Apps are good for daily vocabulary and grammar practice but give little speaking practice. Structured courses add progression and grammar explanation. Live tutors are the fastest route to speaking. The US Foreign Service Institute estimates about 600 to 750 class hours for English speakers to reach professional working proficiency in languages like Spanish or French, and about 2,200 hours for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Korean, so set expectations by language.
Most learners use more than one method. Each tool does a different job.
Compared
| Apps | Structured courses | Live tutors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Strong | Strong | Medium |
| Grammar explanation | Light | Strong | On demand |
| Speaking practice | Limited | Some | Strong |
| Listening | Medium | Medium | Strong |
| Cost | Low | Medium | Higher per hour |
| Best for | Daily habit | Building a foundation | Confidence and fluency |
How long it takes
The Foreign Service Institute groups languages by difficulty for English speakers:
| Group | Examples | Approximate class hours |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | Spanish, French, Italian | 600 to 750 |
| Category II and III | German, Russian, Hindi | 900 to 1,100 |
| Category IV | Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean | 2,200 |
These are intensive classroom estimates for professional proficiency. Casual goals take less.
CEFR levels
A1 and A2 are basic, B1 and B2 independent, C1 and C2 proficient. Many courses state which level they reach, and exams test against these levels.
A simple plan
- Daily practice in an app or course, 15 to 30 minutes.
- One or two tutor sessions a week.
- Listening to podcasts or shows in the language.
For children, see early learning for screen limits. For adult learners, see online courses and test prep.
Browse languages.
Common questions
Can you become fluent with a language app alone?
Rarely. Apps build vocabulary and reading, but speaking and listening need conversation practice with people.
How long does it take to learn Spanish?
The Foreign Service Institute estimates about 600 to 750 class hours for English speakers to reach professional working proficiency in Spanish.
What do CEFR levels mean?
The Common European Framework of Reference describes six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery), used by many courses and exams.
How often should I meet with a tutor?
Even one or two short sessions a week, combined with daily app or course practice, builds speaking skills quickly.