As a former Greek language learner myself, I firmly believe it very much depends on your understanding of how languages work and your dedication to a particular language. Although many would argue Greek is hard to learn, I found it much easier than for example German, which on the official scale of language difficulty does not rank as a hard to learn as perhaps Greek does.
And this is for one particular reason which I believe will apply to everyone:
The fundamental factor in determining how hard a language is to learn is your motivation and determination to learn it.
I had this determination and passion for Greek, which I did not have for German. Which is why, today, I am on a near native level in Greek and still can not converse in German. (Just to clarify – I have dedicated about the same amount of time to both)
So, to sum up my thoughts here – I would not worry about where Greek stands on the scale of difficulty. I would only worry whether I am motivated, committed and determined enough to go ahead and learn it.
If you really want to explore the scale – I would say Greek sits somewhere between 7–8 (for an english speaker).
Motivation is essential when learning Greek, as it helps you overcome the challenges of a new alphabet, pronunciation rules, and complex grammar. Here’s why motivation matters and how it impacts your learning journey:
1. Sustains Long-Term Commitment
- Greek is not the easiest language for English speakers, so consistent motivation keeps you committed over time. Whether it’s traveling to Greece, connecting with Greek culture, or learning for personal growth, a strong “why” helps you stay focused through inevitable difficulties.
2. Makes Practice Enjoyable
- Motivation transforms daily practice into something enjoyable. If you’re motivated by an interest in Greek music, history, or culture, for example, you’re more likely to find learning fun and immerse yourself in activities like listening to Greek songs or watching Greek films, which reinforce language skills naturally.
3. Increases Persistence and Resilience
- Motivation provides the mental resilience to push through tricky grammar or pronunciation. When learning stalls, remembering why you started can help you keep going, even on tough days when progress feels slow.
4. Improves Retention and Engagement
- Motivation drives active engagement with the material, which improves comprehension and memory. The more you enjoy and relate to what you’re learning, the more likely you are to retain vocabulary, phrases, and rules.
5. Encourages Creative Practice
- Highly motivated learners tend to find creative ways to practice, like seeking out conversation partners, reading Greek news, or trying Greek recipes with instructions in Greek. These activities make the learning experience richer and more practical.
To maintain motivation, it helps to set achievable goals and connect regularly with the aspects of Greek culture that you love. The stronger your motivation, the more likely you are to succeed and enjoy the journey!
If you need any help with the language we are here to assist. Our Greek tutors are friendly, dedicated and tried and tested. We teach both online and face to face. From personal experience as a learner, I know that learning Greek with a private tutor is the fastest and most effective way to learn the language.