How long does it take to learn German?

There's no single answer, but there are useful rough numbers. Your speed depends on how often you practise and how close German is to languages you already know.

Rough guideline by level

• A1 (basic phrases): about 60–100 hours of study.
• A2 (everyday situations): around 150–250 hours total.
• B1 (independent conversation): roughly 350–500 hours total.

What speeds it up

• Daily practice beats long weekend sessions.
• Speaking and listening, not just reading.
• Reviewing words with spaced repetition so they stick.

The honest takeaway: 15 focused minutes a day will get you to a real conversation faster than most people expect.