UNSER EXPERTE

Geschrieben von

Brenda.L

After completing her higher education, Brenda joined AnchorLess in 2023. She is an expert on relocation issues in Europe.

WHY YOU CAN TRUST ANCHORLESS

+10,000

Expats guided

1020

reviews noted 4.9/5

Table of contents

Understand the Portuguese basics
How to start learning Portuguese as an expat?
How to improve my Portuguese as an expat?
How to learn locally as an expat in Portugal?
What are the best tools to expand my Portuguese?
Should you use Duolingo to learn Portuguese?
CIPLE exam: citizenship essential
What are the expats' tips for practicing Portuguese?
Can I live with only English in Portugal?
Ohne Limit nach Portugal ziehen 🇵🇹

Learn

Portuguese

14/10/2025

Learn Portuguese from Portugal: Expat Guide

So, you decided to move to Portugal. You’re successfully navigating the visa research, the apartment hunt, and the cultural grasp of what you'll live with. But as you start considering (or living) life in Portugal, a common reason for worry comes to mind often: "the sound," that rapid, melodic, and utterly impenetrable stream of speech that is European Portuguese.

If you're feeling a mix of excitement and sheer terror, you're in the right place. We’ve all been there. Every expat has. This guide is the one that you need to drop the Brazilian Portuguese resources you may have found and ditch Duolingo and 'O menino bebe leite.'

It's time to learn the Portuguese from Portugal, the European Portuguese, as an expat. Let's go!

Understand the Portuguese basics

Before you touch a single app, you must internalize this core truth: for the purpose of living in Portugal, European Portuguese (EP) is its language. The #1 mistake new expats make, and a constant warning on every forum, is starting with Brazilian Portuguese (BP) resources. They are not interchangeable. Doing so will actively confuse your ear and slow your progress.

Can you use Brazilian Portuguese resources as an expat?

Of course! And Portuguese nationals will understand you. The sheer amount of Brazilians residing in Portugal is a testament to that. But there are minor differences that can make a relevant difference for a non-Portuguese speaker, and expats, in general, highlight the need to learn the EU version rather than the Brazilian one.

European v. Brazilian: it's not 'harder,' it's just different

The primary reason EP sounds so fast is its phonetics. Mastering this is your first and most important challenge.

The Case of the Disappearing Vowels: This is the defining feature of EP. Unstressed vowels are often swallowed or reduced to a neutral 'uh' sound (a schwa).
- The word felicidade (happiness) isn't "fe-li-ci-da-de," it's closer to "f'lic'dad'."
- Telefone isn't "tele-fo-ne," it's "t'lefón'."
The 'Sh' is Your Secret Weapon: The letter 's' at the end of a word or before a voiceless consonant (like 't' or 'p') almost always makes a "sh" sound.
- Os teus amigos (your friends) sounds like "Ush teush amigush."
The Two 'R's: The 'r' sound changes. A single 'r' between vowels is a soft, tapped sound (like the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of "butter"). A double 'rr' or an 'r' at the beginning of a word is a stronger, guttural sound from the back of the throat.

Vocabulary Differences

Using the right vocabulary makes daily life infinitely smoother (and that’s why you should focus on EP). Here's a quick-reference table of common pitfalls, compiled from countless "EP vs BP" threads.

In Portugal, Say This (EP)	Instead of This (BP)	Meaning
Pequeno-almoço	Café da manhã	Breakfast
Comboio	Trem	Train
Telemóvel	Celular	Mobile Phone
Autocarro	Ônibus	Bus
Fato de banho	Maiô / Sunga	Bathing Suit
Fixe	Legal	Cool
Casa de banho	Banheiro	Bathroom
Sumo	Suco	Juice
Ecrã	Tela	Screen (TV, computer)
Bairro	Vizinhança	Neighborhood

'Tu' vs. 'Você' vs. 'O Senhor/A Senhora'

This is a social minefield. The community consensus provides a clear and safe path:

Default (Most Formal & Safest): O Senhor / A Senhora. Use this for officials, shopkeepers, doctors, elderly people, and anyone you don't know. It is the standard polite address.
Casual (Friends & Peers): Tu. Use this with people your age, children, and once a clear friendly dynamic has been established.
The Grey Area (Avoid for now): Você. While it means "you," its usage in Portugal is complex. Depending on the region and tone, it can sound overly familiar, impersonal, or even rude. As a beginner, you can live a perfectly happy life by avoiding it entirely.

How to start learning Portuguese as an expat?

Forget fluency. Your goal to start learning is communication and confidence. This task requires a focused toolkit. Expats who succeed consistently rely on a "Holy Trinity" of resources.

Your Portuguese learning kit to start

For a Structured Path: Practice Portuguese

Why it's #1: This is the most-recommended resource across every single expat forum for one reason: it's made by people in Portugal for learning European Portuguese.
What to Do: Complete one lesson and one "Shorty" (a short, natural dialogue) every day. Listen to the audio, then read the transcript. Don't worry if you only understand 30% at first. You are training your ear.

For Your Ears and Mouth: Pimsleur European Portuguese

Why it's Essential: Pimsleur is an audio-based course that bypasses reading and writing to force you to listen and speak from the very first lesson. It is phenomenal for drilling pronunciation and building foundational conversational phrases.
What to Do: Complete one 30-minute lesson on your commute, while walking the dog, or while doing dishes. Repeat everything out loud, even if you feel silly.

For Real-World Confidence: iTalki

Why it's Non-Negotiable: You cannot learn to speak by yourself. A live tutor provides instant feedback, corrects your pronunciation, and removes the fear of speaking.
What to Do: Go to iTalki, filter for "Portuguese (European)," and find a Community Tutor (more affordable for conversation practice). Book two 30-minute sessions per week. Your first session script: "Olá, estou a aprender português. O meu nível é zero. Por favor, fale devagar." (Hello, I'm learning Portuguese. My level is zero. Please speak slowly).

How to improve my Portuguese as an expat?

As you feel confident as you start to learn, and asking for a coffee at your local 'pastelaria' is not that hard anymore, it seems like you’re starting to recognize words. Now, your goal is to understand why sentences are built the way they are. This step is the grammar-building phase, where you construct the scaffolding for future fluency.

Your Portuguese learning kit to build

Time to add tools that explain the logic and structure of the language.

For a Structured Learning Path: Practice Portuguese (Lessons)

Why it Works Here: You’ve been listening to their "Shorties"; now it's time to dive into their Lessons. They break down grammar concepts in a clear, logical way that is directly tied to the dialogues you’ve been hearing. It connects the "what" with the "why."
How to Use It: Complete 3-4 full lessons per week, including the grammar explanations and exercises.

For Demystifying Tricky Concepts: Portuguese Lab

Why it Works Here: When you inevitably get stuck on the difference between ser and estar, or the dreaded subjunctive mood, Portuguese Lab is your best friend. Their YouTube channel and website are consistently praised on forums for offering the clearest, most concise explanations for specific EP grammar learners.
How to Use It: Use it as a reference. When a concept from Practice Portuguese doesn't click, search for it on Portuguese Lab.
Its Role: Think of Portuguese Lab as your friendly grammar professor. It's the community's go-to for demystifying complex topics.

For a Full Grammar Construction: Gramática Ativa

Why it Works Here: For many, learning grammar requires doing exercises. Gramática Ativa is the most-recommended physical workbook. It presents a concept on one page and provides targeted exercises on the next. It’s a fantastic, screen-free way to solidify your understanding.
How to Use It: After learning a concept, complete the corresponding exercises in the book.
Its Role: For those who learn by doing, Gramática Ativa (published by Lidel) is the go-to. Start with Volume 1.

How to learn locally as an expat in Portugal?

You have your tools. You're practicing daily. The final, most crucial step is to weave the language into your life in Portugal. This is how you move from being a student to being a resident who speaks Portuguese.

Local learning and practicing

This is the "golden ticket" that so many expats share in local Facebook groups. Your most valuable resource is often just around the corner.

Português Língua de Acolhimento (PLA) / Português para Estrangeiros

What It Is: These are Portuguese language courses for foreigners, often free or heavily subsidized by the Portuguese government.
Where to Find Them:
1. Your Local Junta de Freguesia or Câmara Municipal (Parish/City Hall): Walk in and ask.
2. IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional): The national employment and training centers.
3. Centros Qualifica: Adult education and training centers.
Why it's Ideal: Not only do you get structured, in-person classes, but you immediately connect with a community of other people in the exact same boat. This is invaluable for both learning and moral support.

University and Private Language Schools

For those seeking a more intensive or academic route, most major universities (like the University of Lisbon or Coimbra) offer excellent, structured courses for foreigners. Private schools like the Camões Institute also set a high standard for language learning.

What are the best tools to expand my Portuguese?

This is where you start layering specialist tools to tackle specific challenges like grammar, vocabulary, and listening comprehension.

Memrise and Drops

Their Role: These apps are excellent for targeted vocabulary building.

Achte darauf, wo du deinen Termin vereinbarst:

You MUST ensure you are on a European Portuguese course. Both platforms have them, but they may not be the default. Dig into the settings and find them. They are perfect for 5-10 minute drills while waiting in line or on the bus.

Anki

Its Role: Anki is a powerful, no-frills flashcard app that uses a Spaced Repetition System (SRS). This is the most efficient way to memorize vocabulary long-term. You can create your own decks with words you encounter in your iTalki sessions or while reading, making your learning highly personalized.

Tandem and HelloTalk

Their Role: They allow you to find native EP speakers who want to learn English. It’s a free, low-pressure way to practice texting and speaking. Find a partner and commit to 15 minutes of Portuguese conversation in exchange for 15 minutes of English.

Tune your ear with podcasts and YouTube

This is how you bridge the gap between textbook Portuguese and how people actually speak.

Essential YouTube Channels

Talk The Streets: Highly praised for its focus on listening skills. The host provides brilliant strategies for understanding fast, connected speech—exactly what new expats struggle with.
Portuguese with Carla: Offers a wealth of free lessons, often with a cultural context that is invaluable for newcomers trying to understand life in Portugal.

Essential Podcasts

Practice Portuguese Podcast: The same team as the app. They have episodes for all levels, featuring natural conversations about life in Portugal.
Portuguese Lab Podcast: A great audio companion to their grammar lessons, reinforcing concepts while you're on the go.
Say it in Portuguese: Focuses on bite-sized, practical phrases and expressions you can use in daily life.

Should you use Duolingo to learn Portuguese?

Let's be unequivocally clear, as this question appears daily on forums and groups: Can you use Duolingo to learn European Portuguese?

The community verdict is a near-unanimous NO.

Duolingo teaches Brazilian Portuguese. The accent, vocabulary, and grammar (like the common use of "você" and different verb conjugations) will actively confuse you and build bad habits that you will later have to unlearn.

You Can Cheat: If you are an absolute, complete beginner and want to use it for 1-2 weeks only to learn some very basic vocabulary (like 'man', 'woman', 'apple') before you get your proper EP resources set up, it is minimally harmful. But you must drop it as soon as you start with Practice Portuguese or Pimsleur. Do not trust its pronunciation.

CIPLE exam: citizenship essential

If you plan on staying in Portugal long-term, you will likely encounter the CIPLE A2 exam.

What It Is: The CIPLE (A2) is the basic language proficiency certificate required for applications for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.
Realistic Timeline: With consistent study using the tools mentioned in this guide, most expats find they can comfortably pass the CIPLE within 6 to 12 months.
How to Prepare: The tools you are already using are your best preparation. Practice Portuguese has sections that specifically mimic the exam format, and regular practice with an iTalki tutor is the best way to prepare for the oral component.

What are the expats' tips for practicing Portuguese?

Rewiring your brain with the shadow method

This technique is frequently mentioned by advanced learners. Here's how to do it:

Pick a short audio clip (15-30 seconds) of a native speaker from a podcast or dialogue.
Listen to it 2-3 times.
Play it again, and this time, speak along with the audio, trying to match the speaker's rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation exactly.
Do this for 5 minutes every day. It feels strange, but it is incredibly effective for improving your accent and flow.

Consuming native Portuguese media

TV & Streaming: Watch Portuguese shows on RTP Play (the national broadcaster's free streaming service). Start with Portuguese subtitles on. This connects the written word to the "swallowed" sounds you're hearing.
Radio: Put on a talk radio station like Antena 1 while you cook or clean. You won't understand most of it at first, but your brain will be absorbing the rhythm and cadence of the language.
Reading: Start small. Read supermarket flyers, children's books, or the headlines on the front of a newspaper.

Can I live with only English in Portugal?

Yes, you can!

Especially if you are in larger areas, most Portuguese people know how to speak in English, Portugal ranks very high in English speakers.

Key Takeaways

Learning the language of your new home is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days of frustration and days of exhilarating victory when you successfully navigate a phone call with your internet provider.

The universal truth echoed in every corner of the expat community is this: consistency beats intensity. Twenty minutes every single day is infinitely more effective than a three-hour cram session once a week. Be patient with yourself, embrace the awkwardness, and remember that every Portuguese person you speak to appreciates your effort more than you know.

You're not just learning a language; you're unlocking the heart of your new home. Força!

Share this article

Join a community of 10,000+ expats

Get the weekly tips, success stories, and step-by-step guides we share with our members to make their move a success.

I love AnchorLess! They have been fantastic for my move to Portugal with the NIF, checking account, lawyer and tax consultation. I will be happy with when this process is over, but at least the journey has been smoother with them.

Lisa D

From South Africa

Guilherme was the best! I had so many questions and moving parts and he was responsive, always professional, and went above and beyond to help me with everything! He is a PRO!!!!

Debra Savage

From The United States

Weitere Artikel, die unsere Leser angesehen haben

Hausratversicherung Portugal Expats

21/11/2024

Hausratversicherung in Portugal für Expats

Entdecken Sie wichtige Tipps zur Hausversicherung in Portugal für Expats. Sicherstellen Sie die Abde...

Brenda

Content Manager

Digital Nomad Communities

Algarve

25/10/2024

Digital Nomad Communities in the Algarve

Entdecke blühende Digital Nomad Communities an der Algarve, wo Arbeit auf Abenteuer trifft. Mach heu...

Brenda

Content Manager

Mehr als ein Blog, ein Ökosystem

Webinar-Zentrum

Nimm an unseren kostenlosen Webinaren teil und erhalte konkrete Antworten auf deine dringendsten Fragen zum Umzug

Community

Knüpfe Kontakte mit Tausenden von aktuellen und zukünftigen Expats. Du bist auf dieser Reise nicht allein.

Partner

Versicherung, Unterkunft: Wir haben die besten Anbieter handverlesen und geprüft, damit du es nicht tun musst.

Ohne Limit nach Portugal ziehen 🇵🇹

Verwandeln Sie Umzugsstress in Erfolg mit AnchorLess.

Der Umzug nach Portugal leicht gemacht.

Buche meine Einwanderungsberatung

Sprechen Sie kostenlos mit uns

4,9/5 Ausgezeichnet

AnchorLess ist keine Bank, kein Buchhaltungs-, Steuer-, Anlage- oder Rechtsberater. Wir fungieren als Vermittler und erleichtern Ihnen den Zugang zu akkreditierten Finanz- und Rechtsexperten für Ihre Umsiedlung in Europa.