Learning Hebrew as an Adult: Where Do You Even Start?
If you’ve ever Googled “how to learn Hebrew online,” chances are you’ve seen a million different answers. Apps, grammar books, video courses—but how do you know what will actually help you speak like a real human being, and not like a textbook?
We sat down with Noa Lara Meir, a teacher at Citizen Café, to talk about what actually works when it comes to learning Hebrew—and why the traditional “Ulpan” method isn’t always the best fit for everyone.
“People Think They Need to Know Everything First”
Q: What do most people get wrong about learning Hebrew?
Noa:I think people assume they need to learn the entire structure of the language before they can start using it. But language doesn’t work that way. You don’t wait until you know every note before playing music—you just start, and build your confidence as you go. The same goes for Hebrew. You need to speak early, speak often, and let the grammar catch up.
Can I Learn Hebrew Online If I Don’t Even Know the Alphabet?
Q: What if someone doesn’t know the alphabet yet? Is that too early to start?
Noa: No way. Beginners are my favorite. Some of the best learning happens when people are just starting out and aren’t afraid to try. We teach you how to read and speak from the beginning, but we do it in a way that’s about real use—not reciting letters in a vacuum. You’ll be using what you learn right away, in a way that feels alive.
Why Apps and YouTube Don’t Always Lead to Real Conversation
Q: Why do so many people get stuck after trying Hebrew apps?
Noa: Apps are great if you want to learn how to say “The penguin is drinking milk.” But when you’re in Tel Aviv trying to order a coffee or make a new friend, you need more than that. Our classes are live, online, and very real-life focused. It’s not just vocab—it’s how people actually talk. The slang, the rhythm, even the eyebrow raise.
“I Understand Hebrew, But I Can’t Speak It”—Sound Familiar?
Q: What about people who understand but freeze when speaking?
Noa: That’s so common. We call it “Hebrew in your head” syndrome. You know the words, but they don’t come out. Our mid-level courses are designed to break that freeze. You’ll be speaking non-stop in class—in a safe, supportive group—so that eventually it feels natural. Like muscle memory.
Do I Need to Live in Israel to Learn Hebrew?
Q: What if I don’t live in Israel? Will the course still be relevant?
Noa: Yes! So many of our students live in New York, LA, Berlin, Sydney—you name it. Hebrew is part of their identity, their family, or their future. And even if you’re not using it daily, just having it come out of your mouth gives you this deep sense of connection. Plus, our teachers live all over the world, too. It’s like a global classroom.
Can You Become Fluent Without Being Immersed?
Q: Can someone become fluent online?
Noa: Fluency isn’t about sounding native. It’s about being able to express yourself. And yes, I’ve seen people reach that level without ever living in Israel. It just takes consistency and a willingness to speak.
Who Are Hebrew Classes For?
Q: What kind of students do you usually teach?
Noa: All kinds. We’ve got new olim, global Jews reconnecting with their roots, Israelis who grew up abroad, partners of Israelis trying to keep up with the family, and total Hebrew nerds who just love the language. It’s super mixed and honestly, that’s what makes it fun. You learn not just Hebrew—but how other people experience it too.
What Actually Helps People Feel Comfortable Speaking?
Q: What’s different in the way you teach?
Noa: We focus on conversation. Not a lecture. Not drills. It feels like real life. You talk, you listen, you use the language. That’s what makes the learning stick.
A Word to the Hesitant Beginner
Q: Final words of advice for someone who’s thinking about learning Hebrew but feels intimidated?
Noa: Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” You’ll never feel 100% ready. Just show up. Say one word. Laugh at yourself. Celebrate the tiny wins. That’s how language becomes yours.
Want to Experience This Approach?
Curious about conversational Hebrew learning? You can try it out in a free intro class—no pressure, just a chance to see if it resonates.
It’s how many of our students realized: Oh, I can actually do this.
