8 Best Language Learning Apps

People throughout history have never had as many opportunities to learn foreign languages at home as today. And by opportunities, we mean interesting ways to learn languages, not simply learning vocabulary mechanically or reading unending schoolbooks (although their power is worth recognizing).

Mobile apps have become so popular because they provide fast and effective learning opportunities. Moreover, there are many language learning apps. Let’s have a look at some.

Duolingo

Source: play.google.com

The lively green owl is one of the most popular apps to learn language, and it focuses mainly on beginners. The lessons are grouped in lists of skills according to different topic. All you need is 20 minutes each day to improve your vocabulary and grammar. You can also learn multiple languages simultaneously.

Duolingo is popular mainly because the lessons are very playful. And if you make a mistake, you lose one life. If you lose all of your lives, you must go through the lesson again.

When you have become familiar with the language’s basics, you can skip the first lessons (although repetition is the mother of wisdom). After choosing a language you want to learn, the app offers option to take a skill test in the given language. According to the results, Duolingo then automatically chooses the lesson corresponding to your language skill level.

Busuu

Source: busuu.com

The Busuu app is really multifunctional – you can choose lessons about various topics. Its central function is learning to form grammatically correct sentences. The words that you have already learned are displayed in a separate window along with their translations, so that you can revise them multiple times. Furthermore, you can choose from many different tests to practise your language skills. Busuu also lets you create a study plan or communicate with native speakers within the community.

Babbel

Babbel is a considerably more expensive yet simultaneously more useful app. Its main principle is phrase repetition. The app listens to your voice, recognizes it and decides whether you have correctly pronounced the phrase. You can also chat with people and that way practise your language skills. Moreover, you can choose different forms of revising what you have already learned according to your needs—writing, listening or speaking. The app also allows you to set the time (day and hour) for learning. At the set time, the app sends you a convenient reminder.

Memrise

Memrise utilizes a playful style that is similar to Duolingo. Your task is collecting points by correctly translating words and sentences. The app also includes various games for improving your speaking pace, the pronunciation of complicated words and your listening skills.

Choose from 23 languages, most of them European, and dive into short  demonstrations where native speakers pronounce specific phrases.

Rosseta Stone

Rosseta Stone was first created in 1992 as computer software. In our quickly developing world, it’s no surprise that a new version for smartphones already exists. Just like the other apps, Rosetta Stone utilizes flash cards, audio demonstrations and speech recognition for pronunciation practise. However, it stands as more formal and less playful than apps like Duolingo. But if you are in earnest learning the language, it certainly isn’t an obstacle. Quite the contrary!

The first lesson can be completed for free, and if you like the app, then you can choose to subscribe for 3, 12, or 24 months. A great innovation is the subscription that includes all 24 languages which you can combine as you please.

Clozemaster

In English, cloze test refers to a language learning method in which you fill in the words missing in a sentence. The advantage of the Clozemaster app is that you see the words used directly in the sentence. This means that you learn not only the words but also the grammar and phrase structures.

The second advantage is that you can select the words you cannot remember or which you want to revise more often. Additionally, you can even select the words which the app shouldn’t offer because they are already familiar or irrelevant. Therefore, your learning process becomes even more effective.

HelloTalk

We learn languages to be able to communicate. And that is what the HelloTalk app is all about. This app lets you easily communicate with people all around the world via text or voice messages. The app, or rather your communication partner, checks your grammar in written communication and also suggests corrections if needed.

LinGo Play

The most competitive learners will love the LinGo Play app because it offers almost 30 languages. You can even choose whether you want to learn British or American English. And just like the other apps, this one includes a wide variety of lessons to help you improve your language skills through flashcards.

The distinctive trait of this app is its very playful style. The online games let you compete against your friends or other users from around the world.

So many men, so many apps. Today there is an app for everything. To learn a new language, there are countless apps to try. You just have to find the one that suits you best and fulfils your specific needs. The world of foreign languages is waiting for you ?

Have you already tried any of the apps above? Do you like some other app which we don’t mention in our article? Share your experiences with us in the comments.