Why learn Welsh?
Welsh is a living, vibrant language with deep roots in culture, music, and everyday life across Wales. Learning even a little opens doors: you’ll read signs, greet people locally, and enjoy TV, radio, and events with fresh eyes and ears.
For beginners, Welsh is friendly: regular spelling, clear sounds, and lots of cognates with English. You don’t need hours each day—consistent, short sessions add up. With the right online tools and audio, you’ll hear progress quickly and stay motivated.
- Feel at home in Wales
- Enjoy music, TV, and radio
- Connect with local communities
First steps for beginners (A1–A2)
Start simple: learn greetings, numbers, and “I am/I have/I like.” Focus on clear pronunciation and listening from day one. Welsh spelling is consistent, so sounding out words gets easier fast when you pair text with audio.
Build a tiny toolkit you can use anywhere: introduce yourself, order food, ask for prices, and say thank you. Keep sentences short. Repeat out loud, shadow recordings, and celebrate small wins—perfect for beginner confidence.
- Helo – Hello
- Diolch – Thank you
- Os gwelwch yn dda – Please
- Dw i’n dysgu Cymraeg – I’m learning Welsh
Free online tools, courses, and audio
There’s a wealth of free online support to help you learn. The BBC Learn Welsh pages and bbc phrase guides are great for quick checks and everyday language. Pair them with short audio clips so your ear gets used to natural rhythm and stress.
Try a mix: structured lessons for grammar, and audio-first methods for speaking confidence. Most platforms offer beginner courses and bite-sized practice you can fit into a busy day—ideal for A1–A2 progress.
- BBC Learn Welsh and bbc Welsh phrases
- Say Something in Welsh (SSiW) – audio led
- Duolingo – daily bite-sized lessons
- FutureLearn – occasional free beginner courses
Practice routines that work
Consistency beats intensity. Ten minutes every day with audio is better than one long session a week. Rotate skills: listen, speak, read, and write. Keep a running list of high-frequency words and turn them into short, reusable sentences.
Use micro-goals: learn five words, build two sentences, say them aloud five times. Record yourself to compare with models. When you can use a phrase in real life—even online—you’ll remember it far better than from a textbook alone.
- Shadow a 60–90 second audio clip
- Record and compare your pronunciation
- Read one short dialogue daily
- Write two lines in a journal
- Review flashcards on your commute
Find classes near you and join the community
Nothing boosts progress like real interaction. Look for beginner classes near you through local councils, universities, or community centers. If you’re not near Wales, online meetups and tutor-led groups are plentiful and welcoming for beginners.
Mix online lessons with real-world exposure: radio, TV, and live streams. Follow Welsh creators on social media to see everyday language in context. When you spot a new phrase, add it to your speaking list and try it the same day.
- Search “Welsh classes near me” for local options
- Join online conversation groups (A1–A2 friendly)
- Tune into BBC Radio Cymru for daily listening
- Attend Welsh cultural events or virtual meetups
FAQ
- Is Welsh hard for English speakers?
- Welsh looks different, but it’s very learnable. Spelling is consistent, sounds are regular, and grammar at A1–A2 is straightforward. With daily audio and short practice, most beginners see quick wins within the first few weeks.
- How long does it take to reach A2 in Welsh?
- With 15–30 minutes a day, many learners reach solid A2 in 3–6 months. Consistency, active listening, and speaking out loud are key. Combine a beginner course with real audio and short conversations to speed things up.
- What are the best free online resources?
- Try BBC Learn Welsh and bbc phrase guides, Say Something in Welsh for audio practice, Duolingo for daily drills, and FutureLearn for occasional free courses. Mix them so you cover listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Where can I find Welsh audio for beginners?
- Start with SSiW beginner lessons, BBC Radio Cymru (short segments), and course audio from BBC Learn Welsh or apps. Keep clips short (60–90 seconds) and replay them until the rhythm and key words feel familiar.
- Can I learn Welsh online if I’m not near Wales?
- Absolutely. Many tutors, classes, and conversation groups run online, and there’s plenty of free audio and video. Combine a structured beginner course with weekly speaking practice, and you won’t need to be near Wales to progress.