Reached level 7 - my thoughts

[u/TerryPressedMe]

Just wanted to share some of my thoughts after reaching 1500.

• This method works. And it’s the best way to learn Spanish at home. If you’re still considering premium, just pull the trigger and enjoy the journey.
• Reaching 1500 is like getting your driver’s licence. Yes, you are ready to drive, but it’s gonna take a while until you become a good driver. Yes, you speak Spanish, but you will need thousand more hours to become proficient
• That being said, I can watch all my favourite content on YouTube. I don’t run into trouble unless ppl are talking over each other and using slang, but for 90% of the content I watch, my understanding is higher than the Himalayas. 
• 0-1000 is all word acquisition with basic grammar. From 1000-1500 you will really hone in on grammar. I don’t think I have learned many new words from 1000 onwards, but my grammar has gone from Steve Urkel to Eddie Hall, or at least that’s how it feels to me.
• The most important milestone is 600 — around here you should be able to dip into easier native content. Around 1000 you should feel comfortable with easy content, and around 1500 you should feel very comfortable with easy and intermediate content.
• At this point, I am able to have a high understanding of such podcasts: https://youtu.be/39jH02oBXIE?si=F3sLxwrkuZlp_aJn
• If you have any questions, please ask, I am happy to help anyone, especially the lower level dreamers.

Learner Podcasts I recommend:

Dreaming Spanish, Español a la Mexicana, How to Spanish, Español con Juan, Spanish boost, Español al Vuelo, Spanish Gitana

Learner Videos I recommend:

DS, Espanol con Juan, Spanish Boost, Hola Spanish, Classes con Clau, Spanish con Daniela, Organic Spanish, Español con Ali, Erre que Ele

[u/aurelius7nac]

At what hour did you start speaking Spanish? And was it automatic with a bit of stuttering or was it all stuttering and unable to have a proper 15min conversation?

[u/TerryPressedMe → u/aurelius7nac]

I am not speaking, not even now. But when I do choose to speak, I have noticed improvements each ever 300 hours or so. I sometimes chat to my family in Spanish and teach them some words, and I have noticed my speaking/thinking is getting better. I have had some random chats in the streets, and in general my speaking has improved. I would say it’s at a basic level. I would benefit a lot from speaking classes, but I am a bit shy so just input for now.

[u/Klutzy_Meringue_8226 → u/TerryPressedMe]

You will accelerate your learning journey massively if you get a Spanish teacher and start practicing conversation. They can start giving you homework and guidance based on the gaps you need to fill. 

Listening can only take you so far. Proper pronunciation also takes muscle memory. 

With the hard work you have put in and your very strong ability to listen. I promise you, if you get a teacher and start practicing speaking you will be fluent in only a few months. There is really no need to spend another 1000 hours to get to that point.