How long does it take to learn English?
In our busy schedules, organization is very important, so it is very reasonable to want to know how long it takes to learn English and plan our classes accordingly.
However, the answer to this question may seem difficult to find. Will I be able to improve my English level in one year ? What determines whether I learn English faster or slower? Does age influence learning English? We have a very interesting article on this subject .
Knowing that there is no exact answer, we have done some job seekers database research and are going to give you the most accurate answer possible to how long it takes in English and what tools you need to achieve it.
The short answer is yes, we have created a calculator to find out how long it takes to learn English by studying alone and by studying with a teacher. Here is our tool: a calculator to find out how long it takes to learn English .
calculator to calculate how long it takes to learn English in hours and weeks
How many hours do I need to reach the level of English I want?
Cambridge's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) estimates how long it takes to reach different levels of English . First and foremost, it's important to note that this estimate can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, including the learner's native language, the amount of time spent studying, the quality of teaching, exposure to the language and regular practice.
How long does it take to learn English?
If you are not familiar with these levels of English , check out this post , we will explain it to you.
You can learn English for the love of it and assume that you will improve over time and be content with whatever level you reach, of course! However, your investment of time can be much more efficient and yield better results if you set a goal for yourself.
Remember that consistency is also essential, you are not going to learn English suddenly no matter how much you want to. (Check out this post to learn how to say suddenly in English )
Let's see some examples of how long it takes to learn English
Let's look at some examples that you can identify with better. Imagine the following:
Example 1: From B1 to B2 with 2 hours per week.
Your goal is : To go from B1 to B2.
Time available : 2 hours per week to dedicate to teaching and you don't have time to study. That is, 2 hours per week.
How long would it take you to level up your English in this case?
Let's see how long it would take to go from a B1 to a B2 according to the Cambridge criteria, dedicating 2 hours a week:
➡️ To move from a B1 level to a B2 level , it is generally suggested to take between 150 and 200 additional hours of study, depending on several factors as we have already mentioned. Since you have 2 hours a week, we can make an approximate calculation of about 75 weeks , which is 17.3 months, that is, one year and 4-5 months.
Let's look at another example:
Example 2: From B1 to B2 with 4 hours per week.
Your goal is : To go from B1 to B2.
Time available : 2 hours per week for class and 2 hours for studying/doing homework. That is, 4 hours per week.
Okay! I want to take less time. I'm going to get my act together and dedicate a little more time to it, 4 hours.
→ How long would it take you to level up your English in this case?
➡️ Going from B1 to B2 by investing 4 hours a week could take approximately 43.75 weeks , which means 10.1 months, that is, a little less than a year .
What if I sign up for an intensive English course?
Until we can have a chip implanted in our brains with the information we want to absorb, you may have asked yourself this question: Is it the same to learn English little by little throughout the year or to sign up for an intensive course in the summer, for example?
To answer this question, we have relied on neurodidactics , which is the field that integrates neuroscience with education. Here are some points it offers on gradual learning versus intensive learning.
Gradual processing : Gradual learning appears to facilitate long-term memory consolidation.
Importance of rest and consolidation : Neurodidactics highlights the importance of rest to improve information retention.
Stress and cognitive overload : Intensive learning can cause stress and cognitive overload, negatively affecting the learning process.
Motivation and attention : Motivation and attention are essential for learning, but too much intensity can lead to long-term burnout.
In short, neurodidactics suggests that mixing gradual, intensive learning with regular breaks may be better for long-term learning.
Learn with an English teacher
Learning with a good private English teacher will help you to have a clear goal, follow a plan and keep your motivation high.
At InEnglishPlease we help you find the best English teacher for you: in person in Madrid or online wherever you are. Ask us !
Level up your English, improve your pronunciation or practice for a job interview in English . With a little effort you will see results right away!