What’s the fastest way to learn Spanish?
The fastest way to learn Spanish is to combine retrieval practice, daily immersion, and guided practice with a qualified instructor. Research shows that mixing practice types, receiving corrective feedback, and using real-life content immensely improves retention and fluency.
Tip💡: Berlitz learners can use these Spanish tips to accelerate progress by pairing these strategies with their personalized lessons. They help you build habits outside the classroom, while your Berlitz certified instructor provides structure, guidance, and real-time speaking practice during your lessons.
What is Retrieval Practice?
Retrieval practice is the process of actively recalling vocabulary, grammar, and phrases instead of passively rereading. It’s been proven to improve language retention by having learners identify what they already know and still need practice. Learners recall information from memory, without using other sources to assist them. This technique can be used as a simple daily warm-up or a more structured in-class activity, making it a versatile and effective tool for language learning.
"Research shows that 81% of studies on retrieval practice and testing-style learning report significant improvements in recall compared to passive study methods (Rowland, 2014; Agarwal et al., 2008)."
Learn Spanish Quickly Using Retrieval Practice
- Brain Dump What You Learned
On a sheet of paper or blank document, dump all the information you recall from a previous lesson. Try going as far back as you can in your lessons and see how much you really retained.
- Use Interactive Flashcards
Sort your flashcards into 3 piles: Mastery (you know these well), Practice (still learning), and Learn (need frequent review).
- Step 1: Go from Spanish → English, then English → Spanish. Practice both recognition and active recall.
- Step 2: Study a little each day (10 minutes), instead of cramming all at once.
- Step 3: Make it social! Have a friend or family member quiz you to make learning more fun!
- Create a Spanish Concept Map
Concept maps are visual tools that help learners organize Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and phrases by showing how ideas relate. Keywords or phrases go in circles or boxes, linked with connecting phrases like “is a type of,” “used for,” or “includes.”
- Example: Map verbs like “hablar” → “to speak” → “used in conversations → daily practice.”
- Two Things
Ask yourself these questions in Spanish to improve your grammar and understanding:
- Before you start a lesson: “What are two things you remember from the last lesson?”
- After your lesson: “What are two new Spanish words or phrases you learned today?”
- Teach Someone What You Learned
Teaching Spanish to another person strengthens your own learning, transforming passive knowledge into active communication. This makes the Spanish you learned stick faster and more effectively.