The Expat Guide to Learning European Portuguese

Anna Sosdian

September 6, 2024

Learning Portuguese as part of your move to Portugal? Check out StartAbroad’s comprehensive Portugal relocation assistance here.

Resources for Learning European Portuguese

Learning European Portuguese can feel overwhelming, especially when many popular language tools focus on Brazilian Portuguese. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are our best tips and resources to help you navigate your language-learning journey and master European Portuguese.

Fun Fact: You’ll need to pass a Portuguese language test at the A2 level to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal! It typically takes about 150-180 hours of study to reach this level. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Language Apps and Software

Finding the right app can make learning a new language more fun and convenient. Here are some top-rated apps specifically for European Portuguese:

The Drops App is great for building your basic vocabulary. It’s available online and on your smartphone and is quite affordable for lifetime access.
Memrise: Another fantastic app for European Portuguese learners, offering structured lessons to help you improve quickly.
Pimsleur; The Pimsleur method offers a European Portuguese course with a strong focus on conversational skills.
Note: While popular, Duolingo currently only offers Brazilian Portuguese.

Online Tutors

One-on-one tutoring can really help you improve your speaking skills. Here’s a favorite platform where you can find great Portuguese tutors:

italki: Whether you’re after conversational practice or structured lessons, italki connects you with qualified Portuguese tutors. Plus, lessons are often budget-friendly!

Books and PDF Resources

If you prefer a more traditional approach, we recommend these helpful resources:

We recommend The Language Lover’s Guide to Learning Portuguese, particularly the first chapter. You can purchase a paper copy or an electronic version.
Download 7 Tips to Instantly Improve your European Portuguese from Portuguese teacher Liz Sharma to improve your pronunciation as a beginner.

Websites

Here are some of the best online resources for your Portuguese language journey.

Learning Portuguese Compare Accents Tool: This site’s “Compare Accents” tool is perfect for getting those tricky Portuguese sounds just right.
PortuguesePedia: An excellent site with audio clips to help you practice pronunciation.
Practice Portuguese: Originally designed for TAP Airlines, this site offers comprehensive resources from intermediate to advanced levels..

Online Courses

Structured courses are a great way to stay on track. Here are a couple of highly recommended options:

Sounds of Portuguese: Pedro Coutinho’s pronunciation course is a favorite among learners.
Portuguese Lab Academy: This course is ideal for those who want to dive deeper into grammar and verb tenses.
Free Government Courses: Did you know the Portuguese government offers free online lessons? Sign up today!

Videos

Prefer learning through video? Here are some YouTube channels and video series we love:

Talk the Streets: Liz Sharma’s channel is packed with helpful content for all levels.
Practice Portuguese Video Series: A great introductory series, plus tons of advanced videos.
Learn Portuguese Online: Sandra Lee Carapinha offers engaging lessons on European Portuguese.

In-Person Classes

If you’re already in Portugal, you may be eligible for free language classes. These classes are perfect for building skills and meeting other learners. Classes may take place at IEFP offices or at local high schools.

To find classes near you, you can search IEFP’s website at by typing in “Português Língua de Acolhimento” in the search bar and choosing “Ofertas de formação” from the drop down menu. From the final drop-down menu, select your location.
Another option is to search the Portal Oferta Formativa for courses. Enter “PLA” in the search bar and then select your location from the filter options on the left. In order to register you’ll need to get in touch directly with the school, but this can still be useful to search for classes as they get formed!
To learn more about free classes, check out Alto Comissariado Para As Migrações’s website.

CIPLE Language Test: What You Need to Know

To apply for Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship, you’ll need to pass the CIPLE Language Test. This test evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills at the A2 level.

Here’s what to expect:

Oral Exam (25%): You’ll respond to questions, describe a picture, and engage in a short conversation.
Reading and Writing Exam (1 hour, 15 minutes): You’ll complete reading comprehension questions and write short texts, like emails or postcards.
Listening Comprehension (30 minutes): Many consider this the toughest part of the test.

You’ll need a score of 55% or higher to pass. Want more details on the test format or how to register? Check out these resources:

By focusing on these tools and resources, you’ll be well on your way to mastering European Portuguese. Ready to start learning? Boa sorte!

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