European Portuguese A1/A2 Study Companion

Extra support for learners taking the Portuguese Government Language Courses (A1/A2).

Are you taking a Portuguese A1/A2 course and feeling like the lessons are moving faster than you can keep up?

You’re not alone.

Several learners taking the Portuguese Government language courses tell me they feel overwhelmed. The lesson has already moved on to a new topic, but they’re still trying to understand the previous one.

That’s exactly why I created this study companion. As a tutor of European Portuguese, I’ve helped hundreds of learners overcome the same difficulties you’re facing now. This study companion brings together the explanations and resources I use every day in my own lessons.

It isn’t another Portuguese course. It’s designed to help you review what you’re learning, understand difficult topics and build confidence between lessons.

Study alongside your course

Follow your class, then come back here to review each topic at your own pace.

Most Portuguese Government language courses follow a similar progression based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Although different schools may use different materials or organise lessons slightly differently, the language objectives remain largely the same.

This guide brings together the most useful resources from across The Sounds of Portuguese to help you work through each unit of your course. You’ll find grammar explanations, pronunciation guides, vocabulary lists, videos and additional practice, all organised in one easy-to-follow place. Instead of searching through the website, you can simply follow the guide lesson by lesson.

One more thing before you begin…

Many learners find the grammar terminology one of the most confusing parts of studying a new language. Terms like subject, object, verb conjugation, direct object pronoun and subjunctive can feel overwhelming — especially if you don’t remember what they mean in your own language, never mind how they apply in Portuguese.

To make your journey easier, I’ve created a guide to the most common grammar terms you’ll encounter while learning European Portuguese.

Understanding Portuguese Grammar Terms →

Do you need to be in the Portuguese Government language course to follow the guide?

Not necessarily. This study companion is designed to follow the topics and progression typically covered in the Portuguese as a Host Language (PLA), so learners taking those courses will find it especially useful.
However, you don’t need to be enrolled on an official course to benefit from these resources. If you’re preparing for the CIPLE (A2) exam, studying independently, or simply want a grammar structured path to learning European Portuguese that follows the CEFR progression, you’re welcome to follow the guide at your own pace.

Can The Sounds of Portuguese issue my A1/A2 language certificate for Portuguese residency or citizenship?

No. The Sounds of Portuguese is an independent European Portuguese learning platform and is not an official certification body. This means I cannot issue the A1 or A2 language certificates required for Portuguese residency or citizenship applications.
However, I can help you prepare with confidence.
The resources on this website are designed to support learners studying European Portuguese, whether you’re taking the Portuguese Government language courses, preparing for the CIPLE (A2) exam, or learning independently. You’ll find clear explanations, pronunciation guidance, vocabulary support, reading and listening practice, and structured study materials to help you build the skills needed to reach A1 and A2 level.
Official language certificates can only be issued by recognised institutions, including:
CAPLE (University of Lisbon): Issues the official CIPLE (A2) certificate through recognised examination centres in Portugal and abroad.
Portuguese as a Host Language (PLA) courses: Approved programmes delivered through public schools, IEFP centres and other authorised training providers that can certify A1 and A2 levels.
Recognised educational institutions: Public, private and cooperative schools or higher education institutions authorised to issue the relevant academic certificates.
Think of The Sounds of Portuguese as your study companion: helping you understand the language, practise with confidence, and prepare for the official course or examination that leads to certification.

Ready to get started? Choose the unit you’re currently studying and work through the resources at your own pace.

Save this page for later!
This guide will continue to grow as new resources are added throughout the year, so bookmark it and return whenever you need help reviewing the next topic in your course.

Last updated: July 2026. This guide is updated regularly as new lessons, videos and study resources are published.

Learning Units

The unit names here won’t always be the same as those in your course book. That’s intentional. I’ve renamed them using the key language topics you’ll be learning, so it’s easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. My suggestion is to make a note of which guide corresponds to each unit in your course book, so you can quickly find the right resources whenever you’re studying.

Think of your textbook as the roadmap, and this guide as the signposts that help explain each step along the way. Some resources will appear more than one, as the course material moves on and you need to review previous topics.

Unidade 1 – Cumprimentar, apresentar-se e conhecer pessoas
- Unit 1 – Greetings, introductions and meeting people

Unidade 2 –
- Unit 2 –

Disclaimer: The Sounds of Portuguese is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with the Portuguese Government, CAPLE, IEFP or any official certification body. References to government language courses are provided to help learners find relevant study resources.