Comprehend Languages

Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
Action or Ritual
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a pinch of soot and salt)
Duration
1 hour
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.

Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a pinch of soot and salt)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

For the duration, you understand the literal meaning of any spoken language that you hear. 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 secret messages in a text or a glyph, such as an arcane sigil, that isn't part of a written language.

Comprehend Languages 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version allows casting as an action or ritual, whereas the 2014 version is only an action. The 2024 version explicitly includes signed languages, while the 2014 version does not. The 2024 version states it doesn't decode symbols or secret messages, whereas the 2014 version specifies it doesn't decode non-language glyphs.

Spells similar to Comprehend Languages

  • Detect Magic

    Both provide the user with heightened understanding of magical effects.

  • Identify

    Both spells help the user gain insight into objects or phenomena, with a focus on understanding.

  • Tongues

    Both allow communication across language barriers, enhancing understanding.

  • Speak with Animals

    Both provide understanding and communication with creatures, expanding interaction possibilities.

  • Message

    Both facilitate communication, allowing for messages to be conveyed across a distance.