For learning Punjabi language it is necessary to know alphabets in Punjabi. You have to know alphabets in Punjabi to learn writing in Punjabi language. Punjabi alphabets are the building blocks of Punjabi language. There are 53 characters in Punjabi alphabets. Punjabi alphabets are made up of Punjabi vowels and Punjabi consonants. The Punjabi alphabets contain 9 vowels and 41 consonants. Punjabi vs German gives a comparison between Punjabi and German alphabets.
Punjabi script is also known as Punjabi writing system or Punjabi orthography. The set of visible signs used to represent units of Punjabi language in a systematic way is called Punjabi Script. The Punjabi language uses Gurmukhi, Shahmukhi i.e. Punjabi alphabets are derived from Gurmukhi, Shahmukhi script. The script decides the writing direction of the any language, hence the writing direction of Punjabi is Left-To-Right, Horizontal. Learn Punjabi Greetings where you will find some interesting phrases.
Is Punjabi hard to learn? The answer to this question is that it depends on one's native language. One should start learning Punjabi language with Punjabi alphabets and Punjabi phonology.
Time taken to learn any language that is mentioned here is the approximate time required to learn specific language for the person who is proficient in English. You can also go through all Indian Languages and find if Punjabi is one of the language of India.