Learn Spanish

Have you been wanting to learn Spanish for a while, but you're still hesitating between to be y estarDo you find it difficult to decide when to use the preterite or the imperfect tense? Do you understand quite well when you read, but get stuck 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 podcast weekly course 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 o The film They offer a wide catalog of productions in Spanish.

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 Face-to-face 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 in the registration form. I SPEAK GERMAN.

But don't worry, if you don't have the opportunity to come see us, we'll come to you through our online course platform. Don't know it? It's this.

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 are still undecided between to be y estarDo 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 more than 25 years, in 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 differentlyboth in grammar and in the way of expressing oneself. Unlike what happens between closely related languages, such as Portuguese and Spanish, here there is no 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 lifeDoing what you love, 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 o The film They 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

Although it is possible to learn a lot on your own, take a Spanish course It 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.

In Luis Vives Spanish School We offer in-person courses in Madrid and online courses adapted to English-speaking students, with a communicative and practical approach. Our goal is not only for you to learn Spanish, but also feel comfortable using it in real-life situationsIf 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 profile presents. Therefore, 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! 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 intermediate language that sometimes makes us think we're speaking good Spanish, even though we get strange looks or aren't understood. Spanish and Portuguese share 90% of their vocabulary, and of course, the grammar of both languages ​​is also very similar. This greatly facilitates comprehension, especially at the beginner levels, but it also generates a significant feeling of insecurity, since it's very difficult in some cases to distinguish whether what we're saying is actually Spanish or a mistaken copy of Portuguese. For example, the lexical similarity leads us to copy terms like «security» (from the Portuguese term Safety), which is not used in Spanish, instead of the correct term «to maximise security and your enjoyment.", or that we translate the Portuguese word"money" as *money (instead of the correct way) moneyThese are just some of the many interferences with Portuguese that make learning Spanish difficult, but there are many more. If you'd like a more detailed explanation of the main interferences between these languages, we recommend you keep an eye on our blog, as we'll 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 form. registration form and enter the promotional code I AM FROM PORTUGAL.

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 love reading, you'll feel right at home with Spanish literature. If you live in a Portuguese-speaking country, you'll surely find it easy to access books in Spanish. If not, a good option is to access any online library: we suggest... this.

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 own country and don't know any Spanish speakers, you can also opt for the numerous language exchange platforms available online. Even in our online platform You can join our open conversation classes for all registered users. Are you up for it? 

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 very interesting option for you. Spanish in 10 minutes It's Luis Vives' weekly podcast where you can improve your Spanish and learn very 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 website of RTVEBut if you're a die-hard fan of movies and TV series, you can't miss the selection of films offered by the Spanish platform. The film.  

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 musical 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 greatest hits for all tastes. she is ready Created by the teachers at our school. If you like any song in Spanish, 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. Certainly, if you're thinking of coming to Spain to study, it's the best option. our Madrid SchoolIf you decide to enroll in one of our in-person courses, you can receive directly a 20% discount forever. For it:

• 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 in the registration form. I AM FROM PORTUGAL

But don't worry, if you don't have the opportunity to come see us, we'll come to you through our online course platform. Don't know it? It's this.

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.

Take advantage of a 20% discount on all our in-person courses, forever. Just fill out our form. registration form and enter the promotional code I AM FROM ITALY.

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, you should read 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.

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. Even in our online platform You can join our open conversation classes for all registered users. Are you up for it? 

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 many platforms available. We're offering you a very interesting option. Spanish in 10 minutes It's Luis Vives' weekly podcast where you can improve your Spanish and learn very 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 website of RTVEBut if you're a die-hard fan of movies and TV series, you can't miss the selection of films offered by the Spanish platform. The film.  

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 want to discover many more Spanish songs, we suggest at least 50 Spanish songs and greatest hits for all tastes. she is ready created by the teachers of 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. Certainly, if you're thinking of coming to Spain to study, it's the best option. our Madrid SchoolIf you decide to enroll in one of our in-person courses, you can receive directly a 20% discount forever. For it:

● 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 in the registration form. I AM FROM ITALY

But don't worry, if you don't have the opportunity to come see us, we'll come to you through our online course platform. Don't know it? It's this.

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 change, and Spanish is no exception. Learn Spanish online offers a flexible option adapted to current needs, especially for those who cannot travel to Spanish-speaking countries. Our Spanish School in Madrid has been offering the best 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 corners of the world recommend our live, face-to-face, dynamic, fun and useful classes.

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

1. Total Flexibility to Adjust Your Schedule ⭐

One of the main advantages of learning Spanish online is the flexible schedule. You don't have to adjust to face-to-face classes or travel. If you have a job, studies or other commitments, online courses allow you to adapt your free time to learningYou can study from anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access.

This is ideal if you live in an area where there are no schools offering Spanish courses or if you travel frequently for work. You just need to connect and access the recorded lessons or do exercises at a time that suits you best. To get the most out of your studies, I recommend setting up a regular study schedule.

2. Access to a Wide Variety of Materials 📚

By studying Spanish online, you will 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 Customize your study method.

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

3. Personalization of Learning 🎯

One of the biggest benefits of online courses is the ability to personalize your learning. Every student has different strengths and weaknesses. On online platforms, you can spend more time on the areas you struggle with, without keeping up with the group. You can focus, for example, on improving your grammar or conversation, depending on your needs.

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

By the way, don't you know our Podcast yet? Spanish in 10 minutesIt is the most fun and fastest way to improve and perfect your level of Spanish.

4. Global Access to Native Teachers 🌍

Thanks to the internet, you can have access to Native teachers from anywhere in the world. Not only does this ensure that you learn the language in an authentic way, but it also allows you to choose the accent that interests you the most. Learning from a native 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 economic than face-to-face classes. Not only do you save on the cost of the course itself, but you also eliminate the costs 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.

El online learning It is, without a doubt, an economical option that does not compromise on the quality of the content. You can get an excellent level of training at a much lower price compared to face-to-face classes.

Conclusion

Learn Spanish online in 2025 It is not only a convenient option, but it is 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 have the support of Native teachers from anywhere in the world. In addition, the reduced prices make this an affordable and accessible option for everyone.

My name is Sonia DominguezI am the Director of the Luis Vives Study Center, and I am actively involved in the development of our online Spanish courses, as coordinator and teacher of advanced levels. If you are ready to take the next step and master Spanish, do not hesitate to contact me. sign up for our coursesGet started today and take your Spanish to the next level!

Hello, Live! If you want to learn Spanish and your native language is Portuguese, this article interests you. For 25 years we have received numerous students in our School whose mother tongue is Portuguese and who come from the different countries in which this wonderful language is spoken: Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique or East Timor. As Center Accredited by the Cervantes Institute for the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language, our School has teachers with great experience and the ability to detail the most important differences and similarities between Spanish and Portuguese, and give you some tricks and tips so that you can get the most out of your Spanish classes, whether online or in person. Let's go!

Recommendation: DO NOT translate this page into your language, stay 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 is one thing that characterizes the true speaker of “portuñol”, it is the indiscriminate use of the form “lo”. This error lies in the fact that in Portuguese the masculine definite article is “o” (for example “o chão” = “the ground”), while in Spanish the corresponding form is “the”. Many students tend to always use the form “lo” instead of the masculine article and thus say things like *I ground it🇧🇷the dog🇧🇷the boy, which are not correct in Spanish. 

However, many of you will be thinking: but have I heard Spaniards using the form “lo” as an article? Well yes, you are right. But this “it” is neutral and never accompanies nouns, but appears with adjectives when we are not referring to a specific thing and speak generically. So, we can say things like “The best thing about the movie is the ending" or "The important thing is to try” when the adjective does not refer to a specific male or female noun. So now you know, the important thing is that you never use the article “lo” together 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 confusion between Spanish and Portuguese is found in the use of pronouns. In Spanish the forms “Tú” and “Vosotros” correspond to familiar use and are accompanied by a specific verbal form. So, we say things like “Do you want more soup?” o “Do you want anything else?” when the relationship with our interlocutors is close. For formal use, we use the pronouns “You” and “You” with their respective verbal forms. Thus, the formal variants of the previous phrases would be “Do you want more soup?” o “Do you want anything else?”, when we want to speak more formally. (It must be said that these uses correspond to the variant of standard Spanish associated with Spanish from the north of the peninsula and that in the south and in Latin America its use is different). 

In Portuguese the plural form “Vocês” serves both formal and informal contexts and appears with a third person verb. Therefore, it is normal for many students to translate it as “You” and add a verb in the third person. However, examples like *“You Spaniards are very kind” are not correct, since they combine the familiar pronoun “you” with the third person plural verb “are.” So, pay close attention! Or we say “You are very kind” o "You're very kind".

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 when their native language is Portuguese crazy is the position of object pronouns, since in Portuguese the placement rules are different. Therefore, it is not strange to hear incorrect phrases such as *”I come to tell you something” o *“I want to visit you next year”, which copy the structure directly from Portuguese. In these cases, the correct thing would be to say: “I come to tell you something” o “I want to visit you next year”. So, if you want to place the pronouns correctly in Spanish, do not translate and remember that in Spanish the 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" 

In both Portuguese and Spanish there is the form “também” and “also” respectively to express agreement in an affirmative way. However, while in Portuguese we say “também não” to express agreement in a negative way, in Spanish we say “tampoco”. So you know, never say *“I don't like it too" if not "I do not like it either".

THE “PESSOAL INFINITIVE” does not exist in Spanish

Although the verbal system is almost identical in both Portuguese and Spanish and the use of tenses is not usually a problem for Portuguese-speaking students, there is one structure in Portuguese for which there is no correspondence in Spanish. The problem in these cases is that many students translate directly and create phrases that do not exist in Spanish. For example, from the Portuguese phrase “Even though we have a lot of money, we are ignorant” some students translate *“Despite having a lot of money, they are ignorant”. But no, the form “teneren” does not exist in Spanish, because in our verbal system there is no personal infinitive, so the correct thing would be to say “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.

Council: To pronounce this sound you must 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, that is, the point of articulation is in the throat, as in the case of the French r. In these cases you have to pay close attention, since many students can confuse the pronunciation of verbs such as correr y by. 

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

Confusions with the Ñ

The palatal nasal sound represented graphically with the letter ñ also exists in Portuguese and is represented by the double spelling “nh” in Portuguese. Although many words that have -nh- in Portuguese also have -ñ- in Spanish (strange/strange; amanhã/morning), it does not coincide in all cases: path/path; money/money; nephew/nephew; win/win; etc.). So now you know, don't trust yourself and first think if 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, as we have already told you about. However, there is one that does not exist in Spanish and that is one of the most frequent errors in Portuguese-speaking students when they write: it is the case of the double that -ss-. Thus, it is important to remember that words that are written with double that -ss- in Portuguese will always have a single that -s- in Spanish, since there is no option for double that -ss- in our language. This is the case of words like: pass/pass; session/session; past/past; process/process).  

Another problem is that of -b- and -v-. Although Spanish and Portuguese normally coincide, this is not always the case. The most important cases that you always have to remember are the verb “duty” (duty in Portuguese), “have” (oats in Portuguese) and all the verbs of the first conjugation in the imperfect tense: was, walked, arrived, etc., which in Portuguese are 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 readings can be uninteresting. What we recommend you do if you like reading is that you read the same type of books that you already read in your language. Although there are many options, if you don't have a library or a good second-hand bookstore nearby with books in Spanish, you can always access virtual libraries: we suggest this.

Talk

Of course, this is the best way to learn Spanish if your native language is Portuguese. Furthermore, we Spaniards are very talkative, so it is best that you start training your oral expression as soon as possible. If you live in a Spanish-speaking country, you can surely find a cafe or place where linguistic exchanges take place periodically. But if not, no problem, on the internet you can also find people willing to do language exchanges and thus improve your oral expression. For example in this website You can register and find people with whom you can practice 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 fashionable than ever and you've surely heard many in your language. In this case, we also recommend that you listen to podcasts on topics that interest you, since this way you will not get bored and you will turn your learning into a pleasure. If you are looking for a variety of topics, you can listen to the podcasts offered by Spanish public television on its website. But, above all, you cannot miss the podcasts that we make at our school, since they are specially designed so that our students can improve their Spanish in an entertaining way. You can take a look at an interview we did with a Brazilian student here.

Take a Spanish course

Of course. Taking a Spanish course is always one of the best ways to learn and improve. Contact with a native teacher who resolves those doubts for which you sometimes do not have answers is very important, just as being able to be in contact with other students who have a similar level to yours can help you lose your fear of speaking Spanish. And what is the best option if you are in Madrid or want to come visit the city? 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, cinema is one of our great allies when it comes to learning a language. By watching movies or series you can improve your vocabulary and learn a lot of colloquial expressions. A good option due to its extensive catalog is the website of RTVE. But if you are an inveterate film lover, you cannot miss the range of films offered by the Spanish platform. The film. 

Listen to music

Who does not like music? Now, listening to music is easier than ever thanks to platforms like YouTube or Spotify. Don't you know much music in Spanish? Well don't worry, we offer you a lot of songs for all tastes in she is ready made by the teachers of our school.

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 Spanish you want to learn, these tips can be very useful. And, above all, don't forget: never be afraid of making 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. My name is Daniel Agudo, and I am a Spanish teacher at Luis Vives Escuela de Español. 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 want to see other uses of the word milk, you can do so at This Video that we published a few weeks ago on our social networks. Follow us on Instagram or in Tik Tok to see more videos like this with which you can improve your Spanish.

Now that you have read about the Spanish expressions with the word milk, you are a little closer to being able to speak fluent Spanish. In our Spanish classes In Madrid we carry out a total linguistic immersion, from level A1 you will be learning practical Spanish for everyday life. If you are interested, you can write to us at spanish@luis-vives.es, send us a Whatsapp or complete our form contact.