Comprehend Languages

1st-level Divination

System Reference Document 5.2 (D&D 2024) · Content reviewed 2026-07-11

Comprehend Languages is a 1st-level divination spell in D&D 5e (2024). For the duration, you understand the literal meaning of any language that you hear or see signed. You also understand any written language that you see, but you must be touching the surface on which the words are written. It takes about 1 minute…

Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a pinch of soot and salt)
Duration
1 hour
Ritual
Yes
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

For the duration, you understand the literal meaning of any language that you hear or see signed. You also understand any written language that you see, but you must be touching the surface on which the words are written. It takes about 1 minute to read one page of text. This spell doesn't decode symbols or secret messages.

Common questions

What level is Comprehend Languages?

Comprehend Languages is a 1st-level divination spell in the 2024 D&D rules.

What is the casting time of Comprehend Languages?

Comprehend Languages has a casting time of 1 action, with a range of Self.

Does Comprehend Languages require concentration?

No. Comprehend Languages does not require concentration.

Roll Comprehend Languages straight from your character sheet in The DM Screen.

Open The DM Screen

Free in your browser. No account needed to start.

Portions of this product include material from the Systems Reference Document 5.2 and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY-4.0).