Learn Spanish

Have you been wanting to learn Spanish for a while, but you're still unsure about the difference between " ser" and "estar" ? Do you struggle to decide when to use the preterite or the imperfect tense? Do you understand quite well when you read, but freeze up when you have to speak?

If your native language is German, you've probably encountered some of these difficulties. But don't worry: learning Spanish is an exciting challenge and, with the right strategies, much more accessible than it seems.

For over 25 years, at the Luis Vives Spanish School, we have supported German-speaking students in their Spanish learning journey, both in Spain and through online courses. Thanks to this experience, we are familiar with the most common obstacles and the best ways to overcome them.

In this article, we want to share some practical tips that will help you progress with greater confidence. And if you're a German speaker, pay attention to the end of the post, because we're offering a special discount to make learning to master Spanish easier than ever.

What advantages do you have to learning Spanish if you speak German?

Although Spanish and German belong to different language families (Romance and Germanic), being a German speaker also has advantages when learning Spanish.

Some of them are:

• You are used to a complex grammatical system, with cases and declensions, which makes it easier to understand grammatical explanations.
• German also distinguishes between formal and informal (du / you), something that will help you understand the use of you y usted.
• Many international words have Latin origins and exist in both languages ​​(for example: Information, Nation, Problem), which expands your vocabulary from the start.
• The discipline and perseverance that usually characterizes language learning in the German-speaking world is a great ally for progress.

However, there are also important differences that can pose a challenge.

What do German speakers find most difficult?

One of the main difficulties for German speakers is that Spanish works very differently in key aspects such as verb conjugation, past tenses, and pronunciation.

Some of the most common challenges are:

• The use of two verbs for “sein”: to be y estar.
• The wide variety of verb tenses in the past (indefinite, imperfect, perfect, pluperfect).
• The subjunctive mood, which does not exist as such in modern German.
• The prepositions, which do not always coincide with the German structures.
• The pronunciation of sounds like the r vibrant or the difference between b y v.
• The faster and more syllabic rhythm of Spanish compared to German.

In addition, many German-speaking students tend to construct sentences that are too long or have very complex structures, influenced by German, whereas in Spanish greater clarity and more direct sentences are preferred.

All of this can be challenging at first, but it's also part of the richness of Spanish. The key is to practice consistently and expose yourself to the language in real-life contexts.

Tips for learning Spanish if you speak German

If you want to learn Spanish and your native language is German, there are many effective ways to start and progress. Our main advice is always the same: integrate Spanish into your daily life. Doing what you enjoy, but in Spanish, is the most natural and motivating way to learn.

Here are some practical ideas:

• Read texts adapted to your level or Spanish versions of books you already know in German.
• Speak in Spanish whenever you have the opportunity, even if you make mistakes.
• Listen to audio and repeat phrases to improve pronunciation.
• Write a short text every day, even if it's only 80 or 100 words.
• Watch news or videos about topics that already interest you.
• Sign up for a Spanish course to progress with a solid foundation.

Below, we explain some of these recommendations in more detail.

Read to think in Spanish

Reading in Spanish is one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary and familiarize yourself with the language's structure. As a German speaker, it's important to pay special attention to verb tenses and prepositions, as these are often tricky points.

You can start with graded readers or with topics you're already familiar with. Digital newspapers, blogs, short stories, or even texts about Spanish-speaking culture are excellent resources.

There are also online platforms and digital libraries that allow you to easily access books in Spanish from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.

Speak without fear of making mistakes

Many German-speaking students seek accuracy before they begin speaking. However, in language learning, it is essential to accept mistakes as part of the process.

Speaking from the beginning, even if it's not perfect, will help you gain fluency and confidence. You can participate in language exchanges (for example, German-Spanish), online conversation classes, or international groups.

Remember: communication is more important than crafting the perfect sentence.

Listen to improve pronunciation

Spanish has a simpler vowel system than German, but a very different rhythm. Listening to Spanish regularly will help you get used to the intonation and natural speed.

Podcasts are a particularly useful tool because they allow you to listen to Spanish anytime. It's recommended to repeat complete phrases aloud to work on pronunciation and intonation.

At Luis Vives, for example, we have a weekly podcast designed for Spanish students, where we work on vocabulary, common expressions and cultural aspects in a clear and accessible way.

Watch movies and series in Spanish

Movies and TV series are an excellent way to learn Spanish in an entertaining way. They will help you understand colloquial expressions, different accents, and real-life communication situations.

You can start with Spanish subtitles and gradually try to do without them. Platforms like RTVE or Filmin offer a wide catalog of Spanish-language productions.

Learn Spanish with music

Music is a great ally for improving pronunciation and memorizing vocabulary. Listening to Spanish songs and following the lyrics will allow you to internalize grammatical structures almost without realizing it.

From Latin pop to flamenco, rock, and alternative music, the selection is incredibly diverse. You're sure to find styles that suit your taste.

The most comprehensive option: take a Spanish course

While it's possible to progress on your own, taking a Spanish course makes all the difference. Having a teacher who understands the specific difficulties faced by German speakers will allow you to progress more quickly and in a structured way.

At the Luis Vives Spanish School, we offer in-person courses in Madrid and online courses tailored to German-speaking students, with a communicative and practical approach. Our goal is not only for you to learn Spanish, but also for you to feel comfortable using it in real-life situations.

If you decide to enroll in one of our in-person courses, you can receive a 20% discount permanently. To do so:

• You must prove that you are of German, Austrian or Swiss nationality (with your ID or passport).
• You must complete a direct registration between you and the school through this form.

You can include the promotional code HABLOALEMAN in the registration form.

But don't worry, if you can't come see us, we'll come to you through our online course platform. Not familiar with it? Here it is.

At Luis Vives, we are committed to quality teaching based on experience and close student support. That's why you'll learn not only in the classroom with theory and tips for learning Spanish, but also through immersion activities where you'll put everything you've learned into practice.

Our teaching team has extensive experience teaching Spanish to German speakers and fully understands the specific challenges this group faces. That's why the learning experience is personalized, effective, and results-oriented. If you also want to learn Spanish and truly feel like you're making progress, don't hesitate to contact us!

Have you been studying Spanish for a while, but still hesitate between *ser* and *estar *? Do you struggle to understand why one sentence needs the subjunctive and another doesn't? Do you feel like you understand a lot, but freeze up when you have to speak? If you speak English and want to learn Spanish, you've probably encountered some of these difficulties. But don't worry: learning Spanish is an exciting challenge and, with the right strategies, much more accessible than it seems.

For over 25 years, at the Luis Vives Spanish School , we have supported English-speaking students in their Spanish learning journey, both in Spain and through online courses. Thanks to this experience, we are familiar with the most common obstacles and the best ways to overcome them. In this article, we want to share some practical tips that will help you progress with greater confidence and security.

What do English speakers find most difficult when learning Spanish?

One of the main difficulties for English speakers is that Spanish works very differently , both in grammar and in expression. Unlike closely related languages, such as Portuguese and Spanish, there isn't a great structural similarity to make things easier.

Some of the most common challenges are:

• The use of two verbs for “to be” (to be y estar), something nonexistent in English.
• La verbal conjugationwith many different times, modes, and endings.
• El subjunctivewhich often generates insecurity even at advanced levels.
• El flexible sentence orderwhich does not always coincide with that of English.
• The difference between written language and spoken language, especially in colloquial speech.

All of this can seem overwhelming at first, but it's also part of the richness of Spanish. The key is to learn little by little, with consistency and real exposure to the language.

Tips for learning Spanish if you speak English

If you want to learn Spanish and your native language is English, there are many effective ways to start and progress. Our main advice is always the same: integrate Spanish into your daily life . Doing what you enjoy, but in Spanish, is the most natural and motivating way to learn.

Here are some practical ideas:

• Read books or articles that you already know in English, but now in Spanish.
• Speak in Spanish whenever you have the opportunity, even if you make mistakes.
• Listen to audio and repeat phrases to improve pronunciation and rhythm.
• Write a short text every day, even if it's only 80 or 100 words.
• Listen to music in Spanish and learn the lyrics of your favorite songs.
• Sign up for a Spanish course to progress with a solid foundation.

Below, we explain some of these recommendations in more detail.

Read to think in Spanish

Reading in Spanish is one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary and familiarize yourself with the language's structure. At first, it's best to choose texts suited to your level or readings you already know in English. This way, you can focus on the language without getting lost in the content.

Literature, online newspaper articles, blogs, and even comics are excellent resources. If you don't have easy access to books in Spanish, there are numerous virtual libraries and online resources that will allow you to read from anywhere.

Speak without fear of making mistakes

If there's one essential thing for improving your Spanish, it's speaking. It doesn't matter if you hesitate, make mistakes, or mix up structures at first: it's all part of the process. Mistakes aren't a problem, but a clear sign that you're learning.

If you live in a Spanish-speaking country, take every opportunity to interact with native speakers. If not, you can participate in language exchanges, online conversation classes, or international groups where Spanish is the common language.

Listen to build trust

Listening to Spanish regularly will help you improve your listening comprehension and become familiar with different accents. Podcasts are an especially useful tool because they allow you to learn anytime, anywhere, and on a wide variety of topics.

At Luis Vives, for example, we have a weekly podcast designed for Spanish students, where we work on vocabulary, common expressions and cultural aspects in a clear and accessible way.

Watch movies and series in Spanish

Movies and TV series are an excellent way to learn Spanish in an entertaining way. Besides expanding your vocabulary, they allow you to learn colloquial expressions and real-life communication situations.

You can start by watching content with Spanish subtitles and gradually try to do without them. Platforms like RTVE Play or Filmin offer a wide catalog of high-quality Spanish-language productions.

Learn Spanish with music

Music is a great tool for memorizing vocabulary and improving pronunciation. Listening to Spanish songs and learning their lyrics will help you internalize structures almost unconsciously.

From pop to flamenco, rock to indie, Spanish music is incredibly diverse. You're sure to find styles and artists that suit your taste.

The most comprehensive option: take a Spanish course

While it's possible to learn a lot on your own, taking a Spanish course makes all the difference. Having a teacher to guide you, correct your mistakes, and answer your questions will allow you to progress more quickly and confidently.

At the Luis Vives Spanish School, we offer in-person courses in Madrid and online courses tailored to English-speaking students, with a communicative and practical approach. Our goal is not only for you to learn Spanish, but also for you to feel comfortable using it in real-life situations . If you decide to enroll in one of our in-person courses, you can receive a 20% discount, forever. To do so:

• You must prove that you are from an English-speaking country (with your ID or passport).
• You must complete a direct registration between you and the school through this form.

You can include the promotional code HABLOINGLES in the registration form.

But don't worry, if you can't come see us, we'll come to you through our online course platform. Not familiar with it? You can learn Spanish online here.

At Luis Vives, we are committed to quality teaching based on experience and close student support. That's why you'll learn not only in the classroom with theory and tips for learning Spanish, but also through immersion activities where you'll put everything you've learned into practice.

Our teaching team has extensive experience teaching Spanish to English speakers and fully understands the specific challenges this group faces. That's why the learning experience is personalized, effective, and results-oriented. If you also want to learn Spanish and feel like you're truly learning the language, don't hesitate to contact us!

Are you still speaking Portuñol? Did you think speaking Spanish was easier, but sometimes you can't distinguish between Spanish and Portuguese? Do you want to take the leap and speak 100% Spanish? If your native language is Portuguese, you've probably experienced the frustration of not being able to cross the fine line between the two languages. But don't worry: we're here to help.

For 25 years at Luis Vives, we have had the honor of helping dozens of Portuguese-speaking students on their journey to learning Spanish, adapting to their specific needs. This is because we have teachers who have lived and worked in Portugal and have faced similar challenges while learning Portuguese. In this article, we've decided to draw on all those years of experience to give you some tips that will be very useful for learning Spanish.

Why do the Portuguese find it difficult to abandon Portuñol?

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges for Portuguese speakers is avoiding the dreaded Portuñol, that hybrid language that sometimes makes us think we're speaking proper Spanish, even though we get strange looks or aren't understood. Spanish and Portuguese share 90% of their vocabulary, and of course, their grammar is also very similar. This greatly facilitates comprehension, especially at the beginner level, but it also generates a significant sense of insecurity, as it's very difficult in some cases to distinguish whether what we're saying is actually Spanish or a misinterpretation of Portuguese. For example, the lexical similarity leads us to copy terms like " seguranza " (from the Portuguese term " segurança "), which isn't used in Spanish, instead of the correct term " seguridad ," or to translate the Portuguese word " dinheiro " as * diñero (instead of the correct form " dinero" ). These are just a few of the many instances of interference from Portuguese that make learning Spanish difficult, but there are many more. If you want a more detailed explanation of the main interferences between these languages, we recommend that you keep an eye on our blog, as we will be discussing this topic.

Tips for learning Spanish if you speak Portuguese

If you want to learn Spanish and your native language is Portuguese, you have numerous options to begin learning Spanish. We always recommend that our students do what they enjoy, but in Spanish: this is the best way to avoid boredom and learn while having fun. For example:

• Read a book you have already read in Portuguese, but this time in Spanish to improve reading comprehension and learn more words.
• Speak to other people in Spanish, neighbors or friends; Spain and Portugal are united, travel near the border!
• Repeat phrases with slow audio, for example, with a podcast, movie or series to improve listening comprehension and pronunciation.
• Try to write at least 100 words a day; you can do it first in Portuguese and then translate to Spanish.
• Listen to music, and if you like the sound of a Spanish song, write down and learn its lyrics!
• Take a Spanish course where you will learn from the very basics.

Below, you'll find our best recommendations to help you get started from scratch. Plus, you can take advantage of a 20% discount on all our in-person courses, forever. Just fill out our registration form and enter the promotional code SOYDEPORTUGAL.

Read and reread

Portuguese and Spanish literature have always maintained a very close relationship. Spanish authors who have shown interest in Portuguese literature, such as Emilia Pardo Bazán; Portuguese classics, such as Camões, who wrote part of their work in Spanish; and books that pay homage to both countries equally, such as Unamuno's classic "Through the Lands of Portugal and Spain." Reading is certainly one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary, and the lexical similarities between the two languages ​​will allow you to approach Spanish literature without much difficulty. If you are a book lover, you will feel right at home with Spanish literature. If you live in a Portuguese-speaking country, you will surely find it easy to access books in Spanish. If not, a good option is to access any online library: we recommend this one.

Talk

As you know, actions speak louder than words. It's no secret that if you want to improve your Spanish, the first thing you have to do is start speaking it. If you already live in Spain, you won't find it difficult to meet people, get together with native speakers, and make Spanish friends to chat with. Of course, any opportunity is a good one to put what you know into practice. And if you make mistakes, don't worry: we all make mistakes when we start learning a new language. The important thing is not to be afraid and to try to learn new expressions every day.

But if you're in your home country and don't know any Spanish speakers, you can also opt for the numerous language exchange platforms available online. You can even join our open conversation classes on our online platform, available to all registered users. Are you up for the challenge?

Listen to a podcast

One of the best ways to improve your Spanish is undoubtedly through the amazing world of podcasts. This is certainly one of the best ways to gain confidence in a language and improve your comprehension skills. The advantage of learning by listening to podcasts is that the variety of topics offered on these platforms is so vast that it's impossible not to find something that interests you. If you're not familiar with any podcasts, we have a great option for you. "Spanish in 10 Minutes " is Luis Vives' weekly podcast, which will help you perfect your Spanish and learn useful words and expressions for everyday life.

Watch movies or series

Just as in literature, the relationship between Spain and Portugal in film is well-known. If you enjoy cinema, you'll find numerous Spanish films that explore Portugal and offer a fresh perspective on our sister country. One of the most recent is Avelina Prat's "Una quinta portuguesa" (A Portuguese Country House), in which a professor seeks refuge in northern Portugal in search of a new life. But it's certainly not the only one; among them all, "Fados," Carlos Saura's homage to this unique musical genre, undoubtedly stands out.

It's clear that movies and TV series are one of the best ways to improve while studying a language. Watching films allows you to expand your vocabulary and learn a lot of colloquial expressions. So, while enjoying a good story or impressive special effects, you can make a list of common expressions and compare them with their Portuguese equivalents. A good option, thanks to its extensive catalog, is the RTVE website . But if you're a die-hard movie and TV series fan, you can't miss the selection offered by the Spanish platform Filmin.

Listen to music

If you live in a Portuguese-speaking country, you've surely sung along to "Bamboleo," danced to the rhythm of "Macarena," or hummed "Aserejé" like there's no tomorrow. Any Portuguese speaker has likely heard one of the most popular Spanish hits at some point in their life. Music is a wonderful way to learn new words and expressions in a language, so if you want to discover many more Spanish songs, we've put together a list of 50 Spanish songs and hits for all tastes , created by the teachers at our school. If you like a Spanish song, learn the lyrics!

The most comprehensive option: take a Spanish course

Taking a Spanish course is a fantastic way to learn. But it's not just that; it's also a wonderful experience where you can meet people and learn from a teacher. If you're thinking of coming to Spain to study, our Madrid school is definitely the best option . If you decide to enroll in one of our in-person courses, you can receive a 20% discount, forever . To do so:

• You must prove that you are of Portuguese nationality (with your ID or passport).
• You must complete a direct registration between you and the school through this form.

You can include the promotional code SOYDEPORTUGAL in the registration form.

But don't worry, if you can't come see us, we'll come to you through our online course platform. Not familiar with it? Here it is.

At the Luis Vives Spanish School, we are committed to quality teaching based on experience and close student support. Therefore, you will learn not only in the classroom with theory and tips for learning Spanish, but also through immersion activities where you will put everything you've learned into practice.

Our team of teachers has professional and life experience that allows them to connect with students on a deeper level. For example, Daniel Agudo, whom we asked to write this post, always says that one of the most enriching experiences of his life was living and teaching Spanish in Portugal, where he worked for five years in diverse institutions such as the Universidade da Maia and the Câmara Municipal de Matosinhos, among others. For this reason, teaching Spanish to Portuguese speakers is always a very special experience for him, one in which he feels particularly comfortable. This passion undoubtedly translates into results; our students know without a doubt that they are learning Spanish the right way. If you also want to learn Spanish and feel like you're truly learning the language, don't hesitate to contact us!

Do you speak Italian and are looking for ways to learn Spanish? Are you one of those people who think that if you speak Italian, learning Spanish is easy? Or have you already tried speaking with Spanish speakers and couldn't find the words? If your native language is Italian, you certainly have the best ally to immerse yourself in Spanish. 

For 25 years at Luis Vives, we have taught, and continue to teach, Spanish to numerous Italian students, and in doing so, we have been able to identify areas for improvement for these students. Our teachers have lived and worked in Italy and faced similar challenges while learning Italian. With this article, we want to draw on all that experience to give you some tips that will be very helpful for learning Spanish.

Enjoy a 20% discount on all our in-person courses, forever. Simply fill out our registration form and enter the promotional code SOYDEITALIA.

Tips for learning Spanish if you speak Italian

If you want to learn Spanish and you already speak Italian, you have plenty of options to get started. Our advice to all our students is: do what you enjoy, but do it in Spanish, as it's the best way to avoid boredom and learn while having fun. Below, you'll find some top recommendations to help you get started from scratch.

Read and reread

Reading is one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary, and Italian and Spanish are quite similar, making it a convenient way to improve your level. If you enjoy reading, try reading the same books you already read in Italian, but in Spanish, especially at the beginning. Since you already know the story, it will be easier to read in Spanish if you don't yet know many words. If you're in Madrid, you'll find plenty of interesting bookstores with both new and used books. But if you can't visit, a good option is to access any online library, such as this one.

Talk

Of course, one of the best ways to learn a language is by speaking it. If you live in a Spanish city or often visit on vacation, don't be afraid to start talking to the locals. Go out and learn, unleash your curiosity, sign up for workshops, take city tours, chat with your neighbors. Because any opportunity is a good one to put what you know into practice, and you'll also make new friends. Don't be afraid of making mistakes—we all do when we learn something new! Besides, since the languages ​​are similar, they'll surely be able to understand you.

However, if you're in Italy and don't know any Spanish speakers, you can also opt for the numerous language exchange platforms available online. You can even join our open conversation classes on our online platform, available to all registered users. Are you up for the challenge?

Listen to a podcast

Listening to podcasts is one of the best ways to gain confidence in a language and improve your comprehension skills. What better way to learn a new language than by discussing a topic that interests you? You probably already know of some on the numerous platforms available. We're suggesting a very interesting option. "Spanish in 10 Minutes" is Luis Vives' weekly podcast, which will help you perfect your Spanish and learn useful words and expressions for everyday life.

Watch movies or series

Of course, movies and TV series are one of the best ways to improve while studying a language. Watching films will allow you to expand your vocabulary and learn a lot of colloquial expressions. So, while enjoying a good story or impressive special effects, you can make a list of common expressions and compare them with their Italian counterparts. A good option, thanks to its extensive catalog, is the RTVE website . But if you're a die-hard movie and TV series fan, you can't miss the selection offered by the Spanish platform Filmin.

Listen to music

If you love listening to music, you probably already know a lot of Spanish songs and have learned plenty of words. If you'd like to discover even more Spanish songs, we've put together a playlist of at least 50 Spanish hits and songs for all tastes, created by the teachers at our school.

Take a Spanish course

Taking a Spanish course is a fantastic way to learn. But it's not just that; it's also a wonderful experience where you can meet people and learn from a teacher. If you're thinking of coming to Spain to study, our Madrid school is definitely the best option . If you decide to enroll in one of our in-person courses, you can receive a 20% discount, forever . To do so:

● You must prove that you are of Italian nationality (with your ID or passport).
● You must complete a direct registration between you and the school through this form.

You can include the promotional code SOYDEITALIA in the registration form.

But don't worry, if you can't come see us, we'll come to you through our online course platform. Not familiar with it? Here it is.

At the Luis Vives Spanish School, we are committed to quality teaching based on experience and close student support. Therefore, you will learn not only in the classroom with theory and tips for learning Spanish, but also through immersion activities where you will put everything you've learned into practice.

Our team of teachers has professional and life experience that allows them to connect with students on a deeper level. For example, Daniel Agudo, whom we asked to write this post, says that one of his most impactful experiences was learning Italian and teaching Spanish in Italy. He was a Spanish professor at the University of Molise. Therefore, his enthusiasm for teaching our language to his Italian students is hard to match. This passion undoubtedly translates into results; our students know without a doubt that they are learning Spanish correctly. If you also want to learn Spanish and feel like you're truly learning the language, don't hesitate to contact us!

In recent years, language learning has undergone a significant transformation, and Spanish is no exception. Learning Spanish online offers a flexible option tailored to current needs, especially for those unable to travel to Spanish-speaking countries. Our Spanish school in Madrid has been providing top-quality Spanish courses for over 10 years. Luis Vives is an accredited center for teaching Spanish as a foreign language, and thousands of students from all over the world recommend our live, in-person, dynamic, fun, and effective classes.

But studying online is a great option in 2025. Below, I'll tell you about the 5 biggest advantages of learning Spanish online.

1. Total Flexibility to Adjust Your Schedule ⭐

One of the main advantages of learning Spanish online is the flexibility it offers . You don't have to adhere to in-person classes or commute. If you have a job, studies, or other commitments, online courses allow you to adapt your free time to learning . You can study from anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access.

This is ideal if you live in an area without schools offering Spanish courses or if you travel frequently for work. You simply need to log on and access the recorded lessons or complete exercises at your convenience. For best results, I recommend establishing a regular study schedule.

2. Access to a Wide Variety of Materials 📚

When you study Spanish online, you'll have access to a wide variety of educational materials . This includes video lessons, interactive exercises, reinforcement activities, podcasts, educational games, and much more. All of this not only makes the learning process more dynamic but also allows you to personalize your study method.

Furthermore, platforms like Cursalia.online offer courses with access to PDF lessons, audio files, self-correcting tests, and a communication area with instructors. This variety will help you improve all areas of the language: grammar, vocabulary, listening comprehension, and speaking.

3. Personalization of Learning 🎯

One of the greatest benefits of online courses is the ability to personalize your learning . Every student has different strengths and weaknesses. On online platforms, you can dedicate more time to the areas you find most challenging, without having to keep up with the group pace. You can focus, for example, on improving your grammar or conversation skills, depending on your needs.

In addition, many online courses offer ongoing feedback through videos, podcasts, and live sessions. This allows you to adjust the content based on your progress. The ability to create a study plan with the help of a tutor is also a great added value for those who want structured and guided learning.

By the way, have you heard about our podcast, Spanish in 10 minutes ? It's the most fun and fastest way to improve and perfect your Spanish.

4. Global Access to Native Teachers 🌍

Thanks to the internet, you can access native-speaking teachers from anywhere in the world. This not only guarantees you'll learn the language authentically, but also allows you to choose the accent that interests you most. Learning from a native speaker exposes you to cultural nuances that enrich your understanding of the language and help you develop fluency in everyday situations.

At our Spanish School in Madrid you will find teachers from Madrid, but also from Valencia, Valladolid, and even Andalusia or Latin America. We believe that cultural and linguistic diversity enriches the experience of our students.

5. Lower Costs 💸

Online courses are usually more affordable than in-person courses. You not only save on the cost of the course itself, but you also eliminate expenses associated with travel and physical materials. By studying from home, you can take advantage of digital resources that, in addition to being more accessible, allow for a completely personalized learning experience.

Online learning is undoubtedly an affordable option that doesn't compromise on content quality. You can obtain an excellent level of training at a much lower price compared to in-person classes.

Conclusion

Learning Spanish online in 2025 is not only a convenient option, but also an opportunity tailored to the flexibility and personalization needs of modern learning. By studying online, you can progress at your own pace, access a variety of resources, and receive support from native teachers from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, reduced prices make this an affordable and accessible option for everyone.

My name is Sonia Domínguez . I am the Director of the Luis Vives Study Center, and I am actively involved in the development of our online Spanish courses, both as coordinator and teacher of advanced levels. If you are ready to take the next step and master Spanish, don't hesitate to enroll in our courses . Start today and take your Spanish to the next level!

Hello, Vivers ! If you want to learn Spanish and your native language is Portuguese, this article is for you. For 25 years, our school has welcomed numerous students whose mother tongue is Portuguese and who come from the various countries where this wonderful language is spoken: Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and East Timor. As a center accredited by the Cervantes Institute for teaching Spanish as a foreign language , our school has highly experienced teachers who can explain the most important differences and similarities between Spanish and Portuguese, and give you tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Spanish classes, whether online or in person. Let's get started!

Recommendation : DO NOT translate this page into your language; remain in the Spanish version to better understand the article.

DIFFERENCES between Spanish and Portuguese

If there is a problem for Lusophone students, it is the closeness and similarity between Spanish and Portuguese. The lexical similarity between both languages ​​is more than 85% and their grammatical structure is similar. For this reason, sometimes the greatest difficulty is distinguishing what things are the same and what are different in each of the languages. It is not strange to often see Portuguese-speaking students who feel insecure when speaking Spanish, since in many cases they doubt whether what they are saying is Spanish or whether they are making a direct translation from their own language. That is, they don't know if they are speaking Spanish or they are resorting to that terrifying intermediate system called “portuñol”. Well, to avoid making these types of errors, it is best to be very clear about the differences between both systems. We are going to detail them for you point by point.

The ubiquitous LO article

If there's one thing that characterizes a true speaker of "Portuñol," it's the indiscriminate use of "lo." This error stems from the fact that in Portuguese the definite article for the masculine gender is "o" (for example, "o chão" = "the ground"), while in Spanish the corresponding form is "el." Many students tend to always use "lo" instead of the masculine article, and thus say things like * lo suelo *, * lo perro *, * lo chico *, which are incorrect in Spanish.

However, many of you might be thinking: "But I've heard Spaniards using 'lo' as an article?" Well, yes, you're right. But this "lo" is neuter and never accompanies nouns. It appears with adjectives when we're not referring to something specific and are speaking generally. So, we can say things like " The best part of the movie is the ending " or " The important thing is to try " when the adjective doesn't refer to a specific masculine or feminine noun. So, you know, the important thing is to never use the article "lo" with a noun.

The verb to like

Another common obstacle is the difference in the structure of the verb GUSTAR in Spanish and Portuguese. Thus, it is normal to hear phrases like *“I really like Italian food”, which are not correct in Spanish. In Portuguese, the verb gustar has a preposition and the subject is the person who experiences the action. Thus, the previous phrase would be “Eu gosto muito da food Italiana”. However, both the verb gustar and many other feeling verbs have a different structure in Spanish, since the person experiencing the action corresponds to the indirect object, while the subject appears last. That is, the previous sentence in Spanish would be: “I really like Italian food”, where the person (A mí / me) is the indirect object and the Italian food is the subject.

YOU and YOU are not the same

Another common source of confusion between Spanish and Portuguese lies in the use of pronouns. In Spanish, the forms "Tú" and "Vosotros" are used informally and are accompanied by a specific verb form. For example, we say things like "¿(Tú) Quieres más sopa?" or "¿(Vosotros) Queréis algo más?" when we are speaking to someone in a familiar way. For formal use, we use the pronouns "Usted" and "Ustedes" with their respective verb forms. Thus, the formal versions of the previous sentences would be "¿(Usted) Quiere más sopa?" or "¿(Ustedes) Quieren algo más?" when we want to speak more formally. (It should be noted that these usages correspond to the standard variant of Spanish associated with northern Spain, and that usage differs in southern Spain and Latin America.)

In Portuguese, the plural form “Vocês” is used in both formal and informal contexts and is used with a third-person verb. Therefore, it's common for many students to translate it as “Vosotros” and add a third-person verb. However, examples like *“Vosotros los españoles son muy amables” are incorrect, as they combine the informal pronoun “vosotros” with the third-person plural verb “son”. So, pay close attention! We should say either “Vosotros sois muy amables” or “Ustedes son muy amables”.

Gender differences

Although most of the words between Spanish and Portuguese coincide in gender, there is a list of keywords that do not share it, and it can be very useful for you to know them to avoid errors in their use. Here you can see some of the most important ones:

Where do I put the pronouns? 

Another problem that drives students who want to learn Spanish from a native Portuguese language crazy is the position of object pronouns, since the rules of placement are different in Portuguese. Therefore, it's not uncommon to hear incorrect phrases like *“Vengo para te decir una cosa” or *“Quiero te visitar el año que viene,” which copy the structure directly from Portuguese. In these cases, the correct way to say them would be: “Vengo para decirte una cosa” or “Quiero visitarte el año que viene .” So, if you want to use pronouns correctly in Spanish, don't translate and remember that in Spanish, pronouns always come before the conjugated verb and only come after in these three cases:

• After the verb in the infinitive: "I want to givele the gift tomorrow.”
• After the verb in gerund: "We are learninglo little by little".
• After the verb in the affirmative imperative: “Dame the hand".

"ALSO NOT" 

Both Portuguese and Spanish have the forms “também” and “también” respectively to express agreement affirmatively. However, while Portuguese uses “também não” to express agreement negatively, Spanish uses “tampoco.” So, you know, never say “ A mí también no me gusta ” but rather “ A mí tampoco me gusta .”

THE “PESSOAL INFINITIVE” does not exist in Spanish

Although the verbal system is almost identical in both Portuguese and Spanish, and the use of verb tenses is usually not a problem for Portuguese-speaking students, there is one structure in Portuguese that has no equivalent in Spanish. The problem in these cases is that many students translate directly and create phrases that don't exist in Spanish. For example, from the Portuguese phrase "Apesar de terem muito dinheiro, são ignorantes," some students translate it as "A pesar de teneren mucho dinero, son ignorantes" (Despite having a lot of money, they are ignorant) . But no, the form "teneren" doesn't exist in Spanish because our verbal system doesn't have a personal infinitive, so the correct way to say it would be "A pesar de tener mucho dinero, son ignorantes" (Despite having a lot of money, they are ignorant).

Fake friends 

Well yes, as we said at the beginning, Spanish and Portuguese share more than 80% of their lexical base, but we can also find some surprises. So if in most cases, from a Spanish word we can know its corresponding word in Portuguese and vice versa, it is not always so easy and, in many cases, although the word exists in an almost identical way, its meaning is not the same. same. They are as famous as feared “false friends”, and the list is endless. Below you can see a list with some of the most important examples.

Problems with PHONETICS

Portuguese has a greater number of phonemes than Spanish, which makes it a little more complicated for Spaniards to both understand it and pronounce it correctly. However, there are some sounds in Spanish that can also be difficult for Portuguese speakers.

The Z and C of BEER

One of the sounds that is most difficult for those who want to learn Spanish when Portuguese is their native language is the pronunciation of the voiceless dental fricative or interdental sound. This sound is typical of the accent of the Iberian Peninsula, although in some regions of Andalusia and the Canary Islands, it has practically disappeared. In Latin American Spanish it does not exist either. This sound is represented by the letter z, and by the letter c when followed by eo i. In the International Phonetic Alphabet it is represented with this symbol: /θ/. Some words that have this sound in peninsular Spanish are: cereals, pray, conscience, hunter, ignite.

Tip : To pronounce this sound, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth and blow lightly.

The double R of ROME

Another sound that is difficult for our Portuguese-speaking students to pronounce is that of the alveolar vibrating voice, graphically represented by a double ro or strong r at the beginning of a word or after a consonant, represented by the International Phonetic Alphabet in this way: /r̄ /. Some words that have this sound in peninsular Spanish are: remember, run, around, coil, fox, mud. 

Although this sound also exists in many Portuguese-speaking areas, in many other places the double r is guttural, meaning the point of articulation is located in the throat, as in the case of the French r. In these cases, one must pay close attention, as many students may confuse the pronunciation of verbs like * correr* (to run ) and *coger* (to take ).

Tip : To pronounce this sound, place the tip of your tongue on the palate (in the part closest to the front teeth) and make it vibrate.

Confusions with the Ñ

The palatal nasal sound, graphically represented by the letter ñ, also exists in Portuguese and is represented by the double letter “nh”. Although many words in Portuguese that have -nh- also have -ñ- in Spanish ( estranho/extraño; amanhã/mañana ), this is not always the case: camino/camino; dinheiro/dinero; sobrinho/sobrino; ganhar/ganar ; etc. So now you know, don't assume anything and always consider whether the word has -ñ- in Spanish or not.

Be careful with SPELLING

In Portuguese, there are some double spellings that also exist in Spanish, such as the double rr, which we've already discussed. However, there's one that doesn't exist in Spanish and is one of the most frequent errors made by Portuguese language students when writing: the double s (ss). It's important to remember that words spelled with a double s (ss) in Portuguese will always have a single s (s) in Spanish, as the double s (ss) option doesn't exist in our language. This is the case with words like: passar/pasar; sessão/sesión; passado/pasado; processo/proceso.

Another problem is that of -b- and -v-. Although they usually coincide in Spanish and Portuguese, this is not always the case. The most important cases you must always remember are the verb "deber" ( dever in Portuguese), "haber" ( haver in Portuguese), and all the verbs of the first conjugation in the imperfect tense: estaba, caminaba, llegaba, etc., which in Portuguese are spelled with -v-.

Tips for learning Spanish if your native language is Portuguese

If you want to learn Spanish and your native language is Portuguese, there are many options to perfect your level of Spanish. In general, we always recommend that students do the things they like, but in Spanish. It is the best way not to get bored and learn while having fun. Anyway, if you need some inspiration, here we give you some tips and alternatives to improve your Spanish in different ways. Below you will find links to other very useful websites. These are not sponsored links. Remember that Luis Vives does not use covert promotion techniques. In fact, we are against these practices.

Leather

Reading is one of the best ways to learn a language and acquire new vocabulary. Sometimes, certain graded readers can be uninteresting. If you enjoy reading, we recommend reading the same types of books you already read in your native language. While there are many options, if you don't have a library or a good secondhand bookstore nearby with Spanish books, you can always access online libraries: we suggest this one.

Talk

Of course, this is the best way to learn Spanish if your native language is Portuguese. Furthermore, Spaniards are very talkative, so it's best to start practicing your spoken Spanish as soon as possible. If you live in a Spanish-speaking country, you can surely find a café or bar where language exchanges are held regularly. But if not, no problem, you can also find people online willing to do language exchanges and thus improve your spoken Spanish. For example, on this website you can register and find people to practice with more informally.

However, if you are shy or do not have time, a very useful thing can be to record yourself with your own cell phone answering some questions and then listen to yourself to see what you can improve or, if you like series or movies, you can try to remember small dialogues of Spanish series and then repeat them. Yes, it seems a little crazy, but it works.

Listen to a podcast

It's true, podcasts are more popular than ever, and you've probably listened to plenty in your language. In this case, we also recommend listening to podcasts on topics that interest you, as this will keep you from getting bored and make learning a pleasure. If you're looking for a variety of topics, you can listen to the podcasts offered by Spanish public television on their website . But above all, don't miss the podcasts we produce at our school, as they are designed specifically to help our students improve their Spanish in an entertaining way. You can check out an interview we did with a Brazilian student here.

Take a Spanish course

Absolutely! Taking a Spanish course is always one of the best ways to learn and improve. Having contact with a native speaker who can answer those questions you sometimes can't find answers to is very important, and being able to connect with other students at a similar level can help you overcome your fear of speaking Spanish. And what's the best option if you're in Madrid or want to visit the city? Well, of course, the best option is our Madrid School.

Expand your radius of action

If you live in a country where Spanish is spoken, don't limit yourself to just taking a language course. If you have a passion, join a group with Spaniards to practice. The options are endless: a theater group, a cooking school, a hiking group, a musical band. The topic doesn't matter! The important thing is that you like it and that you can learn Spanish.

Watch movies or series

Of course, film is one of our greatest allies when it comes to learning a language. Watching movies or series will help you improve your vocabulary and learn a ton of colloquial expressions. A good option, thanks to its extensive catalog, is the RTVE website . But if you're a die-hard film buff, you can't miss the selection of movies offered by the Spanish platform Filmin.

Listen to music

Who doesn't love music? Now, listening to music is easier than ever thanks to platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Don't know much Spanish music? Don't worry, we've got a great playlist for all tastes, created by our school's teachers.

Teaching Spanish to Portuguese Speakers

Being a Spanish teacher in Portugal was for me one of the most enriching professional experiences of my life. In Portugal I had the opportunity to teach Spanish to students of different profiles, from universities or language schools to vocational training courses funded by the Porto City Council, the city where I spent almost five years. From all my students I was able to learn unforgettable things, both about the country's culture and its language.

However, upon returning to Madrid my Portuguese-speaking horizon expanded, since at our school I have been lucky enough to meet students from other Portuguese-speaking countries: Brazil, Angola or East Timor. Like Portuguese, Spanish is an immense language with great variations, an aspect that undoubtedly enriches it and makes it even more interesting. Therefore, in these tips we have tried to focus on the most important interferences between Spanish and Portuguese, which can be a useful guide for students from any Portuguese-speaking country. However, between different Spanish-speaking countries there are differences in pronunciation, in the uses of certain parts of grammar and, above all, in vocabulary. And the same goes for Portuguese.

But whatever variant of Portuguese you speak or whatever Spanish you want to learn, these tips can be very useful. And above all, don't forget: never be afraid to make mistakes and enjoy the experience of learning Spanish. Well, if you want to learn Spanish and your native language is Portuguese, I hope this article helps you in your learning journey. My name is Daniel Agudo , and I'm a Spanish teacher at Luis Vives Spanish School. See you soon!

Hello, #Vivers! If you are learning Spanish, you have probably known the word milk for a long time. However, did you know that we use it for many more things than just referring to food? When it comes to speaking Spanish fluently, it is important that you know common expressions, this will allow you to speak Spanish fluently. Below we show you the most used expressions with milk and you probably don't know some of them yet:

Be the milk.

When we say that something or someone “is the milk” we mean that it is extraordinary, excellent. However, and depending on the context, we could also express that it is terrible, horrible. So if I say “Pepe es la leche”, it could be interpreted both ways, which is why it is important to take the context into account.

Have a bad temper / be in a bad mood

This expression has its origin in wet nurses, the women who were formerly in charge of breastfeeding the children of other families. It is a profession older than we believe and very common among upper class families. In the past it was thought that a person's character was determined by the milk they had drunk, so if the person turned out to have a bad character, was always in a bad mood or had a strong temperament, it was thought that it was because the milk they had drunk As a child I was not good and hence the expression. When we refer to a specific situation, that is, someone is circumstantially in a bad mood for some reason, we will say that he is in a bad mood (today).

Shit in the milk (that they gave you, that you sucked).

This is a VERY VULGAR expression and the origin is related to the previous expression. You say this when you are very angry with someone or a situation. So if you “shit in the milk” you are referring to the milk that person sucked, and in some way you are cursing them.

Go full steam ahead/Go pouring milk.

This expression is related to milk delivery people. In the past, when we did not have refrigeration systems at home, we had to consume some foods more quickly, such as milk. Likewise, milk deliverers needed to transport it quickly so that its consumption was immediate. Hence, when in Spanish we say “go full steam ahead” we are saying that we are going at a fast or accelerated pace.

Give someone milk.

It means giving a “blow.” The origin of this expression is not clear, but it is quite common and colloquial. In the same way we can transform the verb into a pronominal in this way: “give yourself a milk.” It also means “to hit oneself,” but to oneself by accident.

It is worth mentioning that, in all of these previous expressions, we can replace the word “milk” with the word “host”, they would have the same meaning, but they would become very vulgar expressions so be careful when using them!

If you'd like to see other uses for the word "leche" (milk), you can check out this video we posted a few weeks ago on our social media. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok to see more videos like this one that will help you improve your Spanish.

Now that you've read about Spanish expressions with the word "leche" (milk), you're one step closer to speaking fluent Spanish. In our Spanish courses in Madrid, we offer total language immersion. From level A1, you'll learn practical, everyday Spanish. If you're interested, you can write to us at spanish@luis-vives.es, send us a WhatsApp message , or fill out our contact form.