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Beginners Language Courses

Cactus Language offers beginners language courses for more than 20 languages. We offer 10 week beginners courses online and face-to-face.

These courses are perfect for those just starting to learn a language. The classes offer the groundwork to build your skills and knowledge upon. If you have zero knowledge these are the perfect starting point. You can study from beginner to advanced.

How long does it take to learn a language

Suitable for beginners

20 hours total

2 hour classes

1 class per week 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Start dates: Every month

Average of 6 students

Live lessons

Qualified teachers

Your First Beginner Lesson

Travel and language author and blogger, The Intrepid Guide, gives her first-hand experience of her Beginner 1 Norwegian language course with Cactus, and explains what to expect from your first beginner language lesson.

Am I really a beginner?

Lots of our students feel they are a complete beginner. Even if they may have studied the language before, either at school or on another course. It’s important to understand that the levels and your level of knowledge.

Our course levels are divided into beginner levels – beginner 1, beginner 2 and beginner 3. Then followed by elementary levels – elementary 1, elementary 2 and elementary 3. Then we have intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced and proficient.

If you have studied the language before, even just a little, it may be more appropriate for you to join the beginner 2 or beginner 3 class. You can take our level test for your language of choice before joining a beginner 1 class.

Our Beginner Language Courses Work

Our beginners language courses are designed for people with zero language knowledge. You can study from beginner 1 through to the basics beginner 3. If you take all 3 beginners courses (1 through to 3) this is the equivalent of the Common European Framework (CEFR) level A1. By the end of beginner 3 you will be ready for Elementary A2. To learn more about the Common European Framework levels and how they are mapped to our levels please check our CEFR Levels page.

You can find out which beginners courses you should join by checking your level with our online level test. You can also contact us and speak with one of our course advisors. Our beginner 1 classes are for people who have zero experience of the language so make sure you start in the right level.

What Should I Expect from my Language Class?

Language teaching and learning has developed at a very fast rate over recent years. There are lots of new and engaging techniques that teachers now employ to ensure our students get the most out of the lessons. Our beginners language courses are immersive; this means that the teacher will only use the language that is being taught. Of course, there will be times that the teacher will translate a word or explain a grammar point in English. But, the majority of the lesson will be conducted in the language that is being taught.

It is also important to note that the majority of the course books we use are written only in the language that is being taught. Once you are familiar with certain vocabulary and instructions that are repeated throughout the course book you will find that this poses no obstacle to using your course book. You will be able to use it at home for self-study, and further helps you immerse yourself in the language.

It is important to realise that you will not understand everything that the teacher says. The teacher will use visuals, gestures, examples and demonstrations to communicate the meaning. It’s also important to remember that guessing meaning from context is a useful skill. A language learning skill that is used by language learners in real life throughout their learning journey. If you do feel lost or overwhelmed then tell your teacher. Your teacher will be more than happy to explain things to you to make sure you understand.

How Much Will I Need to Participate?

Our beginners language courses are communicative and interactive. There will be a significant amount of pair work and group work to maximise your speaking practice during class time. Thus, to get the most out of the lessons, come prepared to take part in the lessons as much as possible.

The atmosphere in the class is relaxed and it’s important that you feel comfortable making mistakes. We always say, if you’re not making mistakes then you are not improving! Making mistakes is a very important part of learning a language. Your teacher will always try to create an environment in which you feel comfortable speaking in the foreign language. If you’re still not sure what to expect, find out what happens in a language class.

How Long Will it Take Me to Learn a Language?

Everyone learns and progresses at different rates, and learning a language is no different. There is no quick fix where you become fluent from one day to the next. Yet, if you attend all your classes, do your homework every week, and make a conscious effort to practise a little everyday, you will be surprised by the progress that you make. How long does it take to learn a a language with Cactus?

Start learning today

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Cantonese
  • Catalan
  • Czech
  • Croatian
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Norwegian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Swedish
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
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How to book with Cactus

Select language

Simply select which language you would like to learn and from the box below and click lets go.

Take level test

This is a quick test to help you find the right course for your current level of knowledge.

Book your course

Use our simple online booking system to select your course.

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Cantonese
  • Catalan
  • Czech
  • Croatian
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Norwegian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Swedish
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
let’s go

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn?

Our Course Outlines give an overview of the content and learning framework of Cactus courses. Includes themes, grammar and vocabulary you can typically expect to cover. These are intended as a guide only. Language teachers may at times adapt the course content to suit the specific level, aims and interests of the class.

How do I know what level I am?

Are you unsure where to start or progress to? Then take our level test and read our level descriptions for guidance.

Do I receive a qualification or certificate?

At the end of your course you receive a certificate of participation. You will be able to be download it from your MyCactus account. This confirms the language and level of course you have taken. Our course levels are based on two internationally recognised systems. You will have a universally accepted reference for your studies. (Important: Please note that you must complete the end of course questionnaire sent to you to be able to get your certificate! You will receive the course questionnaire by e-mail at the end of your course.)

Do I need a course book?

You will need a course book to attend your course. Course books are not included in the course fees. We recommend that you buy your own course book separately before your course starts. We will let you know which course book you will require and advise where you can purchase this. Please note that a course book often covers more than one level. So if you progress to the next course, you may not necessarily need to buy a new book. Again, we will advise you of this at the time. The course book is chosen by our teachers and academic team. This is based on which book is most suitable for the level of the class whilst offering the most communicative approach.

Still have questions?

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