Skip to main content

Beginners level: Spanish for absolute beginners

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.

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

carole Rose
November 10, 2026
I have completed 6 weeks so far and if i am honest, as a complete beginner I thought initially i wouldn't keep up. I didn't find it easy but I am a mature student ! However, here i am at week 6 and although i am still getting a lot wrong I am also getting a lot right ! I still do not think I pronounce correctly although that will come with practice, i will definitely need more than 10 weeks or a long holiday to Espanol !!! Saying that i have enjoyed it, definitely used my brain and feel i can understand much more than when i started
Lorraine Long
November 10, 2026
Beginners level - methodical and easy approach to lessons. Each week builds on what has been taught so far.
NANCY Proctor
November 10, 2026
I feel the overall experience was a very positive one. I enjoyed working with others in an attempt to learn a new language. I felt the instructor was very knowledgeable and worked well with the students. He made the experience very interactive. The only only concern that I have is this learning is very fast paced. I am not sure I would consider it a beginners class as I feel you must have some knowledge of the language when taking this class.
paula edwards
November 9, 2026
This has been a really good course. Nelson is a very good teacher, he explains really well and has made the lesson enjoyable. The environment is very supportive during the class but also challenging enough to keep you learning. The resources out of the class are good but I feel some of the videos vary in quality. Some need updating I would say.
Sana O.
November 9, 2026
The beginning level classes are fun and informative. I have Profe.Gloria as my primary instructor. She is amazing! I also had Profe Laura for a make up class and she was wonderful! I feel like I've learnt so much in the span of only few weeks. I highly recommend Berges Institute for anyone who is interested in learning Spanish while maintaining flexibility of work- life balance :)
Sonia Wright
November 7, 2026
I feel that the course materials are "rushed" every week. No real review of homework; no time to learn massive amounts of vocabulary; class is pretty much self teaching.
Bill Bradford
November 5, 2026
My instructor, María Aguilar, is fantastic. She is patient, informative and encouraging.
Jennifer Washington
November 4, 2026
I am so glad that I randomly found Berges Institute when I was searching for an online class to take. I am about half way through the Beginner's course and I love it! My instructor is Marco, and I feel like I am learning so much. I didn't really know what to expect, but it is a legit class with student/professor interaction, with homework, etc. Get ready to learn! I strongly recommend it!
View all