Learning Italian isn’t always easy and if I’m honest, it hasn’t been a straight journey for me at all.
There have been times where I’ve felt motivated, and other times where I’ve just not wanted to study at all.
That’s why I started looking for ways to make learning feel more natural and less like “studying”… and one thing that really helped me was using Netflix.
If you’re learning Italian and struggling with listening or motivation, using Netflix can be a simple and effective way to improve your Italian naturally at home.
Why I Started Using Netflix to Learn Italian
Sometimes sitting down with a textbook just isn’t it.
I wanted something:
- more relaxed
- more realistic
- something I could actually stick to
Watching Italian series helped me:
- hear real conversations
- get used to the sound of the language
- stay consistent without forcing it
Step 1: Choose the Right Series
Not all shows are good for learning.
I’ve found that:
- Teen dramas = easier to understand
- Slower-paced shows = better for beginners
- Complicated crime series = harder (but still good later on)
Start with something simple and build up.
Step 2: Use Subtitles (Smartly)
This made a big difference for me.
You can try:
- English subtitles (to understand the story)
- Italian subtitles (to connect words and sound)
I personally like switching between both depending on the show.
Step 3: Don’t Try to Understand Everything
This is something I had to learn the hard way.
At the beginning, I wanted to understand every word and it just made the process frustrating.
Now I:
- focus on the general meaning
- pick up words naturally
- let things sink in over time
If you’re looking for shows to start with, check out this post:
3 Italian Netflix Series to Learn Italian (Fun & Easy for Beginners)
10 Language Learning Tips That Actually Work (From Living in Italy)
Step 4: Rewatch Episodes
This is where the real learning happens.
When you watch something again:
- you recognise words
- you understand more
- your confidence builds
Even rewatching one episode can make a difference.
Step 5: Be Consistent (Even if It’s Just 20–30 Minutes)
You don’t need to watch for hours.
Even:
20–30 minutes a day
is enough if you stay consistent.
This is what helped me more than anything else.
Step 6: Make It Enjoyable
This is probably the most important part.
If you don’t enjoy the show, you won’t stick to it.
Find something you actually like because the goal is to make learning feel natural, not forced.
Using Netflix won’t make you fluent overnight but it will help you stay consistent, improve your listening, and feel more comfortable with the language over time.
For me, it’s been one of the easiest ways to keep going, especially on days where I don’t feel like studying.
If you’re learning Italian, have you tried using Netflix? Or do you have any shows you’d recommend? Let me know I’m always looking for new ones to watch.
See you in the next post,
xoxo Rebeah
