How to choose the right Catalan book
Look for a Catalan book made for beginners, ideally labeled A1–A2. Clear English explanations, short dialogues, and everyday topics (greetings, food, directions) help you learn quickly and stay engaged from the very first pages.
Audio matters. Choose a book with slow, native recordings, pronunciation tips, and an answer key. Bonus points if it offers free online samples or companion pages so you can try before you buy.
- A1–A2 scope with clear goals
- Short units and real-life dialogues
- Audio + pronunciation guidance
- Answer key and review checks
What a solid A1–A2 chapter looks like
A strong beginner chapter introduces 8–12 new words, a mini grammar point, and a short dialogue. For example: greetings, personal introductions, and the verbs ser/estar with simple examples in both Catalan and English.
Practice should progress from recognition to production: listen and repeat, match phrases, fill gaps, then speak or write a tiny message. By the end, you can handle one practical language task with confidence.
- Clear objectives and key phrases
- Mini grammar with examples
- Audio dialogue + transcript
- Exercises moving toward speaking
A simple study plan to learn consistently
Study 20–30 minutes a day, five days a week. Move steadily through units, and review yesterday’s vocab for two minutes before starting. Speak out loud even if you’re shy—your mouth must learn the language too.
Use light tools: flashcards for tough words, shadowing with audio, and quick dictations. Keep a tiny notebook for phrases you actually use, from travel to work to family.
- Day 1–2: new unit + audio
- Day 3: review + short writing
- Day 4: listen and shadow
- Day 5: speak for 2–3 minutes
Combine your book with apps and media
Your book is the backbone; apps add reps. Use duolingo for quick drills, then confirm grammar and pronunciation with your book’s explanations and audio. This way, you learn patterns—not just tap answers.
Add free online input: Catalan radio, short YouTube clips, and learner podcasts. Choose slow content with subtitles, and re-listen. The mix of reading, listening, and speaking accelerates progress from beginner to A2.
- duolingo for bite-size practice
- YouTube channels with subtitles
- Forvo for pronunciation checks
- Anki or Quizlet flashcards
- Short news or children’s shows
Where to find books and free resources
Search for titles specifically marked “Catalan from English” to avoid translations that assume Spanish or French. Look for reputable series, digital previews, and audio samples. Libraries and eBook stores often carry beginner-friendly editions.
For free online help, try government or university portals that teach Catalan to foreigners. Pair one paid book with two or three free resources so you can practice across formats without spending much.
- Parla.cat (free courses and exercises)
- Teach Yourself: Complete Catalan (with audio)
- Routledge: Colloquial Catalan (dialogue-focused)
- Catalan TV3 and iCat radio (listening)
- Online dictionaries: DIEC, Softcatalà
FAQ
- Is Catalan hard for English speakers?
- At beginner level, Catalan is very learnable from English. Vocabulary often overlaps with other Romance languages, and pronunciation is consistent once you learn the rules. The main challenges are new sounds and verb forms, but a clear A1–A2 book with audio will guide you step by step.
- Which learn Catalan book should I start with?
- Choose a beginners title labeled A1–A2 with English explanations, audio, and an answer key. Books that structure each unit around a real-life task (introductions, ordering food, directions) help you progress faster. If possible, sample a free online unit before buying.
- Can I learn Catalan free online?
- Yes. Combine a free online course like Parla.cat with videos, podcasts, and learner blogs. You can also use duolingo for quick drills. If you prefer a single roadmap, add one affordable book for structure while keeping most practice free.
- How long to reach A1–A2 level?
- With 20–30 minutes a day, five days a week, many learners reach A1 in 6–8 weeks and A2 in 3–4 months. Your pace depends on consistency, speaking out loud, and using audio. A focused beginner book plus regular listening sharply improves results.
- Should I use apps with a book or just one?
- Use both. The book teaches patterns and pronunciation; apps give extra repetitions. Do a short app session, then confirm rules in your book. Finish by speaking or writing a tiny message so the language moves from recognition to use.