Why learn Welsh online as a beginner
Online study puts everything in one place: lessons, audio, and quick practice you can fit into a busy day. It is ideal for beginners because you can pause, repeat, and go at your own pace without pressure. Better still, many excellent tools are completely free, so you can test what works before committing to anything paid.
At A1–A2 level, keep your goals small: understand greetings, ask for basic information, talk about yourself, and handle everyday tasks. Choose resources with clear structure, short lessons, and lots of listening. Your aim is steady progress, not perfection.
- Set a 10–15 minute daily goal and protect it.
- Focus on high-frequency words first.
- Use short audio drills to build confidence.
- Review yesterday’s notes before new content.
Sounds and spelling: master Welsh audio early
Welsh spelling is consistent, so learning sounds pays off fast. Key pairs include ch, dd, ff, ll, th, rh, and vowels w and y, which often act like vowels. If you train your ear early, every new word becomes easier to decode and say.
Use slow, clear audio from trusted sources. BBC (bbc) Welsh materials and beginner podcasts help you copy mouth shapes and rhythm. Keep drills short and frequent: listen, repeat, record, and compare. Consistency beats long, rare sessions.
- Shadow 2–3 sentences daily with audio.
- Record yourself and compare to a model.
- Practice minimal pairs: ll vs l, f vs ff.
- Do five-minute pronunciation sprints.
First words and phrases for real life
Learn phrases you can use today. Start with greetings, thanks, names, where you are from, and simple questions. Keep to short sentences at beginner level and reuse patterns. It is fine to mix English when stuck; keep moving.
Build phrase blocks you can swap: I am, I like, I want, I have, I am learning. Add place or time words next. If you travel, learn how to ask for something near you or directions.
- Bore da — good morning; Prynhawn da — good afternoon.
- Diolch — thank you; Os gwelwch yn dda — please.
- Dw i’n dysgu Cymraeg — I am learning Welsh.
- Ble mae…? — Where is…? (near me / nearby)
- Dw i’n dod o… — I come from…
Best free online resources for Welsh beginners
You can get far at A1–A2 with free tools. Mix one course-style app with one audio-heavy program, then add a phrase deck for review. Keep your stack light and consistent so you do not overwhelm yourself.
Try two resources for two weeks, then adjust. Look for clear explanations, slow audio, and regular review. If a tool drains motivation, switch quickly.
- BBC Learn Welsh: explanations, videos, and audio practice.
- SaySomethingInWelsh: strong speaking drills with lots of audio.
- Duolingo: gamified beginner steps you can do anywhere.
- Memrise or Anki: spaced repetition for core vocabulary.
- YouTube podcasts: short, slow Welsh aimed at beginners.
Build your routine and find community near you
A simple routine beats perfect plans. Tie Welsh to an existing habit: after coffee, do five minutes; on lunch, shadow one dialogue; before bed, review five cards. Small loops add up fast.
Community helps you stick with it. Join online groups, Welsh forums, or a local meetup near you if available. Speaking with supportive learners once a week turns knowledge into real language skill.
- Schedule sessions on your calendar like meetings.
- Stack study after a daily habit you already do.
- Swap your phone’s language for key apps to Welsh.
- Shadow one audio dialogue every weekday.
- Post a weekly progress check-in to stay accountable.
FAQ
- How long to reach A1–A2 in Welsh as a beginner?
- With 15–30 minutes a day, many beginners reach solid A1 in 8–12 weeks and early A2 in 3–6 months, especially if they use daily audio and short speaking practice.
- Is Welsh hard for English speakers?
- It looks different, but pronunciation follows stable rules and grammar is learnable. Regular online practice with clear audio makes progress surprisingly fast.
- What are the best free online resources to start?
- Begin with BBC Learn Welsh for explanations, SaySomethingInWelsh for audio speaking drills, and a spaced-repetition app for vocabulary. Keep your toolkit small and consistent.
- How can I practice speaking if no one is near me?
- Use shadowing with audio daily, record yourself, and join online language exchanges. Short weekly voice chats build confidence even without a partner nearby.
- Should I learn North or South Welsh at beginner level?
- Pick one (North or South) to keep input consistent. BBC and most courses mark the variety. You can understand both later; focus on regular practice now.