So what is A1/A2 in Portuguese? It means beginner level. A1 and A2 are part of the CEFR levels. These are descriptors for the different levels of proficiency in a language. It’s the most frequently used method in standardised courses to support language learning, teaching, and assessment. Rather than just using the classic level denominations: Basic (Low), Intermediate (Medium) and Advanced (High). Detailed information here.
What are CEFR levels?
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for language learning. It divides language ability into six different levels. Each level has an average hourly estimation of how long it takes to achieve. The CEFR levels also give an internationally-recognised description of each level. The hours are cumulative, meaning if you want to achieve A2 it will take between 160 to 200 hours.
These tests are just to give you a general idea; they are not meant as official certifications.
Beginner (A1)
Sometimes you may see A0 mentioned in this level, which is essentially starting from scratch (no knowledge of Portuguese at all). A1 is the most basic learning level and is often taught together with A2 as they overlap frequently. However, the main communication blocks/goals to be achieved at the A1 level are:
- introduce yourself and others.
- understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
- ask and answer questions about personal details (for example, where you live, people you know and things you have.
- Simple interactions are provided, as long as the other person talks slowly and clearly and is also prepared to help.
This level takes approximately 80 to 100 hours to achieve. Click here to see my available free Portuguese A1/A1 content.
Upper Beginner/pre-intermediate (A2)
At this level, you’re starting to understand more and also speak a little more. You’re still communicating in simple ways. As I said above, this level is often taught together with level A1 due to the frequent overlap. But, the main goals to achieve at the A2 level are:
- communicate simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information.
- understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to common topics (very basic personal information, describing your family in simple terms, shopping, local directions/geography, employment).
- Describe in simple terms aspects of your background and immediate matters.
This level takes completing level A1 plus approximately 80 to 100 hours. So overall, level A1/A2 should take approximately 160 to 200 hours of study/lessons to achieve. This is also the level you need to obtain Portuguese Citizenship after taking a Portuguese proficiency test. Click here to see my available free Portuguese A1/A2 content.
Intermediate/ Lower Intermediate (B1)
Often, there is some overlap between B1 and A2 (specifically with the use of the imperfect past and clitic pronouns). With this level, you’ll be able to have more complex conversations. You’ll understand a lot of different topics and use lots of vocabulary that doesn’t come up every day. You’ll also have a greater understanding of what you read and be able to chat with people rather than answer with basic one-liners.
- deal with most day-to-day situations
- understand the main points on familiar matters that you encounter regularly in work or school, leisure and travel, etc.
- produce simple connected speech in Portuguese
- Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
This level is achieved in 80 to 100 hours after achieving A1 and A2. So we’re between 240 and 300 hours of active/guided learning in total now. Click here to see my available B1/B2 content in Portuguese.
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
This is the level at which you start speaking faster and more fluidly. You understand more and more, and the scope of topics and details you can get into gets wider.
- understand the main ideas of complex texts on a variety of topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation.
- interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
- produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
This level is achieved in 80 to 100 hours after achieving A1 and A2. So we’re between 320 and 400 hours of active/guided learning in total now. Click here to see my available B1/B2 content in Portuguese.
Advanced (C1)
At this level, you are very proficient in the language. You rarely need the dictionary, and everyone can understand what you say. So at this level, you can:
- understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
- express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, with controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
This level is achieved in 150 hours after achieving A1, A2, B1 and B2. So we’re at approximately 470 to 550 hours (or more) of active/guided learning. Click here to see my available C1/C2 content in Portuguese.
Fluent/Native Speaker (C2)
This is the elusive fluent level that so many aspire to reach. Keep in mind it takes most people many years to reach this.
- express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
- understand virtually everything heard or read with ease.
- summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
This level is achieved in 150 hours after achieving A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. So we’re now talking between 620 and 700 hours (or more) of active learning. Click here to see my available C1/C2 content in Portuguese.
So, how long does it Really Take to Learn Portuguese?
This is the question many people have when starting. Unfortunately, there is no one answer. It depends on the individual and how proficient they want to be. Do they like the language? Have they learned a second language before? Do they like the teacher/course? How much time do they spend with the language daily? This includes studying/listening/speaking/practising, etc. And other factors such as personal life events, stress/work/health/etc.
But to give you some perspective, if we:
- Take the CEFR’s average amount of hours needed to achieve each level;
- Never miss a lesson.
- Understand/remember everything (or almost everything);
- Don’t burn out.
Then, on average and starting from zero:
| Guided lessons | once a week (1 hour) | twice a week (2 hours) | 5 lessons a week (5 hours) | 5 lessons a week (10 hours) |
| A1 | 18 months | 1 year | 6 months | 2-3 months |
| A2 | ~3 years | ~1.5 year | ~7 months | 3-4 months |
| B1 | ~5 years | 2-3 years | ~1 year | 4-5 months |
| B2 | 6-8 years | 3-4 years | ~1.5 year | 7-8 months |
| C1 | 9-11 years | 4-5 years | ~2 years | 1 year |
| C2 | 11-13+years | 6-7 years | ~2.5 years | 2- years |
In my experience, some of these time frames and goals are unrealistic and impractical. Very few individuals can achieve this and under very specific circumstances, such as lots of available and stress-free time, be highly driven, disciplined and self-motivating, among other factors. So please:
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
What’s going to matter is what you do every day. Learning a language is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Actually, it’s more like a drip that adds up every day/time/moment you actively spend on it. Listen a lot, read a lot and stay motivated with bite-sized goals. And remember I’m here to help! Join our online community today.
Let’s Get Started!
Now that you know more about language learning levels and know where you are, let’s get you started on the right learning path.