Portuguese as a second language (PLNM)
Portuguese for students whose first language is not Portuguese, at the level they are placed in at school, online or in person around Lisbon.
What this covers in detail
Listening and speaking
Understanding spoken Portuguese and taking part in conversations, presentations and discussions.
Reading
News, interviews, critical reviews, advertising, autobiographical texts and accessible literary texts.
Grammar
Verb tenses and moods, ser and estar, unstressed pronouns, prepositions, connectors and reported speech.
Writing
Messages, narratives, descriptions and opinion texts, at the length each level asks for.
PLNM is the part of the Portuguese curriculum for students whose mother tongue is not Portuguese. It is organised by proficiency level, on the Common European Framework of Reference, rather than by school year, and it has national exams of its own: 93 (A2) and 94 (B1) in 9.º ano, and 839 (B1) in secondary.
What this covers
At the right level
Lessons start from the student’s level (A2, B1) and the language other school subjects require.
For the rest of school
Portuguese is also the language of maths, science and history lessons, so the vocabulary of those subjects comes in too.
PLNM exams
Past PLNM papers are worked with their marking criteria, including the writing activities.
Pricing
Choose the support that fits.
One-to-one tutoring, from a single session to consistent weekly progress.
Your first 30 minutes are free.
Start with a free 30-minute assessment. We will understand what the student needs and recommend the right plan.
Every plan includes live one-to-one lessons.
The Noktua practice platform is free with every account — even if you have not booked a lesson yet.
Lessons at the student's home carry an extra charge of €10/hour.
Common questions
Is PLNM 839 an entrance exam for university?
No. The Guia Geral de Exames 2026 states that the PLNM exam (839) cannot be chosen as a prova de ingresso.
Which levels do you teach?
The school PLNM levels, with a focus on A2 and B1, the levels of the national PLNM exams.
Book your free 30-minute assessment
Tell us the year group and where it is going wrong. You will have a reply within 24 hours with a time.
Not ready to book? Create a free account and try the practice platform.