Intermediate B1

This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the B1 level. The language of instruction is Portuguese. I will speak in English only if needed.

CEFR Scale

Learn more about the CEFR scale

My suggestion* for these two weeks is to focus on:

  • Perfeito vs. imperfeito / Subjunctive mood (intro)
  • Reading and listening comprehension
  • Conversation

*There's always room to adjust the course according to the group's preferences:

After this course, you'll have come closer to the B1 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.

Not sure if you should enroll in the A2 or B1 course?

Take this placement test

Any questions?

Inquiry

Clean Slate A0

Geared toward Absolute Beginners, this course gives you a solid start and foundation to build upon. The language of instruction is almost entirely in English.

CEFR Scale

This is an introductory course to the Portuguese language as spoken in Portugal. Throughout the course, we will focus on the Portuguese sound system and basic Portuguese grammar.

You will also learn how to introduce yourself and day-to-day, useful phrases. Finally, we will discuss learning resources and strategies to support your learning journey.

After the course, you will have a basic understanding of European Portuguese pronunciation and grammar. You will also be capable of engaging in simple, short oral interactions. Last but not least, you will be aware of a variety of learning resources and strategies to help you succeed at learning the language.

Any questions?

Inquiry
Portuguese short story for beginners - de maos dadas - Portuguesepedia
Easy Reads for Portuguese Lanugage Learners - Entre a Felicidade e a Tristeza - by Portuguesepedia

Can't you attend any courses this season? Fill up this form and I will keep you posted on upcoming Intensive Courses.

Intensive Courses Upcoming
2

Beginners A2

This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A2 level. The language of instruction is English/Portuguese, typically in a 35/65 ratio.

CEFR Scale

Learn more about the CEFR scale

My suggestion* for these two weeks is to focus on:

  • Prepositions
  • Past tense: perfeito vs. imperfeito
  • Listening comprehension and conversation

*There's always room to adjust the course according to the group's preferences:

After this course, you'll have come closer to the A2 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.

Not sure if you should enroll in the A2 or B1 course?

Take this placement test

Any questions?

Inquiry

Beginners A1

This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A1 level. The language of instruction is English/Portuguese, typically in a 70/30 ratio.

If you've just started your learning journey, it may be that you will find this course a bit challenging. Nothing wrong with that.

However, if you think you'd have trouble coping with a challenging learning environment, consider enrolling for the Clean Slate A0 instead (if available).

CEFR Scale

Learn more about the CEFR scale

This is an all-round course, meaning that we’ll work on all aspects of language learning (at the A1 level):

  • Pronunciation
  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Conversation
  • Grammar

After this course, you'll have come closer to the A1 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.

Not sure if you should enroll in the A1 or A2 course?

Take this placement test

Any questions?

Inquiry

There are plenty of interesting options for our accommodation. It will most likely be a countryside house near Tavira.

I haven't booked it yet because I want to get a better idea of the group's composition (how many couples/singles) and your preferences before I do so. That will for instance help me understand how big a house we might need.

I look forward to soon talking to you about this and much more. Até breve, p

Surprise surprise!

Do you know what constipado means in Portuguese? Probably not what you are thinking...

Get a list of 50+ English-Portuguese False Friends and be surprised.

False Friends
3

Struggling with Pronunciation?

Try This
Online Courses in European Portuguese
Learn Portuguese through Short Stories

CEFR Levels (A1/A2/B1/B2/C1/C2) – What Do They Mean?

The CEFR – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – is an international standard for describing the proficiency level of language learners. 

It uses a 6-point scale – from A1 (beginner) up to C2 (mastery level) – to assess and compare language proficiency across different languages and to provide a common framework for language education and assessment.

CEFR Scale - Portuguesepedia

What is CEFR used for?

The CEFR is used for a variety of purposes, including:

  1. Language learning and teaching: it provides a structured approach to language learning and teaching, helping learners and teachers to set goals, measure progress, and identify areas for improvement.
  1. Language assessment: it is used by language assessment/certification entities to develop exams that measure language proficiency across different levels.
  1. International mobility: it is used by employers, educational institutions, and immigration authorities to assess the language proficiency of people who want to work, study, or live in a foreign country.
  1. Curriculum development: it provides a framework for developing language proficiency that is aligned with the learner’s goals.

All in all, CEFR is a useful tool facilitating language learning, proficiency assessment, and international mobility.

CEFR Levels explained

Here’s what each of CEFR’s six levels entails. 

A1 is not your starting point! Keep in mind that at the outset of your learning journey, you are not yet at the A1 level, but moving toward it. When you finally reach the A1 level, you’ll then continue your journey toward A2, and so on.

A1 (Lower-Beginner)

Learners can understand and use simple phrases and expressions related to basic personal information and everyday activities. They can interact at a very basic level provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

A2 (Upper-Beginner)

Learners can understand simple sentences and commonly used expressions related to areas within the personal realm (biographic information, family/kinship, personal interests, workplace, and so on). They can communicate in simple terms regarding concrete and everyday situations.

B1 (Lower-Intermediate) 

Learners can understand the main points conveyed by text/speech on familiar matters (workplace, school, leisure, etc). They can interact under topics that are familiar and of personal interest and describe experiences, dreams, hopes, and ambitions in relatively simple terms.

B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

Learners can understand the main ideas of more elaborate text/speech on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without causing strain for either party.

C1 (Advanced)

Learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.

C2 (Mastery)

Learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves with fluency and precision while differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

Learn more about CEFR at the Council of Europe’s website. 

How long will it take to progress through CEFR levels?

If you wonder how long it will take to go from ground zero to A1, from A1 to A2, and so on… Well, it will vary enormously depending on factors such as your overall predisposition to learn languages, your self-discipline and ability to hold regular practice over time, how related your mother tongue is to your target language, your current level of proficiency, and – in case your target language is Portuguese –your previous acquaintance with other Romance languages.

As a general guideline, it is estimated that moving from one CEFR level to the next higher level requires anything between 120 and 300 hours of language learning practice (depending on the factors outlined above).

Keep in mind that as your level goes up, you might need more hours to get to the next one. For example, if it takes you 120 hours to reach the A1 level, it might take you 160 hours to go from A1 to A2.

In any case, consistency and regular practice are key to making progress in your target language, so try to practice as often as you can, and seek out opportunities to use the language in real-life situations.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, here’s an article that might interest you: How Long Will It Take Me to Learn Portuguese?

Language proficiency assessment in Portuguese (CEFR based)

In Portugal, CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira) – along with its certified centers around the world – is the only recognized entity for certifying language proficiency in Portuguese.

Accordingly, to get a language proficiency certificate in the Portuguese language, you’ll need to apply for an exam at CAPLE. 

Since the A2 level is a prerequisite for obtaining permanent residency or becoming a Portuguese citizen, most people will take the CIPLE exam (Certificado Inicial de Portugês Língua Estrangeira, which assesses proficiency at the A2 level).

If you want to learn more about how to apply or prepare for the CIPLE exam, read this one: Taking the CIPLE Exam to Get Permanent Residency in Portugal or Become a Portuguese Citizen.

Perfect vs. Imperfect

Break Free from the Tyranny of the Present Tense

Learn more

Portuguese Bad Words

Master Portuguese Strong Language and Swear Like a Native.

Learn more

Intensive Courses

Get right on track towards fluency 

Learn more

Stay tuned for upcoming courses, reads, and other novelties.

Stay tuned
3
Go ahead and share!