediate B1 to B2 – German level B1 takes 80 hours and B2 takes approximately 90 hours to become fluent.
• Advance C1 to C2 – C1 Level takes around 80 hours and C2 level takes around 80 hours to complete the whole course and become a pro at speaking German.

The time frame depends upon the levels you decide to learn. Joining a Language Institute aids you to reach advanced levels. Kochiva Linguistics helps you reach to B1 level roughly in a year and a few weeks, as most people do not take regular sessions.

So, how long does it take to learn German? Learning German probably takes 52 weeks or 260 hours. Your continuous focus and determination help you complete all levels. It is possible to learn casually and slowly if your only goal is to communicate with German natives and work in German nations.

2) Find the right Teacher and Study Material

One of the most important factors is to find the right teacher at the beginning. The study or reference material is crucial for your learning process.

As a result, it is crucial to choose the most accurate sources. When selecting the topic, keep in mind that the language or method of presentation must be simple to comprehend and absorb. Explore all the options available and find the most suitable one. So, how much time will it take to learn German? If you have a great teacher, you likely learn German much faster.

Furthermore, self-study is not that effective when you want to learn faster. You must find the best tutor for learning German.

There are a lot of institutes providing German language courses, but we strongly advise you to go for the best. Therefore, Kochiva is the institute that provides you with the best training for the German course. Kochiva ensures learning in the shortest time possible. 

3) Language Learning Experience

How long does it take to learn German if you have any foreign language skills? Have you ever been bilingual? If so, studying German might cause you to get ahead of yourself.

Learning more about the components and the unique features it offers is one of the first steps to learning German. If you’ve studied foreign grammar, memorized phrases, listened to different sounds, and looked at difficult letters before. This will help you familiarize yourself more easily with learning a new language.

4) Focusing more on German Grammar Structure 

Start focusing more on German grammar to speak fluently in German. It will help you speak German more naturally. Maintain a proper notebook of grammar sentence structure. Buy a book full of nouns, verbs, and adverbs. Try to translate your English phrases into German. So, how long does it take to learn German with this technique? Immersing yourself completely in German help you learn faster. Online immersion programs are more beneficial. Once you master German Grammar, communication skills get better.

5) Time you devote to studying the Language 

Have you seen the videos that promise a “30-day physique transformation”? Do you believe those quick improvements are possible in individuals who engage in one meal change or 20 minutes of activity per week? Not!

You must use the same reasoning when studying languages, of course.

Putting in 24/7 efforts like reading German books, listening to German podcasts, and learning new phrases and words can make a lot of difference. However, you will only “sort of” learn German if you make a modest effort.

Conclusion

The answer to the question: how long does it take to learn German? is hidden in the above factors. 

Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has provided a practical reference for people who want to learn foreign languages. FSI rated it as Category 2 lingo. 

FSI estimates that approximately 52 weeks or 260 hours of classroom sessions to learn German fluently.

This means that if you learn 8-10 hours a week, then you can speak it like a pro in a year!

If you want to learn German in 3 months it is not impossible but making a strategy and committing yourself to it will make you learn German faster than you think. Also, Indians can learn German more easily by spending the stated number of hours on classroom learning and self-study.

So, what are you waiting for? 

The faster you start, the more feasible for to learn.

Thus, considering all the above factors, you can experience and enjoy speedy German language learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is German a Difficult Language to Learn

Every new language appears challenging to learn at first. German also fits into this group because of its pronouns, unique vocabulary, and very difficult pronunciation to learn.   

German is only a Category II language. It is said that learning German takes 750 hours or 30 weeks of study time. Thus, German is not a challenging language to learn in comparison to other languages.  

Furthermore, as about 40% of German words have equivalent meanings to English phrases, learning German could not be too difficult for English speakers.  

How Can I Learn German Fast?  

It takes time to learn a language, so choose a strategy that works for you and be patient with yourself. There are several communities on the internet where students can gather and talk about methods for learning German while communicating in the language. Participate in the conversations by joining them. Try to keep yourself entertained since it’s commonly recognized that while you’re having fun, your brain retains and makes connections with the knowledge.   

How Long Does It Take to Learn German on a Conversational Level?  

Aiming for an intermediate level in German can be a good option if your objective is to be able to interact comfortably in ordinary situations with native speakers. But how long will it really take you to get there?   

There are several things that will influence your language learning experience. If you are an experienced student or have a natural ability to learn a foreign language, you may need to study significantly less than someone who is less experienced.  

Aiming for this proficiency in German typically requires 6-7 months. However, you may need to study for one to two years in order to become fluent in German.