What is 17 Minute Languages?

17 Minute Languages is an online provider of language courses for more than 80 languages. Courses come without subscription and with 10-year access, on PC, smartphone and tablet. At their core is the long-term memory method with just 17 minutes of learning per day.

How does learning Swahili work at 17 Minute Languages?

At 17 Minute Languages you learn Swahili with a daily task that combines vocabulary training, dialogue exercises, pronunciation with native speakers and grammar. The long-term memory method ensures vocabulary is retained sustainably.

What advantages does 17 Minute Languages offer over other providers?

17 Minute Languages relies on a one-time payment instead of a subscription, gives 10-year access, free updates, audio from native speakers, integrated grammar and pronunciation trainers as well as personal email support.

Which Swahili courses does 17 Minute Languages offer?

Depending on the language, 17 Minute Languages offers a beginner's course (A1–A2), an advanced course (B1–B2), specialist vocabulary, an express course for travel as well as thematic specialist vocabularies (e.g. business, emigration, au-pair). Which levels are available for Swahili is shown on the Swahili page.

How quickly can I learn Swahili with 17 Minute Languages?

With 17 minutes of practice per day, most learners can handle standard situations (greetings, simple questions, short small talk) within a few weeks. After three to six months of regular training, beginners are comfortably at A2 level; with the advanced course you reach B1–B2 in 9 to 12 months. Exact progress depends on your learning rhythm, prior knowledge and target language.

How does the long-term memory method at 17 Minute Languages work?

The long-term memory method by 17 Minute Languages ensures that vocabulary is reviewed exactly when the brain is about to forget it. An algorithm individually adjusts the review intervals for every word, so you achieve maximum retention with minimum effort. The learned content stays in your memory permanently.

Can I try 17 Minute Languages for free before buying?

Yes. 17 Minute Languages offers a free trial version for Swahili. This lets you test the learning interface, the vocabulary training and the pronunciation with native speakers without any commitment, before deciding on a course.

How long do I have access to my Swahili course?

After purchase you have at least 10 years of access to your Swahili course at 17 Minute Languages, including free updates during this time. You pay once – there is no subscription and no hidden recurring cost.

Does 17 Minute Languages offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes. 17 Minute Languages offers a money-back guarantee: if you are not satisfied with the Swahili course, you can return it within 31 days.

On which devices can I learn Swahili with 17 Minute Languages?

The Swahili course runs in the browser on any modern PC (Windows, macOS, Linux) as well as on smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android). Your learning progress is synchronised across devices, so you can always continue where you left off.

Who is the Swahili course at 17 Minute Languages suitable for?

The Swahili course is suitable for absolute beginners, returners and advanced learners who want to expand their language skills systematically. Typical audiences include travellers, expatriates, professionals, students and language enthusiasts who want to learn at their own pace.

Swahili proficiency course (2026)

This advanced vocabulary trainer for level C1/C2 teaches you words for work, the news, films and literature.

	This course builds on the beginner course “Learn Swahili” and the intermediate course “Swahili for intermediate learners” from 17 Minute Languages. With both courses, you already have a solid base. This course then adds over 2,100 illustrated words to your Swahili vocabulary.
	You learn for 17 minutes a day – short, focused sessions. Working through this course takes about 40 hours. It is designed for level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
	Vocabulary training with pictures: Every word in this course is illustrated. The pictures help you remember the words.
	Several methods help you build your Swahili vocabulary: You practise each word with many interactive exercises and different learning methods.
	One-off payment – no subscription. 10 years of access, including updates.

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Learning methods in this course:

Superlearning music:
In this Swahili programme, you can learn with calm background music that helps you focus. You can switch it off.

Daily practice matches the pace you set.
With 17 minutes a day, you make steady progress.

The long-term memory method:
Each word comes back just before you would forget it. If you still know it, it moves on.

This Swahili online course for level C1/C2 contains:

Online course with over 2,100 words + audio trainer (English – Swahili).
The audio trainer plays the words in both languages, so you can learn without a screen.
Use it in 5-minute units, on the go or while driving.
Prerequisite:
Swahili for beginners and Swahili for intermediate learners
Together, the three courses cover over 5,000 words.
This course is useful for anyone who …
… enjoys reading literature from Kenya and Tanzania
… listens to the news in Swahili
… likes to watch films in Swahili
… has friends or family from Kenya and Tanzania
… needs specialist vocabulary in Swahili
… wants to move to Kenya and Tanzania.
You also get access to the 17 Minute Languages learning community with other learners.

Swahili online vocabulary trainer at level C1/C2:

Latest version: the Swahili vocabulary trainer was revised in 2026.
For Windows, Linux, macOS, iPhone, Android smartphone, iPad and Android tablet. You can switch devices at any time. Your progress is synchronised.
Online course and audio trainer – learn with or without a screen.
31-day money-back guarantee:
You can try this Swahili proficiency course for 31 days.
If you are not happy with it, you get a 100% refund.

Swahili technical vocabulary with over 2,100 words

Words for many topics and subject areas

The Swahili advanced vocabulary course is designed for level C1/C2.
It teaches over 2,100 illustrated words, sorted by topic and subject area.
Here are some of the topics, and situations where the words can help you.

	Life and society in Kenya and Tanzania: To prepare you for your trip, the course also covers political and social life in Kenya and Tanzania.
	Are your children growing up and going to school in Kenya and Tanzania? The course covers words for education and school. You and your children will find words that can make starting at a new school easier. If you work in education or are bringing up children, you will also find useful expressions here.
	Do you like reading books in Swahili? One part of the course is for readers: words about books and genres such as mysteries, fantasy, fairy tales and fables.
	Is Swahili grammar hard work for you? One word list helps you read grammar books and texts in the language you are learning.
	Are you interested in culture and social life in Kenya and Tanzania? The course covers words for these areas. Topics include leisure time, sport and games, fashion, housing, family and religion.
	Do you follow current political events in Kenya and Tanzania? Do you read, watch or listen to the news in Swahili? The chapter on news and politics teaches many words that come up often in news reports. This makes the news easier to follow.
	Are you applying for a job abroad? The course gives you the key words for writing your CV and applying for work.
	Computers are common in offices – and you may need to use them in Swahili. Do you want to work abroad? The course covers words for computers, hardware, software and office equipment. Knowing these words can make your first days at work easier.
	Have you fallen in love in Kenya and Tanzania? One chapter covers flirting and love.
	Do you work in research or technology? The course covers key terms from these fields.
	Do you want to move abroad with your partner or family? The course covers the words you need for the move and for dealing with government offices in Kenya and Tanzania. Learn this list before you visit a government office – it can make the visit easier.
	Do you often talk to people in Swahili? Then you need a broad vocabulary for conversation. This course gives you words you can use in your next conversation.
	Do you want to learn Swahili as people really speak it in Kenya and Tanzania? One collection covers the everyday, informal language used in Kenya and Tanzania.
	Do your colleagues or business partners come from Kenya and Tanzania? The course covers topics and conversations for dealing with your professional contacts.

The Swahili advanced vocabulary course covers these topics and many more.
The words are grouped by topic, so you can learn them step by step.
For each topic, you learn the words used in that area.

All words are translated into contemporary, natural Swahili.
You learn words that people really use.
All words are spoken by native speakers, so you hear the correct pronunciation and stress from the start.

Included: audio trainer English–Swahili with all the words from the course

Your Swahili advanced vocabulary course is not just an online course – it also includes an audio trainer.

The audio trainer plays the words in English and Swahili, so you can learn without a screen.
You practise words and pronunciation in units of 5 minutes.

You can use the audio trainer on your smartphone or PC, and switch between them at any time.

You can play Superlearning music: calm background music that helps you focus.
You can switch it off at any time.

The audio trainer lets you learn Swahili in many everyday situations – without a screen.
For example:

	... You're exercising or cycling – and learning on the move.
	... You're in the car – and learning while you drive.
	... You're sitting comfortably at home – and learning.
	... You're on the train or bus – and using the time to learn.
	... You're on a break or waiting – and learning in the meantime.

Audio trainer example 1

Audio trainer example 2

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One online course for all your devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop and PC)

The Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer is an online course – nothing to install.
You can learn whenever and wherever you like – on any of your devices.

It runs on Windows, Linux and macOS.
You can use it on your smartphone (Android, iPhone), your tablet (iPad or Android) and your computer (laptop and PC).

You can switch devices at any time. Your progress is synchronised, so you carry on where you left off.

	Many learners start their day by learning on their iPhone or Android smartphone.
	Some switch to their PC or laptop at lunchtime. The Swahili vocabulary trainer runs on Windows, Linux and macOS.
	Learners tell us they like to learn a little in the evening on an iPad or Android tablet.

Questions about the Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer

What does the Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer include?
You get the online course and an audio trainer. The audio trainer plays the words in English and Swahili, so you can learn without a screen.
With the online course and the audio trainer, you learn over 2,100 Swahili words, organised by topic and specialist field.

The course uses the long-term memory method. Each word comes back just before you would forget it. If you still know it, it moves on.
So you spend less time on words you already know – and the words stick.
Superlearning music is calm background music that helps you focus. You can switch it off.

The course also gives you access to the 17 Minute Languages learning community.
In the community, you can meet other learners, ask questions and learn from each other.
How much time should I plan for the Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer?
The course is designed for level C1/C2. You should already have solid grammar and a large everyday vocabulary.
How quickly you progress depends on how regularly you practise.
This course builds on the basic and intermediate courses, so you need them first. As a rough guide, the basic course (everyday conversations, A2) takes about 50 hours. The intermediate course takes about 30 hours. The Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer takes about 40 hours to work through.
What does it take to work towards level C2 in Swahili?
Level C2 needs a large vocabulary. Together, the Swahili basic course, the intermediate course and this trainer cover over 5,000 words.
This trainer adds over 2,100 of these words. Working through it takes about 40 hours of learning time, on top of the basic and intermediate courses.

How you learn matters too. Use the long-term memory method. Add Superlearning music if it helps you focus. Practise sentence structure with targeted exercises as you learn new words.
What do levels C1 and C2 mean in Swahili?
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) makes language skills comparable across countries.
It divides language skills into these levels:
Level A1/A2: basic use
Level B1/B2: independent use
Level C1/C2: proficient use

At C1/C2, you add specialist vocabulary to solid grammar. This lets you talk about specific topics and join more detailed conversations.
The Swahili complete package combines the courses up to level C2. You can revise earlier levels and carry on from the level that suits you.
How can I improve my Swahili skills?
With the Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer, you learn over 2,100 new words. Every word is illustrated.
How much does the Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer cost?
You can order the Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer (online course + audio trainer) on its own. Or you can view the offer for several course levels together.

See the Swahili advanced course offer »
How long do I have access – is it a subscription?
One-off payment – no subscription.
You get 10 years of access to your Swahili course, including updates during that time.
How does the 31-day money-back guarantee work?
Try the course for 31 days.
If you are not satisfied, we will refund 100% of the purchase price.
You don't have to give a reason.

P.S.
Here is what the Swahili advanced vocabulary trainer (level C1/C2) includes:

Online course at level C1/C2 + English–Swahili audio trainer in 5-minute units, for learning on the go or while driving.
Over 2,100 Swahili words, organised by topic and specialist field.
Every word is illustrated, so pictures help you remember it.
Long-term memory method + optional Superlearning music
Access to the 17 Minute Languages learning community:
There you can meet other learners and ask questions.

Secure Order:

Yes, I have read the conditions of sales and use, the privacy policy and the return policy and I agree to them.

Full right of return:
You have 31 days – if you're not happy, we'll refund the full purchase price.

You will receive the software as an online course:

You can start learning immediately!
You don't have to install anything – you learn online.
The online course works with Windows, macOS and Linux, on iPhone and Android smartphones, on iPad and Android tablets.
Access to the online course is valid for 10 years.
You can cancel your purchase at any time during the first 31 days and get your money back.
Already, over 540,000 learners have learnt a new language using 17 Minute Languages.
All prices include VAT.

How is this language course different from the others?

Fast-paced progress:

This software program will make learning Swahili fun and easy – you can hold your first simple conversation after about 3 hours.

Sophisticated software:

We first released this software in 2002.
Each year, our developers meticulously update it with utmost attention to detail.

A variety of tasks each day:

Varied daily tasks and a huge selection of learning methods will motivate you to continue learning every day.

Unique learning methods:

With the long-term memory learning method and daily tasks tailored to you, you can hold everyday conversations in Swahili after about 50 hours.

No subscription model:

Your access is valid for 10 years – you only pay once.

Exclusive learning community:

Connect with similarly interested individuals in our learning community.

“Learn over 2,100 illustrated words in Swahili – a C1/C2 vocabulary trainer”