Immersion: Many language courses use “immersion” techniques. This means that you learn by being surrounded by the new language, unable to communicate in the language that comes easiest to you. If you were in an immersion German class, for example, the teacher would speak in German, and you’d be asked to use only German when you talked, too.

Fluency: This word describes the level at which you can communicate in a language. If you’re reading this, you’re probably fluent in English. When you can speak a new language without much effort, and easily communicate with native speakers, you have reached a level of fluency.

Intermediate: An intermediate speaker knows most of the grammar of a new language, and some vocabulary. But he or she probably has to think for a few moments before speaking, and understanding others is difficult. Basically, an intermediate speaker has to think about the language a lot, and has trouble communicating freely with others in that new language.

Beginner: A beginning speaker is just learning vocabulary and grammar. It would be difficult or impossible to hold a conversation in that language, and the speaker has difficulty hearing and understanding the new language.

ESL: You’ll probably see this abbreviation a lot if you’re hunting for language courses or books. It stands for “English as a Second Language.” People who know another language already and want to learn English take “ESL” courses.