Can you learn Catalan on Duolingo from English?
Duolingo doesn’t currently offer a Catalan course from English. The course exists “from Spanish,” which means the app’s tips and translations are in Spanish. Good news: you can still use it as a beginner, even if your Spanish is basic or rusty.
Workaround: switch the base language to Spanish, then choose Catalan for Spanish speakers. Keep a dictionary handy for interface words, and you’ll still learn plenty of Catalan vocabulary, pronunciation, and simple grammar.
- In Duolingo, change your base language to Spanish (Configuración > Idioma).
- Add Catalán (para hablantes de español).
- Turn on speaking and listening exercises for more exposure.
- Use simple Spanish or quick machine translations for the lesson tips.
Quick-start Catalan for beginners (A1–A2)
As a beginner, focus on high-frequency language: greetings, pronouns, present tense, articles, and question words. Catalan is close to Spanish and French but has its own rhythm, vowels, and spelling conventions.
Learn pronunciation early: final consonants can be silent, vowels can be open/closed, and the letter “x” varies. Don’t obsess; aim for understandable speech and refine as you go.
- Must-know phrases: Hola, Bon dia, Adéu, Si us plau, Gràcies, Em dic…, D’on ets?, No entenc.
- Core grammar: articles (el/la/els/les), ser/estar (soc/estic), present tense of regular verbs.
- Numbers, days, and basic nouns (menjar, aigua, casa, feina).
- Pronunciation targets: ç, ny, ll, open è/ò vs closed é/ó.
A simple daily routine with Duolingo (and beyond)
Consistency beats intensity. A short, repeatable plan helps you learn Catalan faster and stay motivated, even if you’re starting from English with the Spanish-based duolingo course.
- 10–15 minutes: Duolingo lessons (new unit + 1 review).
- 5 minutes: read 3–5 short sentences (news headlines or a graded text).
- 5 minutes: listen to slow audio or a short video to train your ear.
- Shadow 3 sentences out loud to build speaking confidence.
- Track new words in a tiny notebook or notes app.
Free online resources to pair with Duolingo
Make your learning richer by mixing tools. These free, online options fit beginners and keep momentum while you learn from English.
- Parla.cat: structured A1–B2 courses; great for grammar and practice.
- Language Transfer Catalan: free audio course; clear explanations for beginners.
- Easy Catalan (YouTube): street interviews with subtitles for real language.
- TV3 and Catalunya Ràdio: short clips and news for listening.
- Diccionari.cat and Optimot: reliable meanings, examples, and usage.
Common pitfalls (and easy fixes) for English beginners
Using a Spanish-based course can feel intimidating, but you can still progress quickly. Watch out for these issues and use the fixes to keep moving.
- Over-relying on Spanish: skim tips; focus on Catalan examples and audio.
- False friends: similar words don’t always match English meanings. Check a dictionary.
- Skipping pronunciation: do speaking exercises; mimic short clips daily.
- Neglecting articles and gender: drill el/la/els/les with nouns from day one.
- Translation dependency: write tiny sentences about your day directly in Catalan.
FAQ
- Can I learn Catalan from English on Duolingo?
- Not directly. The Duolingo Catalan course is “from Spanish.” You can still use it by switching your base language to Spanish, using simple interface translations, and focusing on the Catalan examples and audio.
- Do I need to speak Spanish first?
- No. Basic Spanish helps with the app tips, but you can learn Catalan as a beginner by leaning on the audio, example sentences, and an occasional quick translation for instructions.
- How long to reach A2 in Catalan?
- With 20–30 minutes daily, many learners reach solid A1 in 6–8 weeks and early A2 around 3–4 months. Combine Duolingo with short listening, speaking practice, and a structured resource like Parla.cat.
- Is Catalan a useful language to learn?
- Yes. It’s spoken by over 9 million people in Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Andorra, and parts of France and Italy. It unlocks culture, travel, jobs, and a supportive community of learners.
- What should beginners focus on first?
- Build a base: greetings, numbers, articles, present tense, and pronunciation. Keep it free and online with Duolingo, a daily 10–15 minute routine, and short listening from Easy Catalan or TV3.