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How Long Does It Take to Learn Russian? (How Long to Learn — Timeline)
How long does it take to learn Russian—and how long to learn Russian to conversational (B1)? Months per level (A1–C2), total study hours & what speeds you up. 2026 guide.
Quick answer: How long to learn Russian depends on your goal: with ~1 hour/day, many learners reach A1 in ~3–4 months and comfortable conversation around B1 in ~12–18 months. Advanced (C1–C2) is often 3–4+ years. Tables below spell out hours and levels.
How long does it take to learn Russian? It's one of the first questions beginners ask. The short answer: about 12–18 months to reach a solid conversational level (B1) with consistent daily practice. This guide breaks down how long to learn Russian by level, how many hours you need, and what affects your speed.
For a full learning plan, see our complete guide to learning Russian and the best way to learn Russian for your goals.
How Long to Learn Russian: By Level
These timelines assume about 1 hour of study per day. More hours per day = faster progress.
Bottom line: Reaching a level where you can comfortably chat and handle everyday situations usually takes about 12–18 months with 1–2 hours of study per day. To go faster, see how to learn Russian fast.
What Affects How Long It Takes to Learn Russian?
- Hours per day: 2 hours daily gets you there much faster than 30 minutes.
- Your native language: Speakers of other Slavic languages often progress faster.
- Methods: Structured courses + speaking practice usually beat passive study.
- Goals: Travel phrases take weeks; fluency takes years.
- Consistency: Regular daily study beats cramming.
How Many Hours to Learn Russian?
Rough estimates (total hours of study + practice):
- A1: ~100–150 hours
- B1: ~400–500 hours
- B2: ~600–750 hours
- C1: 1000+ hours
At 1 hour per day, 500 hours ≈ 16–18 months. At 2 hours per day, you can reach B1 in about 8–10 months.
Ready to start? Check our complete guide and best way to learn Russian, then join BeFluent to stay on track.
