Coffee Break Languages

Welcome to all Live Language students!

Coffee Break Languages podcasts and online courses are the best way to keep practising your language skills in between your classes at Live Language. We offer free audio podcasts or in-depth premium courses with lesson notes, video content and exercises. Scroll down to find out more.

Convenient

Learn where and when it suits you: at the gym, on your commute, or on your coffee break.

Informal

It's like going for a coffee with your friend who happens to speak the language you're learning.

Free

We're making our high quality learning content available to learners around the world.

French

Absolute Beginners

Learn to use French confidently when travelling, ordering food and drinks, making friends and shopping in a French-speaking country.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

Learning to communicate in multiple languages opens doors to new cultures and opportunities. In this article,

Read More »

Learning how to write the date in French is essential for anyone studying the language. This

Read More »

Navigating a new place can be challenging, but knowing how to ask for and understand directions

Read More »

Learning about places in town in French is an essential part of mastering the language, especially

Read More »

When visiting a French café, knowing how to order a coffee in French is essential for

Read More »

LOWER INTERMEDIATE

Build your knowledge from Season 1, learn to use French grammar to “say what you want to say” and become more confident.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

In this lesson, we learn how to say ‘going to do something’ in French. This is

Read More »

In this week’s lesson, we take a look at the negative form of the immediate future

Read More »

In this lesson, we introduce the perfect tense of regular -er verbs. Please note that lesson

Read More »

In this week’s lesson we continue looking at the perfect tense, this time using regular -re

Read More »

In this week’s lesson, we take a look at some verbs which have irregular past participles

Read More »

UPPER INTERMEDIATE

Extend your range of language by building your knowledge of more complex grammar through authentic and engaging materials.

For lesson notes and extended audio, use our Online Course.

Today we have another episode from Alf’s diary as he learns French in Nice. In this

Read More »

We’re with Veronica this week and she’ll be telling us about her daily routine and a

Read More »

In this lesson we rejoin Katie and hear her latest news. She’s working in the café

Read More »

It’s time to return to Veronica’s diary entries in today’s lesson. We’ll be hearing about her

Read More »

This week’s lesson focuses on Alf’s diary entry for this week in which he talks a

Read More »

ADVANCED LEARNERS

Expand your vocabulary and your understanding of complex grammar through advanced materials.

For lesson notes and extended audio, use our Online Course.

It’s time once again to turn to Monique and listen to her email to her daughter

Read More »

We turn again to Sylvie in this episode and listen to her email in which she

Read More »

We’re back with a new episode of Coffee Break French and this time we’re joining Gabrielle

Read More »

In this week’s episode of Coffee Break French, Matthieu recounts his version of events on the

Read More »

It’s time for a new episode of Coffee Break French and this week we’re joining Monique

Read More »

UPPER ADVANCED

Ready for a further challenge? Take your spoken and written French to the next level with our latest course.

For annotated texts and language study audio, use our Online Course.

It’s time once again to turn to Monique and listen to her email to her daughter

Read More »

We turn again to Sylvie in this episode and listen to her email in which she

Read More »

We’re back with a new episode of Coffee Break French and this time we’re joining Gabrielle

Read More »

In this week’s episode of Coffee Break French, Matthieu recounts his version of events on the

Read More »

It’s time for a new episode of Coffee Break French and this week we’re joining Monique

Read More »

The Magazine

The Coffee Break French Magazine helps you build your vocabulary and increase your cultural knowledge while practising listening skills.

For lesson notes, exercises and vocabulary, use our Online Course.

In this special episode, Mark provides an update on all things Coffee Break French including the

Read More »

Welcome to the very first episode of the Coffee Break French Magazine Season 2! Join our

Read More »

Join Mark and Pierre-Benoît for Episode 2 of our Coffee Break French Magazine Season 2! After

Read More »

In this episode of the Coffee Break French Magazine, we hear a text about the very

Read More »

This week, we’re taking a virtual trip to the French-speaking area of Canada: Québec! Throughout the

Read More »

Real french on the go

This 10-lesson series recording in the south of France will provide excellent listening materials for intermediate to advanced learners.

For lesson notes, bonus audio and video, use our Online Course.

In this final episode of our first season of En Route avec Coffee Break French, Mark

Read More »

Spanish

Absolute Beginners

Learn to use Spanish confidently when travelling, ordering food and drinks, making friends and shopping in a Spanish-speaking country.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

As a beginner, you might find yourself often needing to say ‘I speak a little  Spanish’

Read More »

Learning how to say dates in Spanish is an essential skill for anyone beginning to learn

Read More »

When you’re starting to learn Spanish, one of the most practical and rewarding skills you can

Read More »

Whether you are planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country or just want to expand your language

Read More »

When travelling to a Spanish-speaking country, one of the essential skills you need is how to

Read More »

LOWER INTERMEDIATE

Build your knowledge from Season 1, learn to use Spanish grammar to “say what you want to say” and become more confident.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

In episode 11 of Coffee Break Spanish we learn how to say what you’re going to

Read More »

In episode 12 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 2 we’ll review all the verbs which we’ve

Read More »

In episode 13 of Coffee Break Spanish we introduce the preterite tense which is used to

Read More »

This week’s episode of Coffee Break Spanish looks further at the preterite tense which is used

Read More »

We’ll be continuing our study of the preterite tense in this week’s lesson and it’s time

Read More »

UPPER INTERMEDIATE

Extend your range of language by building your knowledge of more complex grammar through authentic and engaging materials.

For lesson notes and extended audio, use our Online Course.

In episode 11, the first episode of 2009, Mark and Alba talk about the holidays and

Read More »

In episode 12, Mark and Alba get all poetic as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of

Read More »

In episode 13, Mark and Alba discuss social networks including Facebook and Twitter and their value

Read More »

In episode 14, Mark and Alba are joined by David, el novio de Alba. Topics discussed

Read More »

Episode 15 features the third installment of our telenovela, Verano Español. Find out the latest about

Read More »

ADVANCED LEARNERS

Expand your vocabulary and your understanding of complex grammar through advanced materials.

For lesson notes and extended audio, use our Online Course.

In episode 10 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, María and Rory are looking forward to

Read More »

In episode 11 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, we read María’s diary entry about the

Read More »

In episode 12 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, we listen in on a conversation between

Read More »

In episode 13 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, we hear the continuation of the conversation

Read More »

In this latest episode of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4 we join María and Rory as

Read More »

The Magazine

The Coffee Break Spanish Magazine helps you build your vocabulary and increase your cultural knowledge while practising listening skills.

For lesson notes, exercises and vocabulary, use our Online Course.

Welcome to this latest edition of the Coffee Break Spanish Magazine. In this episode: Alba asks,

Read More »

Welcome to this latest edition of the Coffee Break Spanish Magazine. In this episode: Alba asks,

Read More »

After a short delay we’re back with a new episode of the Coffee Break Spanish Magazine.

Read More »

We’re back with a new season of the Coffee Break Spanish Magazine. In this episode: Alba

Read More »

We’re back with a new season of the Coffee Break Spanish Magazine! In this episode: Alba

Read More »

Real SPANISH on the go

This 10-lesson series recording in the south of Spain will provide excellent listening materials for intermediate to advanced learners.

For lesson notes, bonus audio and video, use our Online Course.

¡Ha llegado el fin de la primera temporada de En Marcha! It’s time for one more

Read More »

Italian

Absolute Beginners

Learn to use Italian confidently when travelling, ordering food and drinks, making friends and shopping in a Italian-speaking country.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.
CBI Lesson 8

On your next trip to Rome, Venice, or the rolling hills of Tuscany, knowing how to

Read More »
CBI Lesson 9

When you start your path to speaking a new language, being able to express that to

Read More »
CBI Lesson 10

If you are wondering, ‘Is it hard to learn Italian?’, don’t worry! It is much easier

Read More »
CBI Lesson 11

If you’re learning Italian and planning a trip to Italy, one phrase you absolutely need to

Read More »

Are you wondering how to order food in Italian in a café? Well, that is a

Read More »

INTERMEDIATE

Build your knowledge from Season 1, learn to use Italian grammar to “say what you want to say” and become more confident.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

In this lesson we’ll be taking a look at four common irregular verbs which end in

Read More »

In this lesson you’ll learn to conjugate and use three very common -ire verbs which are

Read More »

In this episode of Coffee Break Italian you’ll be learning about Italian adjectives and how they

Read More »

Paying compliments is a key part of Italian culture and society, and in this lesson of

Read More »

In this lesson you’ll learn to use the demonstrative adjectives questo and quello, meaning “this” and

Read More »

The Magazine

The Coffee Break Italian Magazine helps you build your vocabulary and increase your cultural knowledge while practising listening skills.

For lesson notes, exercises and vocabulary, use our Online Course.

In this special episode, Mark provides an update on all things Coffee Break Italian including the

Read More »

Welcome to Season 2 of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine! Join our hosts Mark, Francesca and

Read More »

In this week’s episode of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine we’re heading to Castelluccio di Norcia,

Read More »

Welcome to another episode of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine! In this episode Mark and Francesca

Read More »

Explore the life and work of Samantha Cristoforetti, Italy’s first female astronaut, and learn grammar points.

Read More »

German

Absolute Beginners

Learn to use German confidently when travelling, ordering food and drinks, making friends and shopping in a Italian-speaking country.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.
CBG 1-10

If you are wondering ‘how hard is it to learn German?’, we can prove to you

Read More »
CBG 1-11

Ordering drinks in German is a useful skill to have during any visit to a German-speaking

Read More »
CBG 1-12

Ordering food in German can be a fun and practical way to practise your language skills.

Read More »
CBG 1-13

Enjoying food and drink in a German restaurant is a great way to immerse yourself in

Read More »
CBG 1-14

One essential topic to master before going on a holiday to a German-speaking country is how

Read More »

INTERMEDIATE

Build your knowledge from Season 1, learn to use German grammar to “say what you want to say” and become more confident.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

In this episode of Coffee Break German you’ll be amazed when you realise how far you’ve

Read More »

In this lesson we’ll be covering the topic of subordinate clauses. That sounds more complicated than

Read More »

In this lesson of Coffee Break German we’ll be taking the dass structures a stage further

Read More »

​In this episode of Coffee Break German we’ll be learning how to translate “much”, “many”, “some”,

Read More »

Learn how to gossip in German! In this lesson we’ll be looking at reported speech and

Read More »

The Magazine

The Coffee Break German Magazine helps you build your vocabulary and increase your cultural knowledge while practising listening skills.

For lesson notes, exercises and vocabulary, use our Online Course.

We’ve reached the final episode in this season of the Coffee Break German Magazine. Join Andrea

Read More »

In this special episode, Mark provides an update on all things Coffee Break German including the

Read More »

Welcome to a brand new series of the Coffee Break German Magazine! In this first episode

Read More »

Welcome back to the Coffee Break German Magazine! In this episode we hear a text about

Read More »

We’re back with another episode of the Coffee Break German Magazine! We’re talking football this week,

Read More »

Mandarin Chinese

Absolute Beginners

Learn to use Mandarin Chinese confidently when travelling, ordering food and drinks, making friends and shopping in a Chinese-speaking country.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

In this episode of Coffee Break Chinese you’ll learn to say that you can speak a

Read More »

In this lesson you’ll see how much you’ve learned in the first unit of the course.

Read More »

In this lesson you’ll learn to order drinks in a Chinese café or tea house. In

Read More »

It’s time to learn how to order food in a Chinese restaurant using Mandarin. You’ll learn

Read More »

In this lesson you’ll put the language learned in previous lessons into practice with a restaurant

Read More »

Swedish

Absolute Beginners

Learn to use Swedish confidently when travelling, ordering food and drinks, making friends and shopping in a Swedish-speaking country.

For lesson notes and video lessons, use our Online Course.

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee Break Swedish with teacher Hanna and learner Mark. In

Read More »

Join native speaker Hanna and learner Mark in Episode 10 of our series for beginners in

Read More »

We’re back with another lesson of Coffee Break Swedish, where you can take your first steps

Read More »

Hej! We hope you’re feeling hungry as this week’s episode of Coffee Break Swedish is all

Read More »

We’re heading to a Swedish restaurant this week to put everything we’ve been learning over the

Read More »

English

PRINCIPIANTES

¿Quieres aprender inglés, pero no sabes por dónde comenzar? Ahora puedes aprender inglés con Coffee Break English!

For lesson notes and bonus materials, use our Online Course.

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee Break Swedish with teacher Hanna and learner Mark. In

Read More »

Join native speaker Hanna and learner Mark in Episode 10 of our series for beginners in

Read More »

We’re back with another lesson of Coffee Break Swedish, where you can take your first steps

Read More »

Hej! We hope you’re feeling hungry as this week’s episode of Coffee Break Swedish is all

Read More »

We’re heading to a Swedish restaurant this week to put everything we’ve been learning over the

Read More »

Coffee Break Conversations

Language-learner stories

In Coffee Break Conversations we’re sharing the stories of the Coffee Break community and finding our about people who use and work in different  languages every day.

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee Break Swedish with teacher Hanna and learner Mark. In

Read More »

Join native speaker Hanna and learner Mark in Episode 10 of our series for beginners in

Read More »

We’re back with another lesson of Coffee Break Swedish, where you can take your first steps

Read More »

Hej! We hope you’re feeling hungry as this week’s episode of Coffee Break Swedish is all

Read More »

We’re heading to a Swedish restaurant this week to put everything we’ve been learning over the

Read More »