Is Duolingo enough for B2?
Key Takeaways: While Duolingo covers B2-level material, it doesn't necessarily guarantee learners will reach B2 proficiency without additional study and practice, especially in real-life contexts.
At Duolingo, we're developing our courses to get you to a level called B2, at which you can get a job in the language you're studying. Reaching that kind of proficiency requires dedication, varied practice opportunities, and a lot of time.
No, absolutely not! I've completed the German Duolingo tree (as well as the reverse tree) and am certified level C1 in German, so I am qualified to answer this question. Duolingo is great for beginning your learning, and keeping up with a foreign language, but it will only get you to approximately A2, if even that.
Level B2 corresponds to independent users of the language, i.e. those who have the necessary fluency to communicate without effort with native speakers.
However, you will probably not get as high of a level in your other proficiency areas. With listening, Duolingo does play audio throughout the lessons and incorporates a fair number of listening exercises throughout the lessons, but you will probably only have an A2 level in listening upon finishing the course.
Overall | |
---|---|
CEFR | Duolingo |
B2 | 100 - 125 |
B1 | 60 - 95 |
A2 - A1 | 10 -55 |
You can learn as many words or sentences as you want, but until you're able to have a conversation with another person, you'll never be fluent. Or, according to the CEFR model, you won't even be halfway there. For that reason alone, learning a language with an app should be a starting point, not the end.
The Duolingo course can take anywhere from 6 to 36 months to complete, depending on how extensively you want to learn the language and how much time you dedicate. If you're doing just one lesson per day, expect your journey to take closer to that three year mark.
It's generally considered that reaching B2 is having basic fluency. You'll have a vocabulary of about 4000 words. In fact, the standard requirements at German universities are levels B2 to C1, so if it is enough to get you into a German-speaking university, it is enough to be able to communicate.
Learning German with the F.A.S.T method can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you embrace the unique characteristics of the German language. With consistency and dedication, you can achieve B2 level proficiency in just 6 months.
Are native speakers C2?
In everyday speech, this level might be called “bilingual”, as in “I am bilingual in English and French.” A well-educated native English speaker is technically at a C2 level. Relatively few English learners reach this level because their professional or academic goals do not require it.
When you reach B2, you should have a working vocabulary of about 4000 words. It takes approximately 500-600 hours with the language to pass the B2 Cambridge examination.
![Is Duolingo enough for B2? (2024)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f0LOgiOQFss/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEcCNAFEJQDSFXyq4qpAw4IARUAAIhCGAFwAcABBg==&rs=AOn4CLBGtwgxOqW1UjH0kp4f4rT43qGasw)
Start level | End level | Min. # hours |
---|---|---|
A1 | A2 | 160-180 |
A2 | B1 | 210-350 |
B1 | B2 | 260-500 |
B2 | C1 | 700 |
The levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 come from the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR), the international standard that Duolingo uses to guide course development. Many learners are surprised by how much vocabulary and grammar are covered in the "beginner" levels A1 and A2!
The biggest difference between Babbel and Duolingo is the approach to language learning. Babbel is a better option if you want traditional language instructions through modules and lessons.
A Duolingo spokesperson told Distractify: "The melting Duo you see is a new app icon that learners will see for a limited time. If learners have the latest version of the Duolingo app downloaded, they should see melting Duo as the app icon. The purpose of the new app icon is to encourage learners to open the app."
A 125 in the Duolingo test is a respectable score, especially for non-native English speakers. It generally indicates that you have a good level of proficiency in English.
Proof of English proficiency is mandatory for a student from a non-English-speaking country to study in the USA. Recently, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government accept Duolingo scores for visa approval. Securing a minimum score of 100–120 in DET makes your visa processing hassle-free.
Advanced: A Duolingo score between 125-160 indicates an advanced applicant whose command over the language allows them to understand demanding written and spoken language. Students within this range can grasp language intricacies seamlessly and can use it flexibly in various social, academic, and professional settings.
Hard Mode is a special type of lesson that randomly appears for learners after they've made some initial progress. It's designed to challenge learners by serving them higher-level content.
Can you realistically learn a language on Duolingo?
At best, and this varies, Duolingo can give you a good foundation in a language. Some of the courses, like German, will give you sufficient foundation to start watching movies/tv shows or reading books. But you have to speak the language WITH OTHER PEOPLE to learn it. (Using all caps because it's really important.)
As a lifelong language learner who's fluent in three languages, I've tested out these popular apps, and they have very different approaches. I like Rosetta Stone for the immediate immersion it offers, but Duolingo is great for the more casual language learner as it offers a fun, gamified way to steadily gain knowledge.
B2 also takes around 3 months if you spend around 8 hours a week. P.S.: There are some people who are good at learning languages and remembering stuff who finished it all in 3-4 months. It all depends on how easy this comes to you and how much time you're spending on it.
You must be willing to put in whatever it takes to meet your goal of becoming fluent in German at the B1 and B2 levels within one year. If you are willing to commit yourself fully, then there are plenty of ways you can practice regularly throughout the week.
Language learners often encounter hurdles on their path to B2-level German proficiency. Common challenges include mastering grammar complexities, expanding vocabulary, and overcoming the fear of making mistakes. However, with dedication and effective strategies, these challenges can be overcome.
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