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Self-assessment
Where are you at? (1 Beginner–10 Fluent)

Beginners A2

This intensive course is for those who have already a basic foundation in Portuguese and now strive toward the level A2 (the second level on the CEFR scale):

CEFR Scale

Like the A1 level, the A2 level implies that you can understand and use basic expressions pertaining to your everyday life and immediate environment. However, you can now take it a little further. For instance, you are able to describe your daily routines, work, family and personal interests in some detail. You are also able to talk in simple terms about topics such as shopping or traveling.

This is an all-round course, meaning that you’ll be working on all dimensions of language learning (in reference to the A2 level):

  • pronunciation
  • listening comprehension
  • reading comprehension
  • oral interaction
  • grammar

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

Take this assessment test

Beginners A1

This intensive course is for you who didn’t reach yet level A1 (the first level on the CEFR scale):

CEFR Scale

Shortly, the A1 level entails that you can understand and use simple expressions within those basic realms of everyday life. For instance, you should be able to introduce yourself and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live or what you do for a living, among others.

This is an all-round course, meaning that you’ll be working on all dimensions of language learning (in reference to the A1 level):

  • pronunciation
  • listening comprehension
  • reading comprehension
  • oral interaction
  • grammar

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

Take this assessment test

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

Self-assessment
Where are you at? (1 Beginner–10 Fluent)

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Where are you at? (1 Beginner–10 Fluent)

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present continuous in portuguese – Portuguesepedia
present continuous in portuguese – Portuguesepedia

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.

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Where are you at? (1 Beginner–10 Fluent)