How long does it take to reach C2 fluency? (2024)

How long does it take to reach C2 fluency?

It takes 8 years of intensive language study to reach C2 level, with each subsequent level requiring twice as much time as the previous level, and effort is key to language learning progress.

Finally, to reach the highest level of proficiency, C2, you should expect to dedicate around 600-650 hours of study. This stage focuses on mastering the language to near-native levels, with advanced comprehension and communication skills in various contexts.

A good rule of thumb is that you can expect to be conversational in a language within 6-12 months of dedicated study and practice. This means that you'll be able to hold basic conversations and understand most of what is being said. To reach fluency, you'll likely need to dedicate at least 2-3 years to the language.

C1 Advanced is targeted at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), while C2 is targeted at the C2 CEFR level. C2 Proficiency is therefore the more difficult of the two exams.

In summary, C2 level is considered the highest level of proficiency in the CEFR framework, and it's considered as a near-native speaker level of proficiency, but not equivalent to the proficiency of a native speaker.

Employers, universities and government departments around the world accept C2 Proficiency as proof that a successful candidate can study or work at the very highest level of professional and academic life and as an indication of English language ability.

That depends on your personal view. If your main parameter is the mere difference between a C1 test and a C2 test, then my answer is no. The biggest quality leap I think is between B2 and C1, while the difference between C1 and C2 is comparatively smaller.

So, if you're looking to learn a new language quickly, set aside 1 to 2 hours each day for focused, deliberate practice, and you'll be on your way to fluency in no time! If you enjoy reading stories like these and want to support me as a writer, consider signing up to become a Medium member.

We raised a popular question: is it possible to become fluent in three months? We talked about how the answer depends on your definition of fluency. If your definition of fluency is like mine—close to a B2 level on the CEFR scale, then the answer is no. You certainly can still aim to achieve a lot in a 3-month period.

How do you get C2 fluency?

If you are interested in reaching C2 level, the best way to do so is to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. This means surrounding yourself with English speakers, reading and listening to English content regularly, and practicing speaking and writing as often as you can.

In the minds of many, this is a good measure of fluency. Someone holding C2 level would have an active vocabulary of 10,000 and a passive vocabulary of around 20,000. That's in line with what information shows is the average for a native speaker to know.

C2 – Advanced (Proficient)

Though you may make rare errors, your proficiency is near or equal to that of a native English speaker. You can understand the finer nuances of tone, pacing, and word choice, even in complex texts or situations.

Someone with a C2 level speaks the language on a near-native level. Even though the language is not their mother-tongue, they understand, speak and write it really well and have no trouble with the great majority of the slang and idioms.

In everyday speech, this level might be called “bilingual”, as in “I am bilingual in English and French.” A well-educated native English speaker is technically at a C2 level. Relatively few English learners reach this level because their professional or academic goals do not require it.

5 - Primary fluency / bilingual proficiency. Level five means you are entirely fluent in a language. You were raised speaking the language or have spoken it long enough to become proficient in it.

C2 Proficiency – Level C2

If you achieve a scale score of 200–230 (grade A, B or C) in your exam, you will receive the Certificate of Proficiency in English at Level C2.

Level B2 corresponds to independent users of the language, i.e. those who have the necessary fluency to communicate without effort with native speakers.

What's the hardest language to learn?

1. Mandarin Chinese. Interestingly, the hardest language to learn is also the most widely spoken native language in the world.

How Many Languages Does the Average Person Speak? An average person can speak two to four languages in a lifetime. However, human brains work differently, and an average person's brain can handle a maximum of four languages. It takes one year to learn the basics of a language for an average person.

Good for Practice, Not Always for Learning

Even with some of the well-developed courses, Duolingo may not be enough to completely teach a language to fluency. As mentioned earlier, Duolingo is great for getting a base in a language—but don't expect to get to advanced fluency on Duolingo alone.

Yes. However, most colleges require a minimum of two years of a foreign language to be considered for admission. Many colleges recommend at least three years of the same world language in high school for a student to be competitive in the admissions pool. Four years makes a student more attractive.

The next and most accurate answer is that it can take anywhere between three months to two years to learn how to speak, write, and read in a new language fluently.