Beginners Level: Spanish for Absolute Beginners

4.8 (603 reviews)

An adult woman over a yellow background

Master essential Spanish conversation skills through our logical, building-block approach that develops sentence-building abilities from day one. 

This ten-unit course covers core grammar (ser/estar, regular verbs, time expressions) and practical vocabulary, enabling you to introduce yourself, discuss preferences, and handle everyday situations with confidence. 

By completion, you'll speak basic Spanish with the solid grammatical foundation that distinguishes serious learners from casual app users.

đź”— Open textbook

Course Content

Lesson 1: Spanish basics: Alphabet, pronouns, and family vocabulary

In this class, you will learn the alphabet, the verbs ser and estar, definite and indefinite articles, and vocabulary related to family members in Spanish. You will start building very simple sentences using this material.

By the end of this first class, you'll construct basic Spanish sentences—your first step toward real conversation.

Lesson 2: Spanish basics: Adjectives, prepositions, and adverbs

In this class, you will learn common adjectives, prepositions, adverbs, conjunctions, and possessive adjectives. You'll also learn some basic words and expressions, numbers 1 through 5, and how to introduce yourself and ask questions in Spanish. We'll also explore how to talk about your favorite things.

Lesson 3: Spanish basics: Verbs tener, ir, and hacer

In this class, you'll learn how to conjugate and use the verbs tener (to have), ir (to go), and hacer (to do/make) in the present tense. You'll also learn some nouns related to time, the days of the week, and numbers 6 through 10. Lastly, we'll explore vocabulary for places (lugares) and prepositions like a (to), while practicing how to talk about going to places in Spanish.

Lesson 4: Spanish regular verbs ending in -ar

In this class, you'll learn vocabulary related to la casa (the house), practice using hay (there is/there are), and master the conjugation and use of regular Spanish verbs ending in -ar.

Lesson 5: Spanish regular verbs ending in -er and -ir

In this class, you'll learn regular verbs ending in -er and -ir and explore essential nouns that pair with these verbs. We'll cover key concepts like subjects and objects, the Spanish personal a, and the prepositions con (with) and sin (without). You'll also work with the adverbs mucho and poco, habit-related time expressions, and the basic use of the present tense. Finally, you'll refine your understanding of bueno, malo, bien, and mal.

Lesson 6: Body parts, numbers, age, and time

In this class, you'll learn how to identify and name las partes del cuerpo (body parts) in Spanish and master numbers from 0 to 100. You'll also practice saying your age and telling time.

Lesson 7: Spanish reflexive verbs

In this class, you'll learn how to talk about doing things at specific times in Spanish and dive into Spanish reflexive verbs, understanding how they work and when to use them in everyday conversations.

Lesson 8: Clothes, por & para, and the verb gustar

In this class, you'll learn vocabulary related to la ropa (clothes) and explore the prepositions por and para. We’ll cover the pronouns mí and ti and introduce the verb gustar (to please), so you can express likes and preferences.

Lesson 9: Present tense review

In this class, we'll review the present tense, covering basic irregular verbs, regular verbs ending in -ar, -er, and -ir, as well as numbers, basic vocabulary, reflexive verbs, and gustar. You'll also write a short essay about yourself, entirely in Spanish!

Lesson 10: Food & drinks

In this class, you'll learn vocabulary related to food and drinks, as well as how to order food at a restaurant. You’ll also review the present tense, including reflexive verbs and gustar.

A woman taking a Spanish class via Zoom

Reviews from our students

Susan E.
2025-12-15
I was hesitant to take classes online but have thrilled with the Berges classes. I moved to Madrid at 56 with zero Spanish. I appreciate that this program started at the very beginning and met me where I'm at. I feel supported and encouraged. I find them to be small and much more personal than I expected. I have taken classes with several different teaches and without exception, they are positive, organized and effective. I find the program clear and supportive. I especially like the corresponding workbooks and homework assignments. I plan to continue with the program as I see it as a great value.
Martha Hao
2025-12-14
The Beginners class is perfect! The classes are small-size, so it allows the teacher to focus on the students one-on-one. I like how there's enough homework in-between (it forces you to study), so that you're held accountable in reviewing the answers the next class. I highly recommend Gloria Alveal! She is very professional, knowledgeable, and patient. Whenever I reschedule a class, I always try to reschedule to another one of her classes!
Lehra Samadhi
2025-12-10
I originally skipped level 1 and started with level 2 because I already had the bacis down, but since the monthly membership allows me to take any class I want, whenever I want, I decide to try some level 1 classes for extra practice and thought they were great. I ended up learning something new in each class.
Patty Enright
2025-12-06
The program has been outstanding since my initial contact. The website and materials are clear and easy to navigate. The material/learnings move quickly and always reinforced with homework. the price is VERY attractive. The learning group size perfect. Convenient moveable classes (and greta video classes) From time to time the instructor may change but the training is similar so no break in continuity Salsa Bermudez is wonderful. Gloria is a breath of fresh air- smart and a great teacher too. Terrific balance of learning and speaking to reinforce the subject matter. 1000% recommend
Anonymous
2025-12-05
I enrolled in the Beginner's Class as someone who had somewhat of a foundation from my high school spanish classes. Taking the course has helped me not only relearn a lot of the material, but also learn new material in an organized and easy manner. My teacher was wonderful and taught the class in a very engaging manner. I plan on continuing to take more courses with Berges Institute in hopes of eventually becoming fluent in the language.
Anonymous
2025-12-04
As someone who grew up hearing Spanish in the household and "learning it formally" in high school, I continued to struggle with grasping the foundation and grammar. Monica Negron and the way she approached teaching level 1 was incredibly impactful. This approach really allowed me to understand and grasp concepts that I couldn't for years. The pace and class size is perfect and intentional and I look forward to continuing my studies in level two.
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