An adult learning a foreign language is in a different situation from a child, and that is not a worse situation at all.
The myth: “Children learn faster”
Children have an advantage in phonetics, they absorb pronunciation more easily. But adults are faster at grammar, vocabulary and understanding the structure of a language. With intensive study an adult reaches conversational level faster than a child, because they understand abstract rules and have motivation.
Methods that work for adults
**Context, not word lists.** Instead of a list of 100 words to memorise, you learn words in sentences, stories and situations. What makes sense is remembered lastingly.
**Speaking from the first lessons.** Many adults wait until they are “ready” to talk. There is no such moment: start speaking right away, even in broken language.
**Short sessions, regularly.** 20 minutes a day for 6 days > 2 hours once a week. An adult’s brain consolidates knowledge through sleep, regular repetition is key.
The biggest obstacle for adults
Perfectionism. “I will not say it, because I will make a mistake.” Mistakes are part of learning. A tutor who works with adults knows how to create a safe environment for practice: without judging.
How much time realistically?
From zero to B1 (conversational): 300–400 hours of study. With 2 lessons a week + 30 minutes a day of your own study, that is 18–24 months.