Table of Contents
MASTER PORTUGUESE in LISBON
Established in September 2014, our school is dedicated to offering Portuguese courses in Lisbon for foreigners. Join us at our language school situated in Santos, conveniently close to Cais do Sodré (just a 7-minute walk from Cais do Sodré Metro Station).
Learn Portuguese in Lisbon - Our METHODOLOGY
At Lisbon Language Café, we prioritize conversation as the cornerstone of our learning approach. We recognize that achieving fluency in Portuguese is unattainable without substantial practice in conversation. Consequently, whenever feasible, we structure our classes around meticulously organized and purposeful activities (conversation classes lacking clear objectives and organization prove ineffective). Nonetheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that, at the A1.1 level, our primary focus is on the grammar of the Portuguese language. Despite the undeniable importance of conversation, when students are beginning from scratch, it becomes essential to impart the fundamental aspects of the language to them.
Our LOCATION - In the Heart of Lisbon
Level A1 - Beginners
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INTENSIVE COURSE 3 x PER WEEK (3-week course) AND 5 x PER WEEK (2-week course)?
The course is the same! The same number of hours, the same grammar content, the same teaching strategy, and even the same teacher. The difference is that the intensive course 3 times per week gives students more time to consolidate their learning between classes. It’s important for students to self-assess before opting for one of these options to understand in which option they will be more successful. Our experience tells us that students who are studying a second language for the first time, who have not studied for many years, and who also have no knowledge of Spanish and/or Italian have more success in the 3 times per-week courses.
WITH US, YOU NEVER MISS A PORTUGUESE CLASS!
You never miss a class even if you have to be absent! Do you want to take our course but have to miss some classes? No problem, we have our A1 level classes recorded so you won’t miss any class or information. Click HERE to check a few lessons!
LEVEL A1 - ROADMAP
Level A1 can be challenging especially for students who have never learned a second language. The Portuguese teacher, besides teaching the Portuguese language, plays a fundamental role in guiding students in the teaching-learning process. Lisbon Language Café offers many didactic resources that students should use at home (podcasts, flashcards, games, spell activities, reading activities, among others) to help them in this process of learning the Portuguese language. It is important for students to know how to combine all these didactic resources, and therefore we have created the following ROADMAP.
UNIT 1 (in class) – Quizlet: 1 to 6 (homework)
UNIT 2 (in class) – Quizlet: 7 to 12 (homework)
UNIT 3 (in class) – Quizlet: 13 to18 (homework)
UNIT 4 (in class) – Quizlet: 19 to 24 (homework) + Podcasts: 1,2,3 (homework)
UNIT 5 (in class) – Quizlet: 25 to 30 (homework) + Podcasts: 4,5,6 (homework)
UNIT 6 (in class) – Podcasts: 7 to 11 (homework) + Text 1 (homework)
UNIT 7 (in class) – Podcasts: 12 to 15 (homework) + Text 2 (homework)
PORTUGUESE LEARNING STUDIO
All our students have FREE access to OUR LEARNING STUDIO
START NOW!!!
PORTUGUESE PRIVATE LESSONS
5 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(2 STUDENTS - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
LEVEL A1 - FAQ's
We will break down our response into two sections: (1) Teacher contact time and (2) Homework.
CONTACT TIME WITH THE TEACHER:
- Group classes: Around 30 hours are generally enough to grasp A1-level content in group settings.
- Individual classes: Typically, 15 to 20 hours of one-on-one instruction are needed.
HOMEWORK:
- Group classes: Besides the 30 hours with the teacher, an extra 15 to 20 hours of homework are necessary.
- Individual classes: Due to the shorter teacher contact time (15 to 20 hours), expect 20 to 30 hours of homework to complete this introductory Portuguese level.
In the initial A1 level, experiencing challenges with pronunciation is normal, and students shouldn’t be overly concerned. While we address pronunciation errors in class, we also acknowledge acceptable variations. Substantial improvement often comes from regular interaction with native Portuguese speakers. Fluent speaking skills typically become a primary focus from level B1 onwards, with less emphasis on pronunciation in A1 and A2 Portuguese classes.
As soon as students open a Portuguese language textbook, they may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available. In addition to teaching the language, the teacher must also serve as a guide and explain the essential elements for A1 level. Without an experienced teacher and proper guidance, students will have difficulty. Here are four crucial verbs for A1 level: the verbs “SER“, “TER“, “ESTAR“, and “IR“.
UNIT 1 – Simple present – Regular verbs ending in -Ar -Use of the verb TO BE in the present tense -Definite and indefinite articles – Alphabet – Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers – Question words – Prepositions + articles
UNIT 2 – Rules of agreement of the adjective in gender and number with the noun – Placing the adjective in the sentence – Regular verbs, -Er and -Ir
UNIT 3 – Rules of plural formation in nouns and adjectives – Use of reflexive pronoun conjugation (reflexive verbs) – Placement of reflexive pronouns in the sentence – Word category (names, verbs and adjectives)
UNIT 4 – Irregular verbs in the present tense -Days of the week, months and seasons – Movement prepositions – FUTURE tense (with adverbials of future tense) TO GO + infinitive – Future of the Worksheet Indicative – Determinants and possessive pronouns – Placing possessive determinants and pronouns in the sentence
UNIT 5 – Adjectives, degrees – Family relationships – Use of the simple perfect past tense – Regular verbs – Graphic changes
UNIT 6 – Variable demonstrative determinants and pronouns – Placement of variable determinants and demonstrative pronouns in the sentence -Verb Haver – Time expressions
UNIT 7 – Adverbials of place -Formulas for description of physical state – Simple past
Level A2
A2 LEVEL IN PORTUGUESE – PREPARATION COURSE
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS COURSE?
This preparation course for entry into level A2 is intended for students who have completed level A1 but still do not feel comfortable enough to start the A2 course. The A2 level at Lisbon Language Café primarily focuses on conversation. In order for students to succeed in our A2 level, it is important that they feel comfortable with the A1 level content and that their listening comprehension skills are reasonable (or good). The course lasts for 18 hours. The first 3-5 hours of the course are dedicated to reviewing and clarifying the most challenging grammatical content of level A1. The following 13-15 hours are dedicated to activities of comprehension and oral expression. Precisely the type of activities that students can expect in A2 level courses at Lisbon Language Café. In case of doubt, we suggest that students take a trial class (20€).
LEVEL A2 – UPCOMING COURSES
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT LEVEL A2 AT THE LISBON LANGUAGE CAFÉ?
At the A2 level, students can anticipate a course that emphasizes 80% speaking and 20% grammar. Much of the grammar instruction will occur outside of the classroom through homework activities reinforcing key concepts. This approach allows for more class time dedicated to practicing conversation. To effectively practice Portuguese conversation, it’s essential to work in small groups, which is why we limit each group to no more than 6 students.
At the beginning of the A2 level, students may not be able to hold a fluent conversation with a native speaker. However, they can engage in conversation with a skilled teacher through activities specifically designed for A2.1 level students. Our A2 level course prioritizes conversation, and by the end of this level, students will have developed the confidence and fluency to engage in one-on-one conversations in Portuguese. The course spans 30 hours, but due to the training’s nature, we expect students to dedicate an additional 30 hours to independent study at home to reinforce grammar concepts. On average, a total of 60 hours is sufficient to learn and solidify the A2 level.
LEVEL A2 - ROADMAP
Our classes at level A2 are essentially conversation classes because we know that these activities of comprehension and oral expression will allow students to consolidate the content learned during levels A1 and A2. The grammar of level A2 is introduced by the teacher in class, but it is the student who studies and completes the learning and consolidation activities of these contents at home. This strategy allows us to have more time in class for more conversation. However, this strategy also means that students at home have more homework to do. Lisbon Language Café offers many didactic resources that students should use at home (podcasts, flashcards, games, spell activities, reading activities, among others) to help them in this process of learning the Portuguese language. It is important for students to know how to combine all these didactic resources, and therefore we have created the following ROADMAP for A2 level students.
UNIT 1 (in class) – Quizlet: 1 to 3 (homework) | Podcasts: 1, 2 (homework)
UNIT 2 (in class) – Quizlet: 4, 5 (homework) | Podcasts: 3,4 (homework)| Text: 1 (homework)
UNIT 3 (in class) – Quizlet: 6,7 (homework) | Podcasts: 5,6 (homework)
UNIT 4 (in class) – Quizlet: 8,9 (homework) | Podcasts: 7 (homework) | Text: 2 (homework)
UNIT 5 (in class) – Quizlet: 10,11 (homework) | Podcasts: 8 (homework)
UNIT 6 (in class) – Quizlet: 12,13 (homework) Podcasts: 9 (homework) | Text 3 (homework)
UNIT 7 (in class) – Quizlet: 14 to 16 (homework) | Podcasts: 10 (homework)
UNIT 8 (in class) – Quizlet: 17 to 19 (homework) | Podcasts: 11 (homework)| Text: 4 (homework)
UNIT 9 (in class) – Quizlet: 20 to 22 (homework) | Podcasts: 12 (homework)
UNIT 10 (in class) – Quizlet: 23 to 25 (homework) | Podcasts: 13 (homework)| Text: 5 (homework)
UNIT 11 (in class) – Quizlet: 26 to 28 (homework) | Podcasts: 14 (homework)
UNIT 12 (in class) – Quizlet: 29,30 (homework) | Podcasts: 15 (homework)| Text: 6 (homework)
CONVERSATION LESSONS FOR LEVEL A2
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS COURSE?
This is a conversation course designed and structured for students who have completed level A2 but still do not feel comfortable progressing to level B1. In this course, above all, we focus on conversations using the grammatical structures of levels A1 and A2. Grammatical reviews are conducted as issues arise during the conversations. In other words, we will not have grammar lessons because the students participating in this course have already learned grammar in their previous courses. In this course, our focus is on improving oral comprehension and expression skills, as well as consolidating previously learned grammatical structures
PORTUGUESE LEARNING STUDIO
All our students have FREE access to OUR LEARNING STUDIO
START NOW!!!
PORTUGUESE PRIVATE LESSONS
5 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(2 STUDENTS - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
PORTUGUESE TRIAL LESSON: 19,99€
LEVEL A2 - FAQ's
Students who complete a level A1 course with the Lisbon Language Café receive feedback on their skills and the next steps they need to improve. Students who come to the Lisbon Language Café from another language school may have very different experiences. We suggest a trial lesson (€20) to assess grammar, listening, and speaking skills.
To enroll in our A2 level courses, it is important for students to be comfortable with the following verb tenses: Present, Future (Ir + Infinitive), and Preterite Perfect (regular verbs + IR, TER, SER, ESTAR verbs).
It is also important for oral comprehension skills to be in line with the A2 level. Our A1-level podcasts are essential for improving these skills.
Homework is crucial! Our students have three types of homework:
1-Review and finish activities in the textbook
2-Listen to our A2-level podcasts
3-Reinforce skills through our A2 level QUIZLET platform
The conversation activities during class provide students with the chance to apply all the skills they have consolidated at home.
In our opinion, the essential elements to be improved at level A2 are the improvement of listening comprehension and oral expression.
At the end of level A2, students should be able to communicate effectively in one-on-one conversations. However, it is important to note that A2-level students are not yet fluent and have just completed the introductory level. In group conversations with native speakers, such as in a cafe or restaurant, with background noise, students may still experience difficulties in communication.
At the end of level A2, it is essential that students begin to regularly communicate with Portuguese natives. Without continuous exposure to the Portuguese language, it is difficult to improve and consolidate the many grammar structures learned during the first two levels (A1 and A2).
PORTUGUESE, LEVEL A2 – PROGRAMME OF STUDIES
UNIT 1 – Verbs with vowel alternation, Oblique Personal Pronouns (tonics)
UNIT 2 – Imperative, Use of the analytical and synthetic absolute superlative »Use of the relative superlative of superiority and inferiority »Rules for the use of time prepositions
UNIT 3 – Past imperfect
UNIT 4 – Conditional, direct and indirect complement pronouns
UNIT 5 – Verb “Haver de + Infinitive “, Indefinite Pronouns, Personal infinitive, Impersonal Infinitive, Word formation (prefixing rules)
UNIT 6 – Passive particle “SE”, Past participles
Level B1
WHAT TO EXPECT AT LEVEL B1 AT THE LISBON LANGUAGE CAFÉ?
Our B1-level classes focus on structured conversations with well-defined goals. While speaking in Portuguese is important for skill reinforcement, it’s crucial to ensure that the conversation is planned and structured and that grammatical objectives are clearly set by the teacher. Typically, 80-90% of class time is devoted to structured conversation activities, while the remaining 10-20% is used to address grammar concerns or questions. Merely engaging in Portuguese conversation without clear goals is not enough.
To acquire and solidify knowledge at the B1 level, students will participate in conversation classes with carefully selected activities and clearly defined grammatical goals. During these conversations in Portuguese, the teacher will guide students toward the correct grammatical structures. The grammatical concepts are studied at home and their solidification and clarification are completed during class time. This approach allows for more time to engage in conversation during class.
CONVERSATION LESSONS
B1 level conversation course is intended for students who have completed level B1 and who intend to consolidate everything they have learned. As the name suggests, these are conversation classes designed and structured with the grammatical structures of the first three levels (A1, A2, and B1). The grammar is reviewed and consolidated as the conversations progress and doubts arise.
PORTUGUESE LEARNING STUDIO
All our students have FREE access to OUR LEARNING STUDIO
START NOW!!!
PORTUGUESE PRIVATE LESSONS
5 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(2 STUDENTS - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
PORTUGUESE TRIAL LESSON: 19,99€
LEVEL B1 - FAQ's
It’s challenging to accurately estimate the number of hours needed to reach B1 proficiency. It varies greatly based on each student’s abilities and aptitudes. However, as a rough approximation, it usually takes about 80 hours to acquire and solidify B1-level knowledge in Portuguese.
Yes, completing homework is essential for solidifying proficiency at the B1 level in Portuguese. The grammatical concepts covered at this level are initially studied at home and then further clarified during class. From this level on, it is also essential for students to regularly speak with native speakers. Only through consistent exposure to the language will students be able to consolidate the grammatical structures and conjunctions learned during levels A1 and A2. These conversation activities with native speakers should be considered an integral part of the B1-level students’ homework.
At the end of level B1, students have the ability to converse with natives in one-to-one situations comfortably. However, if speaking with someone with a strong Portuguese accent or someone who speaks very fast, difficulties may still be encountered.
It is important to note, however, that in group conversations, students will still experience difficulties in actively and comfortably participating in the conversation. A group conversation in a restaurant with a group of Portuguese speakers is a challenge that only B2-C1 level students will be able to successfully tackle. Be patient, learning Portuguese (or any other language) takes time.
PORTUGUESE, LEVEL B1 – PROGRAMME OF STUDIES
- UNIT 1: A. Simple past-perfect past tense (pmqps) B. Past tense more than perfect Composite of the indicative (pmqpc) C. Passive voice [action (verb to be) and state (verb to be)]
- UNIT 2: A. Present perfect compound (PPC) B. Placement of Pronouns in compound tenses
- UNIT 3: A. Indicative and subjunctive B. Formation of the Present in the subjunctive (Expression of the concession)
- UNIT 4: A. Subjunctive Present (time expression and Condition expression) B. Prepositions
- UNIT 5: A. Subjunctive Present (concessive alternation and hypothetical eventuality) B. Portuguese Proverbs
- UNIT 6: A. Indicative mode vs Subjunctive mode B. Personal infinitive or subjunctive C. Verbs with prepositions
- UNIT 7: A. Future of subjunctive B. Direct speech / Indirect speech
- UNIT 8: A. Imperfect subjunctive Present vs Imperfect subjunctive
Level B2
PORTUGUESE PRIVATE LESSONS
5 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(1 STUDENT - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
10 HOURS PACKAGE
(2 STUDENTS - 60 minutes)-
Includes BOOK
-
Includes FREE access to our PODCASTS platform
-
Includes FREE access to our E-LEARNING PLATFORM
PORTUGUESE TRIAL LESSON: 19,99€
TERMS, CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Terms and conditions (intensive and extensive courses): A course is always guaranteed even if it doesn’t have a minimum number of students, however, the number of hours may be reduced. In the event that an intensive course runs with lesson than 2 students, Lisbon Language Café offers 2 daily hours (120 minutes) instead of three. The price will always remain the same.
CANCELLATION POLICY (Intensive / Extensive / Progressive / Private course): more than 20 days prior notice – 70% refund | Less than 20 days – 50% refund | Less than 7 days or during the course – NO refund
Learning Portuguese – Top Tips
Are you considering relocating to a region or country where Portuguese is spoken? If so, you likely need to acquire proficiency in this beautiful language! Touristic areas in Lisbon often have a significant number of English speakers. However, the scenario in Portuguese towns and villages is markedly different. In these places, it’s crucial to be able to communicate in Portuguese; otherwise, people may not understand you. To master Portuguese, you need to initiate the learning process. Remember that achieving an effective level of proficiency will require several months of dedicated practice.
YOU CAN’T EXPECT PERFECTION! – Achieving perfection in a new language takes time, typically three, four, or even more years of consistent practice. Throughout this journey, you’ll inevitably make thousands of mistakes, but it’s an unavoidable part of the path to fluency.
PRACTICE LITTLE BUT OFTEN – (as often as possible)! You may initially begin your learning journey by dedicating several hours each week to studying the language. However, this approach is typically ineffective as it’s challenging to retain information over the long term. Instead, consider spending 30 to 45 minutes per day studying Portuguese. Explore our LEARNING STUDIO for a routine that will help solidify the language more effectively in your memory.
FIND A PARTNER – If you’ve chosen to use language learning software for Portuguese, you may grasp the principles of the language. However, this approach might not adequately prepare you for fluent conversation, which demands a strong foundation and comprehension of the language. Consider practicing Portuguese with a language partner; frequent practice can lead to surprising progress.
LISTENING – If you’re an intermediate Portuguese student (B1 or B2), it’s crucial to actively listen to others speaking Portuguese. This can be as straightforward as tuning your TV or radio to a Portuguese channel, and you can even try using Portuguese subtitles. The language used in TV and radio programs reflects the everyday words and expressions used by Portuguese speakers.
WRITE IN PORTUGUESE – Engaging in writing exercises in Portuguese is a valuable learning activity. It provides an opportunity to solidify a multitude of words and grammatical structures. Aim to incorporate various tenses into your Portuguese writing, such as the simple present, simple past, future, imperative, and other verb tenses. Seek feedback from your teacher to have your texts corrected. Analyze and revise the information, but remember not to expect perfection. Practice patience and tolerance with yourself throughout the learning process.
READ IN PORTUGUESE – If you are an A1, A2, or B1 student, avoid attempting to read a Portuguese novel. Instead, invest your time in reading texts that align with your current level of proficiency. Once you reach B2 (or C1), you are prepared to explore a wide range of materials in Portuguese, including newspapers, magazines, and books. Maintaining regular contact with the language is the key tip we can offer you!