Outside of Duolingo, there are two major methods of language learning. One is to aim for deliberate practice and excellence in everything. For reading, it means

Outside of Duolingo, there are two major methods of language learning. One is to aim for deliberate practice and excellence in everything. For reading, it means reading a passage over and over until you have basically memorized it and then going on to the next thing to master. For listening, it means listening to the sane video or audio over and over until your brain can process all of it flawlessly. The other school is to just dive in. Start listening to business radio in the new language, sing along with songs, make mistakes with native speakers constantly. Learn by context. The reality is there is no one method, no magic bullet. It may be a combination of things that work for you. Just like dieting, it is not one size fits all. However, as you venture out from Duolingo, you will find what works for you. What your strengths and weaknesses are with regards to learning another language as an adult. The hardest thing for me was dealing with the slow progress. You may even get frustrated. However, if you don’t give up, what was hard will become easier and what was easy will become like breathing. It is a personal journey, we can give you prescriptive advice but the doing is what matters. If it takes 3 years instead of 6 months, no one cares. And you should not.