Hi friends! ✨
If you’re new here — welcome! I’m Flor, a book lover, self-employed creative, New York City dweller, and passionate language learner. I make weekly YouTube videos about working for yourself, staying organized, navigating life in NYC, and today… we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: learning a new language on your own, for free, and from the comfort of your home.
Yes, it’s totally possible — I’ve done it. Several times, actually. In fact, I speak five languages (some better than others), and I’ve used a different method for each depending on my age, life stage, and resources. But in this post (and in the video below 👇), I’m sharing six practical steps and a few of my favorite free tools that have helped me successfully learn languages — and that I truly believe will help you too.
Step 1: Choose the Language You Actually Want to Learn
Okay, I know this sounds obvious — but stay with me.
When you’re a teenager or an adult, learning a new language is usually a choice, not something forced on you like it might’ve been in school. So it’s super important to choose a language you actually want to learn — one that connects with your goals, passions, or lifestyle.
Maybe you want to:
- Travel to a specific country and connect with locals
- Understand your favorite K-dramas without subtitles
- Feel more confident working or studying abroad
- Or just broaden your horizons and expand your brain
Whatever it is, your “why” matters. Choosing a language you feel excited about will help keep you motivated during the inevitable slow days.
Step 2: Define Your Goal and Timeline
What’s your end goal? Be as specific as you can.
- Do you want to speak conversational German before a summer trip?
- Do you want to be able to read novels in Spanish?
- Are you aiming to pass a certification exam in French?
Once you know what you’re working toward, try to give yourself a timeline. It doesn’t need to be rigid, but having a soft deadline helps you structure your learning and track your progress.
You can even Google how long it usually takes to reach your desired level in a specific language. Spoiler: it’s totally doable.
Step 3: Understand the Six Key Areas of Language Learning
Every language has these six components:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
Depending on your goal (see Step 2!), you might focus more on some than others. For example, if you’re planning a trip, speaking and listening might be your priority. If you’re studying literature, reading and writing are key. But no matter your goal, grammar and vocabulary are always foundational.
You’ll want to build a study routine that incorporates all the areas that matter to you.
Step 4: Get Your Tools in Order — For Free!
Now to the good stuff — the free tools that are making my German-learning journey possible:
📱 Duolingo
I know — people have mixed feelings about Duolingo, but hear me out.
It’s free, fun, and gets the job done for building your base vocabulary and grammar. It’s super visual, introduces concepts gradually, and has web and mobile versions. I especially love the Tips section (more detailed on the desktop version!) for grammar breakdowns.
It won’t take you to fluency by itself, but it’s an amazing starting point. Bonus tip: I’ve printed grammar pages from their site and turned them into my own mini textbook. 🙈
🎧 Coffee Break Languages
This podcast series is honestly a gem. They have Coffee Break German, French, Spanish, English, and more. It’s free on Spotify (and other podcast platforms) and mimics real-life learning with a teacher-student structure.
The episodes are practical — ordering food, asking for directions, making small talk — but also include grammar tips and cultural insights. I find it so helpful and kind of cozy? It’s like language learning with a cup of tea.
🧠 Anki
Anki is a flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize vocabulary more efficiently. It’s completely free for desktop, and you can find pre-made decks or create your own.
The iPhone version is paid (and kinda pricey), but honestly, I prefer using it on my laptop anyway. If you’re serious about expanding your vocab, Anki is a game-changer.
Step 5: Create a System That Works for You
Your method doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
I personally love using a paper notebook for notes and grammar rules — writing things by hand helps me retain them better. But if you prefer digital tools like Notion, Evernote, or Google Docs, go for it. The most important thing is consistency.
Try to study a little bit every day (even if it’s just 10 minutes), and keep your materials organized in a way that makes sense for your brain.
Step 6: Make It Fun, Personal, and Part of Your Routine
This is a long-term journey, so make sure you’re enjoying it. Sprinkle in:
- Music in your target language (Spotify playlists, anyone?)
- Shows and YouTubers from the country you’re learning about
- Instagram or TikTok accounts that teach vocab in small doses
- Language exchange apps to practice speaking (like Tandem or HelloTalk)
Also, be patient. You will feel stuck sometimes. You will forget things. But if you’re showing up consistently and staying curious, you’ll absolutely get better.
My Personal Language Journey
Right now, I’m learning German — and it’s been such a rewarding (and humbling!) process. Some days I feel confident, other days I mix up basic words. But I’ve fallen in love with the challenge. I truly believe anyone can learn a new language if they have access to the right resources and enough motivation.
You don’t need a fancy course or expensive textbook. You just need time, curiosity, and a little bit of structure. ❤️
Let’s Chat
Are you currently learning a new language? What tools or apps are you using? I’d love to hear your favorite tips — or your struggles — in the comments below, or over on YouTube. And if you haven’t watched the full video yet, scroll back up and hit play. 🎥
Until next time,
Flor
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