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Is the word aprendendo the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and the core meaning of the word "aprendendo" are identical in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage regarding grammar. In Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund (aprendendo) is the standard way to express an ongoing or continuous action (the present continuous). In Continental Portuguese, the standard way to express an ongoing action is by using the preposition "a" followed by the infinitive form of the verb (a aprender). While a Portuguese person would understand "aprendendo," it is not the natural or typical way they express the concept of "learning" in the moment.

Brazilian Portuguese (Typical Usage)

  1. Estou aprendendo português. (I am learning Portuguese.)
  2. Ele está aprendendo a tocar violão. (He is learning to play the guitar.)
  3. Estamos aprendendo muito nesta aula. (We are learning a lot in this class.)
  4. Você está aprendendo muito rápido. (You are learning very fast.)
  5. Ela está aprendendo a dirigir. (She is learning to drive.)

Continental Portuguese (Typical Usage)

  1. Estou a aprender português. (I am learning Portuguese.)
  2. Ele está a aprender a tocar guitarra. (He is learning to play the guitar.)
  3. Estamos a aprender muito nesta aula. (We are learning a lot in this class.)
  4. Estás a aprender muito depressa. (You are learning very fast.)
  5. Ela está a aprender a conduzir. (She is learning to drive.)