Italian Guided Learning - Level A1
Follow our structured path to A1 Italian proficiency
Pasta Rivals
Stand next to Paolo and Aya at a flour-dusted table, where rolling, laughter and frustration all mix together. As Paolo goes too fast and Aya too carefully, you learn words for cooking and pasta-making — from impasto, mattarello and farina to pecorino, guanciale and niente panna. After this tasty story, you’ll understand kitchen phrases like “più forte” and “fermi tutti” and be able to describe what you’re doing in Italian as you make pasta.
A Good Day at the Gym
Follow Tom to the gym on a Saturday morning, past the turnstile that first flashes “Tessera non valida”, the busy weights area and the warm, quiet sauna at the end. As he solves his membership problem, trains his legs and relaxes, you pick up vocabulary about sport, the body and politely asking for help. After this motivating story, you’ll be able to talk about your workout in Italian and calmly ask for assistance when something goes wrong.
A Medical Emergency in Naples
Experience with Francesca what it feels like to suddenly fall ill in Naples: a beautiful plate of pasta, then stomach cramps, shortness of breath and a ride to the guardia medica. As the doctor and nurse examine her, explain medicine and give her a ricetta for the farmacia, you learn words for symptoms, check-ups and basic instructions. After this realistic story, you’ll know how to ask for help in Italian and understand what the doctor tells you.
An Unexpected Exit
Ride with Sara on a crowded city bus in Genoa, laptop open and mind still at the office — until she realises she has missed her stop completely and ends up in an unknown neighbourhood. Forced to wait for the next bus, she discovers a quiet café, a park and unexpected peace. After this inspiring story, you’ll be able to talk in Italian about work, routines, stress and those unplanned but much-needed moments of rest.
A Meeting in Rome
Sit down in a Roman café where Giulia, wearing her lucky red scarf, nervously waits for Marco — her friend’s book-loving, cat-owning acquaintance. As they order coffee, cappuccino, a cornetto and a glass of wine, you learn how to meet someone for the first time, move from Lei to tu and have an easy chat about work, hobbies, cats and planning a second date. After this romantic story, you’ll know how a first meeting can sound natural in Italian.
Murder in Milan
EN Follow Inspector Ferri through an elegant Milanese villa, past a quiet study, an open window and two glasses of red wine that raise questions. As he interviews the widow, checks phone records and pressures a shady gardener, you discover vocabulary about the police, investigations, insurance and money as a possible motive. After this gripping murder case, you’ll have enjoyed a full whodunit while practising longer passages with passato prossimo and a touch of imperfetto — a perfect step towards A2.
Robinson Crusoe
Set off on an adventure with a simplified A1 version of Robinson Crusoe, where shipwreck, survival and hope are told in short, clear sentences. As you share the island, dangers and quiet moments with Robinson, you gradually build your vocabulary and reading confidence. After this book, a classic story will no longer feel intimidating, but like a powerful way to learn Italian — one page at a time.
The Dead Man in Room 207
Walk with Inspector Anna Greco into an old hotel on a rainy day, where room 207 is locked and a seemingly sleeping man is, in fact, dead on the bed. Among whisky bottles, medicine, guest lists and night porters, you learn hotel vocabulary, medical terms and the language of a police investigation full of subtle clues. After this atmospheric whodunit, you’ll follow longer texts more easily and greatly expand your vocabulary around hotels, health and detective work.