How long does it take to learn Italian? This is probably the most common question among Italian language students, especially beginners – and for good reason! When we dive into learning a new language, we want to start speaking right away. Plus, io parlo italiano (I speak Italian) just sounds too cool.
But here’s the thing: learning a new language is different for everyone. Things like consistency, other languages you already know and your fluency goals can all impact how fast you progress. So, in short… there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It comes down to each student’s learning process.
So, what exactly affects how quickly we can learn Italian? And can we estimate how long it’ll take us? This article will answer these questions and perhaps have you singing That’s Amore by the end. Pronti?
As we mentioned, many factors can influence the speed of your journey. Let’s break them down:
Key factors that influence how fast you can learn Italian
Previous language experience: If this is your first time learning a foreign language, you’ll probably spend a bit of time figuring out your learning style – how do you learn vocabulary faster? Are you a visual or auditory learner? Do you prefer private or group lessons?
On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned learner, you’ll know how to go about the whole thing. Plus, at one point, languages start connecting with each other and become easier to learn.
Dedication: There’s nothing like commitment to quicken your progress. Making a conscious effort to stay on track will make all the difference.
Access to resources: Having access to resources like language-learning apps, online language schools, native-speaking tutors and even language exchanges can have a big impact.
Goals: Do you want just enough Italian to get by while exploring Rome, or are you aiming for full fluency to settle down in Italy? The bigger the goal, the more hours you’ll need to put in.
Do you speak another Romance language?
Italian is a Romance language, so if you already speak another one – like Spanish or French –, you’ve got a leg up. These languages share a lot of grammar rules and vocabulary, making it easier to learn Italian.
What’s your motivation and consistency level?
If your motivation is to learn Italian because you’re moving to this paradise soon, then you’re more likely to dive into an intensive learning program. This will accelerate your progress.
Another factor is consistency. Staying on top of your lessons, putting in the time and practicing daily will help you achieve your goals faster.
How long does it take to learn different levels of Italian?
Everyone’s journey is unique, but we can look to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to estimate how long it takes to reach different levels of proficiency in Italian. The CEFR outlines six levels of language acquisition (A1 to C2), each describing what a learner can do in the target language.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the CEFR levels and how much time they typically take:
Understanding the CEFR Levels (A1 to C2)
A1-A2 (basic): Basic conversation skills and knowledge of everyday vocabulary and phrases. The student can introduce themselves and others and ask or answer simple questions like where they’re from, their job or what food they like. Interactions are easier when the others speak slowly and clearly.
B1-B2 (intermediate): More complex conversations about work, lifestyle, plans and interests are possible. The student can handle interactions that could arise while traveling and can connect ideas about familiar topics. They can describe experiences, events, opinions and wishes. They can also understand TV and radio and read longer texts.
C1-C2 (advanced): The speaker can communicate fluently, read difficult texts and express themselves spontaneously with full confidence and flexibility. They can understand cultural, academic and professional discussions effectively and create cohesive, detailed text on complex topics.
Estimated hours to reach each proficiency level
Here’s a table of how long it takes on average to reach each CEFR level:
Looking to turbo-charge your learning journey? We’ve got some tips for you!
Leverage intensive and consistent practice
Consistency is your best friend when learning a language. It’s much more beneficial to study every day than to cram a 10-hour session every Saturday. It gives your brain time to truly absorb the vocabulary and grammar concepts you’re learning.
And what can we do to practice? Start by enrolling in structured lessons where you’ll establish a strong foundation. Online platforms like Lingoda offer flexible 24/7 classes to help you study when you actually can (and by the hand of qualified native-level teachers!).
Another tip is to immerse yourself in the Italian language every day. Practice pronunciation, vocabulary and comprehension. Bonus? You’ll also learn about the culture! You can:
Listen to Italian podcasts while cooking or jogging.
Watch your favorite Netflix shows with Italian subtitles.
Read Italian news articles or simple books to build comprehension.
Pro-tip: Serious about speeding up? Join the Lingoda Sprint, an intensive program designed to help you progress faster.
Dive into real-world usage
Nothing beats real-life practice when learning a language.
In addition to diving into Italian-language media – movies, music, apps –, consider finding a language exchange buddy. It’s a win-win: you’ll get to practice conversational Italian, improve your skills and help your partner learn a language you already know.
Got the chance to visit Italy? Make the most of it! Practice Italian every chance you get, ask for corrections and interact with locals.
Set up a personalized study routine
The secret to staying consistent is a study schedule that works for you.
For this, it’s important that you’re realistic about your availability, especially if you’ve got a hectic schedule. Setting achievable goals will help you stay committed and practice regularly – that’s why we highly recommend flexible online courses that can adapt to your lifestyle (like Lingoda Flex!).
How to stay motivated while learning Italian
Motivation is essential to learning Italian faster. How do we keep it up? Here’s some advice:
Set milestones and celebrate wins
Break your learning journey into small, realistic objectives – like introducing yourself in Italian, learning the lyrics to an Italian song or reading your first short story in the language.
Each time you hit a milestone, celebrate! Treat yourself or just take a moment to be proud. This will keep you excited and ready to take it step by step.
Finding a supportive learning community
Let friends and family know you’re learning Italian. They will encourage you and ask about your progress, which will motivate you to keep learning.
Also, if you’re taking group lessons, you’ll find that having a community of peers who are going through the same stages and have the same interests will make the experience more exciting. Plus, interacting with your teachers and having your questions answered will also make it easier to stay engaged.
FAQs
How long will it take to become fluent in Italian? Reaching C1 level (advanced proficiency) typically takes around 450–500 hours of study. For C2 level (full fluency), you’re looking at about 600–650 hours.
What is the hardest part of learning Italian? Just like with any new language, the hardest part of learning Italian is staying consistent.
Our lives have gotten busier and filled with more distractions, which can make it tricky to stick to our off-duty activities. Keeping our heads in the game and creating a feasible schedule will help us achieve our goals. If we get that down, no grammar structure or verb conjugation will stop us!
What language is Italian similar to? Italian is a Romance language, so it belongs to the same family as Spanish, French, Portuguese and Romanian.
Nevertheless, it’s also similar to English, as both belong to the Indo-European language branch. So, you might notice similarities that make learning Italian a little easier!
How long will it take you to learn Italian?
So, how long does it take to learn Italian? As we’ve learned, it depends on each student. Your progress is shaped by factors like your native language, available tools, goals and consistency. But one thing’s for sure: fluency is achievable for everyone!
The key? Maximize resources, join structured classes and stick to a steady schedule that keeps you practicing. If you’re ready to put an end to the question, there’s nothing like digging in right away. Check out Lingoda’s courses and start your journey!
Alison Maciejewski Cortez is Chilean-American, born and raised in California. She studied abroad in Spain, has lived in multiple countries, and now calls Mexico home. She believes that learning how to order a beer in a new language reveals a lot about local culture. Alison speaks English, Spanish, and Thai fluently and studies Czech and Turkish. Her tech copywriting business takes her around the world and she is excited to share language tips as part of the Lingoda team. Follow her culinary and cultural experiences on X.
