[throwaway9191aa]

Thanks! I had 4 years in High School (well, 3 years took me 4 years :)). That was 2 decades ago. Some of it, apparently, stayed in my head.

I have learned WAY more with Duolingo in 6 months (10 to 15 mins a day, but I started slower) than I learned in 4 years through High School (US). Just one data point, but I've heard similar from friends. TBH I am more motivated today than I was in school, so I'm sure that plays a part.

[smugma]

In addition to motivation, you’re now re-learning it. As you said, some of it stayed in your head, so it’s not fair to say you learned more.