HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE?

You may have wondered how long it takes until you are able to communicate in the foreign language. The language levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages provide guidance. Experience shows that on the first 3 of the total of 6 levels approximately 80-100 lessons of tuition are needed. If you have lessons once a week (90 minutes) that means

  • that I can make myself understood with simple routine expressions after 1 year, if the interlocutor provides support (level A1),
  • that I can communicate in familiar situations with simple sentences after 2 years, if the interlocutor provides support (level A2),
  • that I can communicate independently in most everyday situations after 3 years (level B1)

In the canton of Zurich, for example, speaking and writing skills on level A2 are required to apply for the residence permit C. The canton of Zug requires level A1 for written and level A2 for oral skills.

The indications of times may seem high. Ask yourself, however, how long it takes to learn a foreign language, e.g. Spanish or Greek for the holidays and you realize that it’ll take you 2-3 years until you are doing reasonably well.