How difficult is it to teach oneself a language?

Question by Seeker?: How difficult is it to teach oneself a language?
I have a language CD installed on my computer, and I would like to teach myself (at least) German or French.
How much time should I expect to spend in order to learn these languages well enough to navigate during vacations, and is this is a good way to learn (self-instruction)?
I have checked out some language courses, but they are very expensive.
Note: As a child, I spoke fluent German, but have since forgotten almost all

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