B1 — intermediate — is the level most people are really aiming for. It's where you can hold a conversation, give opinions, and handle life abroad. So how long does it take to get there? Honestly: it depends, but there are clear ranges.
Rough timelines (with daily practice)
- "Easier" languages for English speakers (Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch): often ~350–500 hours to B1.
- Harder languages (Japanese, Korean, Chinese): more, because of new scripts and structures.
Translate hours into your life: 30 focused minutes a day is roughly 180 hours a year. Step it up to an hour and B1 can be a realistic one-year goal for many languages.
What actually speeds it up
- Daily consistency beats weekend marathons.
- Speaking from day one — output, not just input.
- Explanations in your own language, so you waste no time confused.
- Clear level goals, so you always know what to work on next.
The learners who reach B1 fastest aren't the most talented — they're the most consistent.
Get to B1 the efficient way
Our language courses give you a daily lesson built around speaking, explained in your own language, with a clear path from A1 to B2. Start free or see pricing.