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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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

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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
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Struggling with Pronunciation?

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Online Courses in European Portuguese
Learn Portuguese through Short Stories

Present Continuous in Portuguese

In Portuguese, as in English, we use the present continuous to talk about ongoing actions. Note, however, that the present continuous in the European and Brazilian standards look slightly different. 

Let’s take a quick look at it.  

European Portuguese

In European Portuguese, we form the present continuous with the auxiliary verb estar  in the present tense followed by the main verb in the infinitive form. In between the two, there is the preposition a:

estar (present) + a + main verb (infinitive)

Estou a ver um filme.
I am watching a movie.

Ela está a comer.
She is eating.

! In Portuguese, there are 2 to-be verbs. Learn more about it: Portuguese Verbs Ser vs. Estar: How and When to Use Either.

Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazilian Portuguese, we form the present continuous with the auxiliary verb estar  in present tense followed by the main verb in the gerund form. There’s no preposition in between the two verbs:

estar (present) + main verb (gerund)

Estou vendo um filme.
I am watching a movie.

Ela está comendo.
She is eating.

! The Portuguese gerund corresponds to the English present participle. Learn more about it: Portuguese Gerund: Progressive Tenses and Beyond

“Estar” vs. “andar”

In European Portuguese, we often use the auxiliary andar instead of estar to talk about ongoing actions. 

However, this only applies to ongoing actions that have been unfolding over the last days, weeks, or even months (as opposed to ongoing actions pertaining to the present moment):

andar (present) + a + main verb (infinitive)

Ando a fazer um curso de Português.
(= Estou a fazer um curso de Português.)
I am taking a course in Portuguese. (over the last few weeks)

Reading tips → Portuguese Regular Verbs in the Present Tense.

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.

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Intensive Courses

Get right on track towards fluency 

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

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