Ask HN: How did you become fluent in English?

When you are brainstorming with yourself, during your commute, shower or whatever, do it aloud and in English. This helped me think in English and increased the speed at which I was able to turn a thought into a proper sentence, bypassing translation.

I spent whole days reading Tolkien outloud while sitting on the balcony. At the time I did not know the meaning of many of the words but knew how to pronounce them. I avoided reaching for the dictionary so as to not interrupt the flow of my speech.

The Dutch are known for their proficiency in English. Why is that? All foreign TV shows are broadcasted with original sound, and subtitled (except those for young children).

Many-many-many books (with a dictionary by me) and reading for hours and hours. I grew up at a time there was no internet, just books. I was lucky enough to have plenty of english books close to me.

Then while in Uni (in the UK) I would (actually) read the physics/maths/electronics books cover to cover (with a dictionary by me).

After the 00's it was many-many-many english-speaking movies and series without subtitles.

It is easier to learn when you are not fully aware that you are "studying", at least that is the case for me.

Consuming different kinds of media like books, audiobooks, video games and movies in English can help a lot with that without too much effort. Combine that with joining some English-language forums in which you actively participate, and you have a relatively cheap way of improving your language skills.

If you have the means, add travel into the mix and try to immerse yourself in the language and culture for as long as you can afford while avoiding people who speak your language.