Progress metrics

A1–C2 — the international scale. Roughly: A2 ≈ 150–300 study hours, B1 ≈ 350–400, B2 ≈ 500–600, C1 ≈ 700–800. Check with free EF SET, Cambridge, Goethe tests.

Level isn't one number: reading usually runs half a level above speaking. Assess separately: reading/listening (tests), writing (tasks + feedback), speaking (record yourself / partner rating).

Active vocabulary: A2 ≈ 1000–1500, B1 ≈ 2500, B2 ≈ 4000–5000 words. Tests: TestYourVocab. Track new words weekly — 30–50 is a steady pace.

Instead of 'learn the language' — measurable goals: watch a show without subtitles, read a book, talk 15 min without pauses, write a letter without a translator. Log the achievement date.

Log weekly: hours, new words, what worked/failed. Hours are the best progress predictor: 5 h/week → B1 in ~1.5 years, 10 h → in a year.

B1–B2 — the known plateau: progress invisible for weeks. It's accumulation, not stagnation. Change format: new topics, live talk, harder texts — and measure quarterly, not weekly.