Technically speaking, how well must one know a language before being able to truthfully say that they 'know'it

Answer 1

I don't disagree with any of these answers, but I think you need to consider what purpose you're learning the language for. You can be useful in a language without being able to speak it effortlessly. In many situations, a very imperfect knowledge of the language, even translating in your head as you go, can be very useful to people. I would be cautious about saying that I was "fluent", yes ... but I would not withhold my talents because I think I don't "know" the language.

Don't get me wrong: I am not minimizing the need to become truly fluent in a language. I am struggling myself to become truly fluent in Spanish. I am really not there yet. However, I am far enough along where I can provide useful services for people - translating, acting as a person who can help them when others who can't speak the language at all can. In other words, God gives us talents and abilities; and as soon as you think you can use those abilities for Him and for the benefit of other people, I would say you're ready to say, however tentatively you want to phrase it (and I would phrase it tentatively), that you "know it." Get out there and help other people.

Besides, the truth is that if you have a good reason for improving, if you go out and practice, you'll improve much faster. Sitting home and hoping is not going to make you more fluent - only using it will do that. Buena Suerte!

Answer 2

The moment you start thinking in that language, then you can say you know it.

Answer 3

I think that you should be able to speak it effortlessly, write it confidently and think and dream in it. Only then can you say you "know" it.

Answer 4

If you can speak without needing to translate it in your head first, you know it.

Answer 5

You should be able to think in that language. It should be effortless.

Answer 6

Truthfully it never happens...

Answer 7

Really well.