The amount of time it takes to learn French depends on many different factors. However, if we had to give a general estimate, we would say that it usually takes around 6 to 12 months to reach a basic level of proficiency (with regular studies!), and 1 to 2 years of consistent work to become fluent.
If you are an English speaker, learning French requires 575-600 hours of study (or 23-24 weeks full- time). It is the same for other European Romance languages (French, Italian, Spanish etc) and the Germanic ones (Danish, Swedish, Dutch/Afrikaans Norwegian – not German).
If you want a short answer, yes, you can become fluent in French in one year (or even less), especially if you follow the 10 steps included in the next section. However, your success will depend on a series of aspects you need to take into account.
How long does it take to speak French fluently? A relatively easy language like French should take about 480 hours of study to reach basic fluency, according to data collected by The U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
Three months is a short amount of time, but it's more than enough time to learn the basics of a new language. If you're dedicated to learning French, you can easily achieve your goal in just a few months. The key is to create a study plan and stick to it. Start by finding a good French textbook or online course.
No matter how old you are, you're never too old to learn a new language. However, because your brain's ability to adapt and change decreases over time, you'll probably have to practice more.
So, is it possible to learn a new language after 30? Yes, it is. Lastly, at the end of your life, what will matter most is the investment in the activities that you love. If you look forward to learning a new language as an adult in your 30s, consider doing it now is the best for you.
Across multiple sources, Mandarin Chinese is the number one language listed as the most challenging to learn. The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center puts Mandarin in Category IV, which is the list of the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers.
Duolingo can aid in your journey to become fluent, but if you aren't actively practicing the language with a native speaker or practicing your comprehension skills by listening to native conversations (like using movies, podcasts, Youtube, etc), then you will not become fluent.
At Duolingo, we're developing our courses to get you to a level called B2, at which you can get a job in the language you're studying. Reaching that kind of proficiency requires dedication, varied practice opportunities, and a lot of time.
Depending on your goals, native language, study method and time, and motivation, within 6 months to 3 years you should be able to speak French at a good level. It will take longer if you're following a secondary school curriculum or want to totally master French for a career in something like interpreting.
Level B1, which is sometimes referred to as 'Threshold' or 'Breakthrough' stage, is the point at which a French speaker moves away from the most simplistic language usage and is able to cope with most of the situations they are likely to encounter when travelling around a French-speaking country.
In their language difficulty ranking, the Foreign Service Institute puts French in the top ten easiest languages to learn for English-speakers, alongside notoriously easy languages such as Spanish and Italian.
Level A1 Discover the language: 90 hours/6 weeks. Level A2 Coping with everyday situations: 135 hours/9 weeks. Level B1 Managing everyday situations: 135 hours/9 weeks.
If you study consistently 1 hour per day and practice your French on the side, with the right resources, you'll be able to speak French at a B2 level in one year and a half. When it comes to language learning, this is actually a reasonable timetable for most learners who have a life outside of French.
Even with some of the well-developed courses, Duolingo may not be enough to completely teach a language to fluency. As mentioned earlier, Duolingo is great for getting a base in a language—but don't expect to get to advanced fluency on Duolingo alone.
Can Duolingo help you learn French? The answer is yes, but mostly in the early stages. Duolingo French can be a game-changer if you've just started your learning journey. The bright, intuitive interface lures beginners in and quickly expands their vocabulary.
But research shows that learning a second language offers proven benefits for intelligence, memory, and concentration, plus lowered risks of dementia and Alzheimer's. So what if you are over 40 and want to learn a second language? The good news is, it can be done. I learned French in my 50s.
Learn a Language in Your Fifties: It's Never Too Late to Get Started. There's some truth to what the naysayers are telling you. Neuroplasticity does decrease with age, and learning a language in your fifties might prove to be more challenging than learning it in elementary school.
Is it possible to learn French at the age of 50? Yes, it is. And it is strongly recommended. Learning French is a very rewarding activity and numerous studies show that after the age of 50 learning a new language helps to combat stress, engages the brain and helps us to concentrate.