Learning a new language can be incredibly exciting — but let’s be real, it’s not always easy.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated, discouraged, or even a little lost trying to make progress, you’re not alone.
Language learning comes with a unique set of challenges that many of us face, from forgetting vocabulary to stumbling over grammar or feeling too self-conscious to speak.
And some days, the hurdles can feel overwhelming, even enough to make you wonder if you’re cut out for it.
But here’s the thing: these challenges aren’t signs to give up — they’re just bumps in the road that every language learner encounters.
In this guide, we’ll go through 7 practical solutions to help you work through the most common language-learning struggles.
1. When vocabulary just won’t stick
We’ve all been there — reviewing the same list of words only to forget them the next day.
Let’s be honest: vocabulary is often the toughest part of language learning, especially when you’re trying to memorize hundreds of new terms.
But the problem usually isn’t your memory; it’s the method.
Try this: instead of just reading and repeating words, engage with them in different ways.
Spaced repetition apps like Anki or Memrise present words to you at intervals designed to optimize memory retention, so you’re reviewing just when you’re about to forget.
The app times each review to make your study sessions more efficient, helping the words stick without endless repetition.
2. Feeling shy or self-conscious about speaking
It’s completely natural to feel nervous about speaking in a new language.
The fear of making mistakes or not being understood can keep us silent, but remember:
Language is meant to be spoken, even imperfectly.
Want to know what’s the best way to break this barrier?
Just find a supportive language partner, ideally someone who’s learning too or who understands the challenges.
Apps like HelloTalk, Tandem, or iTalki are great for connecting with native speakers who are just as eager to help as they are to learn.
When you speak with someone who doesn’t expect perfection, you’ll start to feel more relaxed and focused on the conversation rather than your mistakes.
Try not to think of each conversation as a test but as practice.
Celebrate the courage it takes to speak and recognize that every word you say, no matter how small, is a victory in itself.
3. Grammar feels like an endless maze
Ah, grammar — the rules, exceptions, and endless conjugations can make anyone feel like giving up.
But here’s a tip: instead of trying to memorize every rule, focus on recognizing patterns and practicing them in real contexts.
Grammar isn’t about memorization; it’s about seeing how words come together to make meaning.
If grammar feels overwhelming, start small.
Pick one pattern or tense to work on and use it consistently before moving to the next.
Apps like Duolingo and Busuu teach grammar in a natural way by integrating it into sentences and real-life examples.
Try creating your own sentences or use sticky notes around your space to remind yourself of patterns. Over time, these patterns will feel like second nature, and the rules will start making more sense.
4. Losing motivation along the way
Let’s face it: language learning takes time, and sometimes the goal of “fluency” feels like a distant finish line.
This can make it hard to stay motivated, especially on days when you’re struggling.
One way to stay engaged is by setting smaller, realistic goals that bring a sense of achievement along the way.
Break down your learning journey into daily or weekly goals — maybe learning five new words a day, completing a conversation, or watching a short video in the language.
Each time you reach one of these mini-goals, you’re making real progress, and it feels good to celebrate these small wins.
Remember that every small step matters and each one brings you closer to your goal.
5. Struggling to understand when listening
Listening is one of the toughest skills to develop, especially since native speakers often talk fast or use idiomatic expressions.
If you find yourself struggling to understand, don’t worry — this is something almost every language learner experiences.
Active listening, where you focus on specific sounds or phrases, can make all the difference.
My favorite online resources designed for learners are Coffee Break Languages and Easy Languages on YouTube.
Both these channels create content specifically for language learners, with slower-paced conversations and subtitles to help you follow along.
Plus, many of the videos tackle real-life situations, so you’re learning vocabulary and context at the same time.
Taking it slowly and listening in focused chunks has helped me build my confidence and improve my understanding over time. I hope it does the same for you!
6. Finding time to study consistently
Finding time to study can be challenging, especially when life gets busy.
It’s something I’ve personally struggled with, too. Sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to sit down and focus on language learning.
But I’ve found that even the smallest moments can make a difference if used intentionally.
One trick that’s helped me is weaving language practice into daily routines. If I’m commuting or doing chores, I’ll pull out Duolingo or Babbel for a quick, five-minute lesson.
Labeling items around the house in my target language has also been effective — I see these words daily, which reinforces them without requiring extra study time.
For those days when I just can’t seem to make time, these small efforts add up, keeping me connected to the language even when life is hectic.
7. Frustrated with slow progress? Track your achievements
I know that feeling — working hard and yet feeling like you’re not moving forward.
There’s nothing more disheartening than feeling like you’re not making progress.
But you know what?
In reality, you’re likely improving more than you think.
When progress feels slow, it’s easy to question whether your efforts are paying off. But believe me, they are!
Sometimes, it’s just that the progress is more gradual than we realize.
What really helped me was keeping a language journal. Each day, I jot down new words or short phrases I’ve learned, or even a quick sentence about my day in my target language.
Over time, this journal has become a tangible record of how far I’ve come.
On tough days, I’ll flip back through my entries and realize just how much I’ve learned, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.
And if journaling isn’t your thing, using a tracking app can be equally effective.
Seeing those small wins laid out visually is a great reminder that every effort counts and keeps you motivated for the journey ahead.
Embrace the journey, one step at a time
Learning a new language is no small feat, and each challenge you face is a sign of growth, not defeat.
Whether it’s finding time to study, mastering tricky grammar rules, or just keeping up your motivation, these are all part of the journey that will make you a more resilient and confident learner.
Just try to embrace the bumps in the road — they’re helping you build skills that go beyond just language.
With these strategies and tools, you’re not only moving closer to fluency; you’re developing habits and insights that will support you in other areas of life, too.
After all, every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal.