How to learn a new language fast

Learning a new language doesn’t have to take years. With the right approach, you can significantly speed up your progress and start speaking confidently in just a few months. In this post, we’ll explore proven strategies to accelerate your language learning journey.

1. Immerse yourself in the language

One of the fastest ways to learn a language is through immersion. Surround yourself with the language as much as possible:

• Watch movies and TV shows in the target language

• Listen to podcasts and music

• Change your phone and social media settings

• Join online communities or language exchange groups

2. Learn the fundamentals

Take the time to learn the structure of the language, including key verbs, how sentence structure works, pronouns, prepositions, and key tenses. It will pay off to have the basics down before spending too much time learning the details of the language. A great resource for this is the YouTube series The Language Tutor, which provides lessons for French and Spanish and breaks down the fundamentals in an easy way.

3. Focus on high-frequency words

Not all words are created equal. In any language, a small percentage of words make up the majority of everyday conversations. Learn the most commonly used words first so you can start forming sentences quickly.

4. Speak as much as you can

Many learners delay speaking because they feel they aren’t “ready.” However, speaking early—even if you make mistakes—helps build confidence and fluency. Try these methods:

• Find a language partner or tutor

• Practice speaking with AI language tools

• Repeat phrases and sentences out loud

5. Use spaced repetition systems (SRS)

Spaced repetition helps you remember words and phrases more effectively by reviewing them at strategic intervals. Apps like Anki and Memrise use this technique to boost retention.

6. Think in the target language

Instead of translating in your head, try thinking directly in the new language. Start with simple thoughts and gradually progress to more complex ideas.

7. Make learning fun

If you enjoy the process, you’re more likely to stick with it. Incorporate games, challenges, and rewards to keep yourself motivated. Some fun methods include:

• Playing language-learning games

• Writing short stories or journal entries

• Following social media influencers who speak your target language

8. Get the right resources

Having the right materials can make all the difference. That’s why I created Beginners French Language Learning Story: A Hitchhiking Adventure. Tailored for beginner and intermediate learners, it's designed to make learning immersive, fun, and practical. It's packed with essential verbs in context throughout the story.

Follow Vincent and Amélie as they hitchhike from Paris to Switzerland, encountering inspiring characters, real-life conversations, and plenty of useful vocabulary along the way.

Learning a new language doesn’t have to take years. With the right approach, you can significantly speed up your progress and start speaking confidently in just a few months. In this post, we’ll explore proven strategies to accelerate your language learning journey.