German is one of the most popular languages spoken in the world. But how long does it take to learn it? In reference to the time required to learn German, the famous American writer Mark Twain, in his 1880 article “The Awful German Language”, says the following to explain how difficult German is:
…as a result of my studies I am convinced that a skilled person can learn English in 30 hours, French in 30 days, German in 30 years…
Mark Twain
How long does it take to learn German?
Time required to learn German is no longer as long as Mark Twain exaggerated. The time it takes to learn German depends on a number of factors, ranging from one’s predisposition to learn a new language to how much time one can devote to it during the day.
Someone who only learns German for 1 hour after coming home from work and someone who can spend 5 hours a day learning the language will normally need different times to reach the goal. It is also important in which ways you learn German. There will be differences between learning at home or learning the language in Germany.
Different studies provide some statistics on the time it takes to learn German in hours. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) classifies language levels as beginner (A1 and A2), intermediate (B1 and B2) and advanced (C1 and C2). You can find our article on this classification, which also determines the levels of German, here.
Time required to learn german: 400 hours for B1 level
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages stipulates that for each language level (A1, A2, etc.) a person needs 200 hours of study. These 200 hours include the courses you take to learn the language and the time you spend learning the language outside of these courses.
The German learning time corresponds to 400 hours for the intermediate level, i.e. B1. For example, in order to reach the C2 language level, you may need to spend 1000 to 1200 hours in total.
As mentioned above, this process will vary from person to person. If you are fluent in English or know a little German, you may progress faster. On the other hand, for a person learning a foreign language for the first time, the time to learn German will be a little longer.
Again, if we go on averages, you spend an average of one hour a day, you will reach the B1 German level in more than one year, although not as long as Mark Twain’s predictions. If you can devote an average of five hours a day, you can reach this level in about three months.
German learning time, 960 hours with Goethe
The Goethe Institute, one of the most reputable institutions in German language education, offers different intensive German education for each level. For example, while the German learning period is only 80 hours for level A1, 160 hours of education is offered for level B1.
In order to receive the German B1 certificate at the Goethe Institute, you need to receive at least 80 hours (A1) + 160 hours (A2) + 160 hours (B1), totaling 400 hours of education. Based on 80 hours of training in 1 month, it is possible to reach the B1 level within five months if you continue without a break.
For example, a total of 960 hours is required to reach level C2.
Other factors impacting the time required to learn german
These timetables, set by institutions such as the Goethe-Institut and the CEFR, not consider individual factors in how long it will take you to learn German. There are a few other factors that can contribute positively to the time it takes to learn German:
- Previous language experience: If you are fluent in one of the Germanic languages, you will learn German much faster. The most well-known Germanic languages include English, Dutch and Northern European languages.
- Aptitude for language: Just like math or painting, learning a language requires special skills. Your aptitude for learning a new language will have a positive effect on the speed at which you learn German.
- Learning method: Instead of learning German on your own, it is possible to learn German faster by taking private lessons if you have the opportunity or by attending German courses such as the Goethe Institute.
- Your personal motivation: Your motivation during German learning also affects the process of learning German. While a person who learns German for hobby purposes learns German in a much longer time, a person who learns German to find a job in Germany can speak it in a shorter time.
I first came to Germany in 2014 to study for my master’s degree in International Culture and Management. The friendships I made here made me feel like I belonged to this completely different culture, and the family I built with my wife Evrim and son Leo made me call Germany “home”.
As a NASM-certified Personal Fitness Trainer, I also write about sports on Vasistdas.
