My name is Frederico Catarino, and since 2014 I have been helping foreigners learn European Portuguese in a practical, structured, and engaging way. Over the past decade, I have taught more than 2,000 students from all over the world, helping them gain confidence and communicate effectively in Portuguese.
✓ Since 2014
✓ 2,000+ students taught
✓ European Portuguese
✓ Small groups
✓ Located in central Lisbon
At Lisbon Language Cafe, all classes are taught by me personally. This means you benefit from a consistent learning experience, personalised guidance, and a teacher who understands your strengths, challenges, and goals from day one.
Whether you are a complete beginner or already have some knowledge of Portuguese, my courses are designed to help you communicate confidently in real-life situations. Lessons combine speaking, listening, reading, and grammar in a natural way, allowing you to make steady progress while developing practical communication skills.
You can choose between small group courses and private lessons, both focused on European Portuguese and taught in a friendly and supportive environment. The goal is not simply to study Portuguese, but to use it confidently in everyday life, at work, and in your interactions with Portuguese people.
Whether you have recently arrived or are planning a long-term stay, Lisbon Language Cafe provides the structure, expertise, and personal attention you need to succeed.
✓ 2,000+ students taught
✓ Teaching European portuguese since 2014
✓ All classes are taught by the same teacher
✓ Small groups for maximum participation
✓ Conversation – focused approach
✓ Learning materials included
✓ Central Lisbon location
No rotating teachers. No changing methodologies. One teacher, one approach, and a clear learning path from A1 to B1+.
A1 – BEGINNER: Learn the foundations of Portuguese and start communicating in everyday situations.
The A1 course is designed for complete beginners and for students with little or no previous knowledge of Portuguese. You will learn the essential grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills needed to handle everyday situations such as introducing yourself, ordering food, asking for directions, shopping, and talking about your daily routine. The course provides a solid foundation in European Portuguese and prepares you to communicate with confidence in simple real-life situations.
A2 – ELEMENTARY: Expand your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and become more independent.
The A2 course helps students move beyond the basics and become more independent users of Portuguese. You will expand your vocabulary, improve your understanding of grammar, and develop your ability to communicate in a wider range of everyday situations. Classes focus on practical communication, helping students discuss familiar topics, describe experiences, and interact more naturally with Portuguese speakers. By the end of the course, you will feel more comfortable using Portuguese in your daily life.
B1 – INTERMEDIATE: Develop fluency and confidence through meaningful communication.
The B1 course is designed for students who already have a solid foundation in Portuguese and want to develop greater fluency and confidence. At this level, the emphasis shifts increasingly towards conversation and meaningful communication. Students learn to express opinions, discuss a variety of topics, understand more complex texts, and interact more naturally with native speakers. The course helps bridge the gap between learning Portuguese and using it confidently in real-life situations.
B1+ – UPPER INTERMEDIATE: Expand your vocabulary, improve your accuracy, and express yourself with greater confidence and independence.
The B1+ course is ideal for students who want to refine their language skills and communicate with greater ease and accuracy. You will expand your vocabulary, improve your fluency, and develop the ability to discuss more complex social, cultural, and professional topics. Classes focus on active communication and real-world language use, helping students sound more natural and confident in Portuguese. This level is particularly suitable for those who use Portuguese regularly and want to continue progressing towards advanced proficiency.
EXCELLENT Based on 191 reviews Posted on Clemmie SpendloveTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was recommended Lisbon Language Cafe by a friend and I have been really happy with my experience so far. Frederico is a great teacher, and he makes the classes fun and engaging. The groups are small and the learning materials are really good.Posted on Klaus DENNETrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frederico, thank you very much, it was a pleasure to attend the A1 class. I’m waiting now for the A2 course with you. Nothing more to say.Posted on TonyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frederico is a amazing and patient teacher that adapts to the level of each student and provides personalized advice. He speaks very good english, which is rare to find. A1 Portuguese can be very hard for english speakers that do not already speak another latin language. The classes are designed well, kept interesting and at the right pace, so students learn a lot while still enjoying the classes. Highly recommended instructor.Posted on Benjamin McGuigganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Context: Written from the perspective of an American and native English speaker who is comfortable with elementary Spanish. I had a fantastic experience with A1 immersive Portuguese and cannot recommend Lisbon Language Cafe enough! By the end of the three week course, I felt comfortable telling people my name, ordering a coffee, describing basic traits/qualities, and putting together simple sentences all in Portuguese :) You really get what you put into the course, so it's not only important to try and attend all nine sessions (each 3 hours) but to also complete the daily homework assignments. Speaking another romance language, or even knowing basic grammar structure of another romance language, will be very helpful. But for an English speaker without any second-language experience, the immersive course may not be the right fit (I know it wouldn't have been for me). The professor, Frederico, is friendly and helpful, and has structured this course in a very digestible way. Classes are fun and engaging and often the hours fly by. And most importantly, it's encouraging to believe you can use the learnings from class in the real world. Whether you're in Lisbon for a few months or few years, I highly recommend Lisbon Language Cafe. You'll feel more connected to the city and, of course, the people that make it so beautiful!Posted on JTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frederico is a great teacher!! Happy to attend the A1 + A2 courses herePosted on Élise ObadiaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super école , Frederico est super gentil et drôle , on passe un bon moment tout en apprenant ! 🙏🏼Posted on Eline VeekemansTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing teacher and great institution to get you into Portuguese! Frederico explains very well & clear, giving you the space to learn while being guided. Can recommend! I will surely also follow level A2 at the Lisbon Language Cafe. Muito obrigada!Posted on Léa BarouchTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great class. Feel like I built a solid foundation in Portuguese. Would love to continue to Level A2.Posted on JoshuaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Portuguese classes. Had the opportunity to learn all the fundamental basics (A1 crash course). When I missed a class, Frederico was so kind to send me online classes. So absolutely recommend the A1 course. In addition, it is also very lovely to talk to Frederico in general. Muito obrigadoPosted on Brad WellerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with the A1 course! The small class size, camaraderie, and learning structure kept things moving and fun. Frederico asks questions throughout class so I didn’t feel lectured to. The intake of the information felt more organic and the online homework is gamified and really helped me consolidate what we covered in the classroom. A2 here I come!
At Lisbon Language Cafe, we believe that the best way to learn a language is by using it from the very beginning.
Our courses combine speaking, listening, reading, and grammar in a structured and practical way, helping students develop the skills they need to communicate confidently in real-life situations.
At beginner level (A1), students build a solid foundation in Portuguese through a carefully structured programme that focuses on essential grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.
As students progress to A2 and B1 levels, the emphasis gradually shifts towards conversation and real communication, allowing them to develop fluency, confidence, and independence in Portuguese.
From A2 level onwards, classes focus almost exclusively on conversation. Grammar is covered at home through my recorded lessons, giving students significantly more time to practise speaking, build fluency, and gain confidence in real-life communication.
All courses follow a clear learning path and include a variety of learning materials, activities, and resources designed specifically for learners of European Portuguese.
Students also have access to the Lisbon Language Cafe Learning Studio (for free for A1 students), which includes additional learning materials, activities, podcasts, and resources designed to support their progress outside the classroom.
All courses focus on European Portuguese, the variety spoken in Portugal.
Yes. We offer courses from A1 (Beginner) to B1+ (Upper Intermediate), and complete beginners are welcome.
Yes. Explanations can be provided in English whenever necessary, especially at beginner levels.
Classes take place in central Lisbon, with easy access by public transport.
speak@lisbonlanguagecafe.pt