I only took two courses in college, so about six months. But as with any language, if you don't practice it you lose it. I can still count to ten, ask someone how they are, say "I love you" and "I don't understand what you are saying" and other simple sentences, and when I read I recognize some words. An employee of ours also took a course in college, so I would try to exchange some words with her. Now she has switched to Japanese. I just love languages.how long did you learn German?