Level 1 •
Divination (Ritual
)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 1 hour
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.
Material Component:
a pinch of soot and salt
Verbal Component:
Legibilus Linguas
Verbal Component (Alternative):
By these words, your speech I intend, to become more clear, that I may comprehend.
Classes: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard, Rogue
Tags: Communication, Social
Source: Player's Handbook (2024) (page 252)
View Comprehend Languages Spell Card
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Other Planes and Effects
Below is information about this spell as it relates to other planes and area of effects (i.e. underwater). Some of the information is pulled official D&D sources (such as books and the twitter feeds of D&D officials), but other information is derived from forums and online discussions. As always, it is up to the DM to decide how they wish to handle spell effects.
Underwater - Verbal Component
Official rules have been verified by Jeremy Crawford - "No rule prohibits verbal components from working underwater. Keep in mind that if you're talking, you're not holding your breath." Hence, while submerged underwater and holding its breath, a creature can cast a spell that requires a verbal component. After casting the spell, if the creature can't breathe underwater, it immediately runs out of breath. The creature can survive for a number of rounds equal to its Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 round).
