Learning a Language Before Moving Abroad: The 6-Month Plan

You signed an offer in Berlin (or Tokyo, or Lisbon). You have 6 months. What language level do you actually need before you arrive?

The honest answer: A2 minimum, B1 strongly preferred. Below A2 and you'll feel functionally illiterate. At B1 you can have small-talk relationships with locals.

Why A2 is the floor

Below A2, basic admin (bank account, phone contract, doctor visits) is genuinely difficult. English-speaking enclaves exist in most major cities, but you'll be stuck inside them.

At A2 you can survive. At B1 you can integrate. At B2 you can build a real social life.

The 6-month plan to A2-B1

Total hours target: 250-350.

Daily target: 60-90 minutes (about 2× a casual learner).

Months 1-2: foundation

• 60 min/day structured course
• Daily flashcards (high-frequency 1000 words)
• Goal: mid-A1 by week 8

Months 3-4: input + speaking

• 45 min/day course / textbook
• 15 min/day comprehensible input (slow podcasts)
• Weekly italki session
• Goal: A2 by week 16

Months 5-6: integration prep

• 30 min/day course
• 30 min/day native content
• 2 italki sessions/week
• Practice scenarios specific to relocation: rental viewing, doctor visit, phone contract
• Goal: low B1 with confident A2

What to track specifically

• Total hours (target: 250+)
• Speaking hours (target: 25+ — output is the binding constraint)
• Real-world scenario practice sessions (track separately)
• Mock conversations for relocation-specific situations

The post-arrival plateau

Most expats hit a wall 2-3 months after arrival. The reason: they default to English, especially at work. The fix:

• Continue formal lessons after arriving
• Track weekly target-language interactions (real ones)
• Find one social activity in target language only

Without these, your level can plateau at A2 indefinitely despite living in-country.

The country-specific notes

• Germany: B1 is the immigration threshold for many things. Aim there.
• Japan: minimum N4 for daily life; N3 for real integration.
• Spain / Latin America: A2 gets you far; B1 fully comfortable.
• France: B1 minimum; locals speak less English than expected.

For broader pacing, see weekly study time targets.