The first thing to know is that no, learning languages is not difficult. And when I tell you this you think of the years you were in school. Years when you didn't learn English. However, no, it's not your fault. It depends a lot on the education system. Everybody is able to learn languages (you learned your mother tongue, for example) and there are even people who can speak 3 or 4 languages. Therefore, learning Spanish is possible.
Do you want to know how many hours are recommended to learn to speak Spanish? The first thing you have to think about is the language you learn in relation to your own. For example, if they have the same alphabet or if they are languages with the same base.
How many hours do I need to learn Spanish
According to the State Department's Foreign Service Institute, if you are English, and want to learn Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, etc., you are in luck! These languages all belong to category 1. This means that you can learn to speak them between 23 and 24 weeks. About 575-600 hours of class.
However, these figures are not exact. They also depend a lot on the level you want to learn.
Beginners for learn Spanish
- Level A1. The person learns to understand and use frequently used everyday expressions. Can give basic personal information. To learn this level you need between 4 and 8 weeks of an intensive course. This is between 60 and 85 teaching hours, depending on the student's learning ability.
- A2. A level a2 indicates that the person is able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of expertise that are relevant to him/her. In front of simple and daily tasks he is able to communicate. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background. To learn this level you need 10 to 12 weeks of an intensive course, which means at least 20 lessons per week. Between 160 and 175 hours of lessons are required (if you already have an a1 level)
Intermediate levels
- B1. This level indicates that you are able to understand the main points of clear, standard language texts when they deal with subjects that are familiar. You are able to cope with situations that may arise while travelling. You can speak clearly and simply on familiar matters. This level requires between 380 and 420 hours of class time. If you already have an A2 level, you only need 160-175 hours of class time. This is about 12-14 weeks in an intensive course.
- Level B2. For this level proves that the person is able to understand the main ideas of complex texts. He/she can deal with both concrete and abstract topics. Even when these have a more specialized character. The person with a B2 level can speak with native speakers fluently and naturally. Communication is effortless for both of them. To learn this level, between 620 and 675 teaching hours are necessary. If we already have a B1 level, between 240 and 255 more hours will be necessary. If you decide to do an intensive Spanish course you will need between 18 and 24 weeks.
Advanced levels
- Level C1. This level indicates that the person is able to understand a wide variety of long and demanding texts. Can interpret implicit content. Can use language effectively and flexibly in social and working life. Can speak about complex subjects. This level requires between 780 and 850 hours of study. If you already have a B2 level, learning this level will be between 160 and 175 teaching hours.
- C2. This is the last level of learning. This level indicates that you are able to easily understand everything you hear or read. You pronounce yourself spontaneously, fluently and precisely. You can express small nuances of complex situations. To reach level B2 you need between 940 and 1025 hours of class. If you have a C1 level, you only need to add 160-175 hours.
For C2 is C2+. It indicates that if the student reaches this level, it is comparable to the mother tongue.
