Free Language Courses for Beginners

Start from scratch with the right resources without paying anything

Are you just starting out and want to learn a new language in a practical and accessible way? This journey may be simpler than it seems.

Learning a new language is a common goal among immigrants, students and professionals who want to communicate better in different situations.

However, many give up before starting, believing that it is necessary to spend a lot or take face-to-face classes.

The good news is that, with the internet, it is possible to study for free and with quality — even without any previous experience.

If you are starting from scratch, this guide is for you.

We gathered trusted platforms that offer free basic language courses, with support for Portuguese speakers and focused on those taking their first steps.

Why start at the basic level?

The basic level is the most important stage of the learning process. It is where you:

• Learn the first words and expressions.
• Understands grammatical structure.
• Develops listening and pronunciation skills.
• Gain confidence to communicate on a daily basis.

Skipping this phase can cause frustration and hinder future progress. Therefore, starting with a solid foundation makes all the difference.

Recommended free platforms for beginners

Next, see the best options for free language courses available online. They are ideal for those starting from scratch, with accessible, simple and effective materials.

Duolingo

• Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian and others

• Format: App and website, with short, gamified lessons

• Ideal for: Light and daily study

www.duolingo.com

Duolingo is intuitive and turns learning into a game. It's great for beginners who want to create a habit in just a few minutes a day.

BBC Learning English

• Language: English

• Format: Videos, podcasts and exercises

• Ideal for: Those looking for practical content with real context

www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

The BBC offers up-to-date materials in everyday language, ideal for beginners who want to learn real-life situations.

USA Learns

• Language: English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Format: Online courses with video, text and tests

• Ideal for: Adult beginners and immigrants in the US

www.usalearns.org

Widely used by those living in the United States, the platform offers free education focusing on useful topics such as interviews, shopping and health.

AulaFácil – Spanish for beginners

• Language: Spanish

• Format: Theoretical classes with explanations in Portuguese

• Ideal for: Who prefers a traditional approach

www.aulafacil.com

With direct lessons and basic exercises, the course helps students learn the essentials for speaking and writing in Spanish.

Busuu (free version)

• Languages: Various (English, Spanish, French, etc.)

• Format: App and website with progressive structure

• Ideal for: Who wants to follow a study plan

www.busuu.com

Even on the free plan, Busuu offers feedback from native speakers and allows you to study with a focus on specific everyday topics.

Memrise (basic plan)

• Languages: English, German, Korean, French, among others

• Format: App with native speaker videos and spaced repetition

• Ideal for: Visual and auditory learners

www.memrise.com

Perfect for those who want to practice listening and memorize vocabulary more efficiently. The short video approach makes learning more engaging.

How to set up an effective study routine?

The most important thing is consistency. Even 15 minutes a day makes a difference. Here are some tips:

• Set a fixed daily study time.
• Repeat new phrases and words out loud.
• Use a notebook or app to write down vocabulary.
• Combine more than one platform to diversify.
• Consume real content: music, videos and series with subtitles.

The more you expose yourself to the language, the faster you will adapt. Daily practice is the most efficient way for beginners.

Useful complementary tools

In addition to courses, other tools help a lot in the initial phase:

• YouTube – Channels like “English with Series”, “Hola Español” and “Learn French with Alexa”
• Anki – Spaced repetition flashcards
• Tandem / HelloTalk – Apps for chatting with native speakers via text and audio
• Podcasts – “The English We Speak”, “Coffee Break Spanish”
• Voice translator – To train pronunciation and listening

Conclusion

Starting a new language can be challenging, but with the right free resources, it's entirely possible to learn from scratch, at your own pace.

Use the suggested platforms, set up your routine and start slowly. You don't need to spend a lot to learn quality. The most important thing is to take the first step.

Save this page, share it with those who also want to learn, and choose the language you want to master now. Your bilingual (or trilingual!) future can start today — and for free.