Beginners Level: Spanish for Absolute Beginners

4.8 (756 reviews)
A Berges student

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.

  • 10 classes (90 min. each)
  • Via Zoom

Course Content

Class 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.

Class 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.

Class 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.

Class 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.

Class 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.

Class 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.

Class 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.

Class 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.

Class 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!

Class 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.

Dan Berges

Reviews from our students

Kelly M.
2026-09-15
Gloria is a great teacher! This is my second time around (only made it to class three last time), but Gloria is really good at motivating and never makes me feel silly for not knowing something straight away.
Barbara Schultz
2026-09-13
Gaston is an excellent teacher. He is patient and knowledgable. The course is comprehensive, thorough, and well organized Having the hard copy of the book makes homework easier. I’ve learned so much in just 6 classes! Highly recommend.
Renee Irlanda
2026-09-12
Great beginner’s course!
Ian Hosein
2026-09-12
Excellent course. Specifically: -Clear explanations -Repetition of ideas that can be confusing -Emphasis on participation Only issue I found was the class duration. Sitting for 1 1/2 h is too long . I think the homework sections can be shortened and the classes can be 1 1/4h. I find myself waiting for the end after 1h.
Hattie Taylor
2026-09-10
A lot of homework! However, the instructor is very patient. I have learned more from this Beginner's class than from any other beginner's class that I attempted.
Alison Thompson
2026-09-07
I have studied a little Spanish in the past and I found the level to be perfect for me. I found that using this method of study I am understanding more about how sentences are constructed and practising speaking each week. The tutors are great and the whole experience is very well organised.
Courtney Koczka
2026-09-06
I like the pace of the course, the content, the amount of homework, the challenges are adequate but not too difficult. Nelson doesn't waste time in the 1.5 hours and sticks to the content. I hope to take his course for level 2.
Jayanti Jha
2026-09-05
The beginner-level class at Berges Institute is very well planned and structured. It is here at Berges that I finally feel I have made real progress in understanding and using the language. The amount of homework can feel daunting at times, but I feel that the regular practice is a big part of why my Spanish has improved so much. I’m very happy with my experience at Berges Institute and would highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about learning Spanish.
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