Which App Should I Use to Learn a Language? Duolingo vs Babbel, Memrise vs Duolingo & More
- Jens Olesen
- Dec 19, 2020
- 35 min read
Updated: Jun 5
In 2025, language learning apps have become a staple tool for millions of learners worldwide. From the gamified lessons of Duolingo to the flashcard drills of Quizlet, there’s an app for every learning style. But with so many options, you might be wondering: Which language app is best for me? Can an app alone make me fluent, or do I need more? As a German tutor (and avid language learner myself), I’ve explored the top apps to give you an up-to-date comparison of their strengths, weaknesses, and latest features. We’ll look at Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, Quizlet, and Busuu, with a special focus on how each one can help if you’re learning German. Let’s dive in!
What is the Best Language Learning App?
With so many language learning apps available today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right one. Should you go with Duolingo’s gamified approach, Babbel’s grammar-focused lessons, or Memrise’s native speaker videos? What about Busuu or Quizlet? In this post, we compare the strengths and weaknesses of the five most popular apps for learning languages—and help you decide which one might be best for your goals.
Duolingo: Gamified Learning Experience
Duolingo is the world’s most popular language app – and for good reason. It’s free (ad-supported) and makes learning feel like a game. From day one, Duolingo throws you into translating and forming sentences, giving a real sense of progress as you earn points and complete levels. The app’s mascot, Duo the owl, cheers you on, and features like streak counts, badges, and daily goals keep you motivated. Duolingo offers courses in over 40 languages, including popular choices like Spanish, French, German, and even fantasy languages like Klingon. For German learners, Duolingo’s German course provides a fun introduction to basic vocabulary and phrases, gradually building up to more complex sentences.
Recent updates in 2025 have added even more to Duolingo’s toolkit. The app now includes “Tips” sections with brief grammar notes for each lesson (finally giving some explanations for those tricky German verb conjugations or noun genders!). Duolingo has also introduced new content like Stories, where you can practice reading short narratives in your target language, and even Audio Lessons (currently for a few languages) to improve listening skills. For those who want a deeper experience, Duolingo offers paid tiers: Super Duolingo (formerly Duolingo Plus) removes ads, allows offline access, and lets you progress unlimited by mistakes (no more heart penalties), at around $7 (£4.99) a month on an annual plan. There’s even a new Duolingo Max subscription that uses AI (Powered by GPT-4) to provide advanced features like role-play conversations and “explain my answer” guidance – but this tier comes at a steep price (about $30 or £19.99 per month) and is optional for the truly dedicated.
Despite its playful approach, Duolingo has some limitations. The app excels at teaching basic vocabulary and sentence structure through repetition, but it doesn’t dive deeply into grammar rules. For example, you might learn der Apfel (the apple) and die Orange (the orange) in German, but Duolingo won’t explicitly teach you why one uses der and the other die – so the onus is on you to check the “Tips” or figure out grammar from context. Many learners find themselves Googling grammar questions that Duolingo leaves unanswered. Additionally, Duolingo’s exercises heavily focus on translating simple sentences back and forth, which may not prepare you for actual free-form conversations. Speaking practice is minimal – you’ll do some pronunciation mimicry, but the app can’t truly engage you in dialogue (even though the AI features are starting to simulate this in a limited way). In short, Duolingo is fantastic for beginners and for building a daily habit of learning, but to move beyond the basics (A1-A2 level), you’ll need to supplement with other resources for grammar and speaking practice.
Pros:
Free Access: Offers a substantial amount of content at no cost, supported by ads.
Engaging Interface: The game-like exercises (points, streaks, leagues) keep learning fun and addictive.
Diverse Language Options: Includes courses for many languages, even less commonly taught ones (from Irish to Japanese to High Valyrian).
Cons:
Limited Depth: Does not provide thorough grammar explanations. You may finish a course without fully understanding why the language works the way it does.
Repetitive Exercises: The focus on translation and multiple-choice can become repetitive, and there’s little opportunity for open-ended speaking or writing.
Ideal For:
Casual Learners and Beginners: Great for anyone starting a new language or learning casually, especially if you want a free, low-commitment tool.
Gamification Fans: Individuals who need a bit of entertainment and reward to stay motivated – Duolingo turns learning into a daily game.
Memrise: Vocabulary Expansion Through Spaced Repetition
Memrise takes a different approach: it specialises in teaching vocabulary using flashcards and spaced repetition. Like Duolingo, Memrise is easy to use and even fun, but instead of full sentences, you’ll spend a lot of time memorising words and phrases. For example, if you’re learning German on Memrise, you’ll be introduced to useful words (Hallo, danke, Apfel, etc.) and tested on their meanings and pronunciation at carefully timed intervals to optimise retention. This spaced repetition system is proven to help you remember new vocabulary long-term by reviewing words just before you’re likely to forget them. Memrise also spices up learning with short video clips of native speakers pronouncing words and phrases (in the official courses), so you get a feel for authentic pronunciation and context. This can be really enjoyable – it’s like a mix of flashcards and TikTok-style language immersion.
One unique aspect of Memrise is the availability of community-created courses. Beyond Memrise’s official courses for 23 languages (including German, Spanish, French, Japanese, and more), users have historically been able to create and share their own vocabulary lists on virtually any topic or language. If you needed, say, German vocabulary for business meetings or a niche dialect, chances are someone made a Memrise course for it. However, as of 2024, Memrise made a big change: user-generated “Community Courses” have been moved off the main app to a separate website. This means the official Memrise app now primarily showcases the official language courses, which are well-structured but limited to the major languages and curated content. You can still access custom courses on the web via Memrise’s community site, but not within the app itself. The upside is that the quality of what you find in the app is more consistent; the downside is less variety in-app. Previously, the open nature of community courses was a double-edged sword – some were fantastic, others not so much. For instance, one of my beginner German students tried a user-made Memrise course and encountered advanced words that assumed knowledge of grammar she didn’t have, which was confusing. The official Memrise German course (and others) are more thoughtfully structured: they introduce grammar gradually and group vocabulary by themes. Memrise’s content for German includes useful phrases and even some grammar exercises, but grammar isn’t the main focus here – word acquisition is.
Memrise is free to start, but many features require a Memrise Pro subscription. With a free account, you can access a lot of basic content and do learning sessions, but Pro (approximately $99 or £85 annually, with cheaper lifetime options) unlocks advanced features: unlimited access to all lessons and review games, offline mode (download lessons for when you’re away from internet), a grammarbot and difficult words mode, and richer statistics. Serious learners often find it worth upgrading, at least for a few months, to fully use the app. One nifty Pro feature is the “Learn with Locals” videos, which, as mentioned, show native speakers using the phrases – these really bring the language to life and are available in courses like German, French, etc.
Just like Duolingo, Memrise alone won’t make you fluent, but it’s a superb supplement for vocabulary building. You might use Memrise alongside a more grammar-focused resource. If you’re studying German, for example, Memrise can quickly teach you hundreds of words (from basic nouns like die Katze – the cat, to useful phrases like Ich hätte gern ein Bier – I’d like to have a beer) and reinforce them until you know them cold. You’ll also get audio practice and a bit of reading, but you won’t get instruction on German sentence structure or extensive practice forming sentences beyond selecting the right translation for a given word/phrase. Many learners (and I myself as a tutor) find Memrise a great complement to classes or textbook study: it takes care of the rote memorisation
in a way that’s engaging and automated.
Pros:
Customisable Learning: You have the ability to choose courses that fit your needs, whether it’s the official German course or a community-made set on German slang. This lets you target the vocabulary you want to learn.
Engaging Methods: Utilises videos, audio, and gamified quizzes to enhance the learning experience. Memrise’s mix of native speaker videos and fun quizzes makes memorisation less of a chore.
Cons:
Quality Variability (Community Content): User-generated courses (now on a separate site) vary in quality. Some are excellent, but others might be disorganised or too advanced. (The official courses are reliable, though not as numerous.)
Premium Features Paywall: Many useful features (offline learning, extra review games, difficult word tracking) require a Pro subscription. The free version is solid for basics, but to get the most out of Memrise you’ll likely feel pressure to upgrade.
Ideal For:
Vocabulary Enthusiasts: Learners aiming to rapidly expand their vocabulary, especially those who enjoy memorisation games and flashcards. If you want to learn a lot of German words (or French, Japanese, etc.) and enjoy a visual learning style, Memrise is ideal.
Self-directed Learners: Those who prefer a customizable learning path. You can skip around courses or focus on specific topics. It’s great if you already have a structured course elsewhere and want to add Memrise on top for extra practice.
Babbel: Structured Lessons for Comprehensive Learning
Babbel is often positioned as the grown-up alternative to Duolingo. It’s a premium (paid) app that offers comprehensive courses in 14 languages, focusing on practical conversation and grammar. Unlike the freewheeling, game-like experience of Duolingo, Babbel’s interface and teaching style feel more like a structured online class – which can be a good thing for serious learners. When I first tried Babbel (thanks to a free subscription gifted by a corporate client), I immediately noticed it was more comprehensive than the free apps. Babbel’s lessons are designed by language teaching experts and cover all the typical topics you’d find in a beginner-intermediate language course: introductions, travel, dining, work scenarios, etc., all through interactive dialogues and exercises.
For example, in the Babbel German course, a beginner lesson might introduce you to a short dialogue at a café and then break down the phrases, teach you related vocabulary like der Kaffee (coffee) or zahlen (to pay), and explain a bit of grammar – perhaps how German word order works in questions. Babbel integrates grammar explanations and drills into its lessons more explicitly than Duolingo or Memrise. If you’re learning about past tense in Spanish or the cases in German, Babbel will give you a brief explanation or rule, then have you practice it in various sentences. This is fantastic for learners (like me) who need to know the “why” behind language patterns. In German, Babbel won’t just have you intuit the difference between der, die, das – it will, at some point, explain the concept of grammatical gender and case in a simple way and give exercises specifically on that.
Babbel’s teaching style is a bit more traditional: you do fill-in-the-blank exercises, listening comprehension, and repeat-after-me pronunciation using speech recognition. It’s less flashy than Duolingo; some might even call it a bit “serious” or dry, because it doesn’t use cartoons or points as much. However, many appreciate the no-nonsense approach because you feel like you’re getting a thorough lesson each time. One lesson might be 10-15 minutes, and Babbel remembers what you’ve learned – it has a built-in Review Manager that will prompt you to review words or grammar points you covered a few sessions ago, helping you retain them (spaced repetition is at play here too, behind the scenes). Babbel also offers extra content like short podcasts, culture notes, and games, and in recent years, they launched Babbel Live – a separate subscription that gives you access to live online classes with real teachers in small groups. (Babbel Live is a higher-cost add-on, but it’s a nice option if you want occasional human interaction to practice what you’ve learned in the app.)
When it comes to German, Babbel’s course is one of their flagship offerings (Babbel was originally founded in Germany!). It guides learners from absolute beginner up to around B1/B2 level. You’ll get dialogues voiced by native German speakers, plenty of practice with German grammar (Babbel excels at teaching tricky bits like irregular verbs and case usage in context), and even some cultural tidbits about German-speaking countries. One thing I noticed, though, is that while Babbel teaches grammar, it sometimes leaves very detail-oriented learners wanting more. I remember encountering a situation in Babbel’s German course: they taught a phrase using a certain preposition, but I wondered if that preposition would work in a different context – Babbel didn’t explicitly answer that kind of question. In other words, Babbel gives grammar explanations relevant to the immediate dialogue or topic but doesn’t always elaborate beyond it. For someone like me who likes to understand all the rules, I still had questions that the app didn’t fully resolve. It’s a far better coverage of grammar than Duolingo’s implicit approach, but it’s not the same as having a teacher to ask. So, while using Babbel, I felt I could probably reach a solid A2 (elementary) level or even low B1 using only the app, but to go beyond (and ensure no gaps), I’d need additional practice or instruction. This lines up with Babbel’s own positioning: it’s a fantastic foundation and practice tool, but eventually you’ll want to speak with natives or take advanced classes to become fluent.
Babbel is a subscription service, and there’s no free comprehensive tier (aside from maybe a first lesson or demo). Pricing often ranges around $12-13 (£9.99) per month for a pay-as-you-go monthly plan, but they offer steep discounts for longer commitments. They also occasionally offer lifetime access deals or multi-language plans (Babbel Personal plans are usually for one language at a time, but Babbel now has an “All Languages” plan or Babbel Complete). Considering the depth of content, many find Babbel worth the investment, especially if you prefer not to deal with ads and want a more curriculum-like experience. They have a handy placement test at the start, so if you already know some German (or Spanish, etc.), Babbel can start you at the appropriate level. Another notable point: a Yale University study in 2019 found that 100% of participants improved their oral proficiency in Spanish by using Babbel, with around 75% reaching at least a novice conversational level after a few months – a nice bit of research-backed credibility for the app. (This suggests Babbel can indeed help you make real progress, at least through the basics of conversation.)
Overall, Babbel is less about “edutainment” and more about efficient, practical learning. It won’t shower you with virtual confetti at every click, but it will systematically teach you a language. If you’re the kind of learner who likes structure and doesn’t mind paying for quality, Babbel is one of the best language learning apps out there in 2025.
Pros:
In-Depth Content: Comprehensive lessons that go beyond the basics. Babbel covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a balanced way, ensuring you build a solid foundation.
Practical Application: Focuses on real-life conversational skills. Dialogues are realistic and useful (no “the cat drinks milk” nonsense—early on, you’ll learn things you might actually say while travelling or working). Plus, grammar and vocab are presented in context.
Multiple Language Options: Offers full courses in 14 languages, including major European languages (German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, etc.) and a few others like Turkish and Indonesian. You can choose a single language to follow, but you have a variety of options to pick from.
Cons:
Subscription-Based: Requires a paid subscription for full access. After a short free trial or first lesson, you’ll need to pay to continue, which can be a barrier for some. (On the bright side, the cost often equates to far less than an in-person class.)
Less “Gamified” than Free Apps: Babbel is intentionally less gimmicky. There are no cartoon mascots or competitive leaderboards. Some learners might find it less engaging or “fun” compared to Duolingo. If you crave a game-like experience, Babbel’s straightforward approach might feel a bit slow or serious.
Ideal For:
Serious Learners: Individuals willing to invest in a structured program – if you have clear goals (like “I want to converse in German in 6 months”), Babbel gives you a clear path to follow. Great for professionals or students who prefer a curriculum.
Grammar Seekers: Those who want some grammar and explanation in their learning. If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of clarity in free apps, Babbel’s style will likely suit you better, especially for grammatically complex languages like German.
Busuu: Community-Based Learning with Structured Courses
Busuu offers the best of both worlds: well-structured courses and a strong social/community component. Like Babbel, Busuu’s course content is structured around real-life topics and aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels (A1 through B2). In fact, Busuu covers 13 languages (excluding English; 14 if you count English for non-English speakers) with courses that take you through beginner to upper-intermediate material. Languages include all the big ones – Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, etc. – and even some others like Turkish, Polish, Arabic, and Dutch. Each course is broken into lessons that teach vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening in an integrated way. For example, in the Busuu German course you might have a lesson on “At the Restaurant” where you learn key phrases, listen to a dialogue ordering food, practice writing a sentence or two in German, and take a quiz on grammar or vocab from that unit. The lessons are bite-sized (often 5–10 minutes) and include quiz-like interactions similar to other apps. Busuu does a good job of introducing grammar gradually and even has dedicated grammar review sections – but like Babbel, grammar points are introduced as needed rather than dumped all at once, which most learners find approachable.
What really makes Busuu stand out is its community feedback feature. Busuu integrates a platform where learners can interact with each other. Specifically, when you complete certain exercises – usually writing a short response or recording yourself speaking – native speakers on Busuu can see your submission and correct or comment on it. In turn, you can help people learning your native language by correcting their exercises. This peer review system is extremely valuable: it’s like having a huge pen-pal network or free tutors available around the clock. For instance, as a German tutor, I was delighted to see that a Busuu German learner can write a few sentences in German (maybe an introduction about themselves) and get feedback from native German speakers about phrasing or any mistakes. Similarly, if you say a sentence into the app, a native might comment if it sounded natural or not. This social aspect addresses one of the big weaknesses of most apps – the lack of real-world usage. With Busuu, you’re not just interacting with an AI; you’re engaging (albeit asynchronously) with real people. This is hugely motivating and helps with skills like writing and pronunciation. It’s also a confidence booster to get a “Gut gemacht!” (well done!) from a native speaker when you do well.
That said, community feedback on Busuu is not filtered or guaranteed to be correct by professionals. As I noticed (and Busuu themselves acknowledge), not all users are teachers or even truly fluent in the language they’re correcting. Usually, you’ll get good feedback, but occasionally you might get a correction that’s a bit off or a differing opinion on phrasing. Busuu doesn’t generally have an official moderator correcting those corrections, so you have to use your judgment. In my experience, the community is friendly and errors in feedback are rare on common languages – plus, multiple people might chime in on your exercise, so you’ll see a consensus or different perspectives. It’s a great feature, just remember it’s crowdsourced advice.
Busuu’s structure and content quality are high. They incorporate listening exercises with realistic audio, reading comprehension, and plenty of practice. They even include some travel/memory exercises like ordering words to form a sentence, which reinforce grammar implicitly. One cool feature: Busuu offers official certificates in partnership with McGraw-Hill Education for completing certain course levels (A1, A2, B1, B2 tests in a few major languages like Spanish, French, German, Italian). If you finish, say, 100% of the German B2 course and pass the assessment, you can get a certificate to show your proficiency at that level. While these certificates aren’t the same as an official exam like Goethe-Zertifikat, they’re a nice achievement to unlock and can be a confidence boost or CV item for learners.
Busuu has a free version which gives you limited daily access to lessons, but to unlock the full course content and features (like grammar units, offline mode, and the certificates), you’ll need to subscribe to Busuu Premium. Busuu actually offers two subscription tiers: Premium (which typically covers one language course, without some of the extra perks) and Premium Plus (which gives you access to all language courses and some additional features). Fortunately, the pricing is quite reasonable. Premium Plus often costs only around $5–$7 per month if you get a yearly plan (they frequently run discounts). Even month-to-month, Busuu is roughly $10–$13 or £9.99 or £5.99 (similar to Babbel’s pricing). This makes Busuu one of the more affordable paid apps, especially if you want to learn multiple languages – one Premium Plus subscription lets you study any of the languages on offer, not just one. In 2025, Busuu has also introduced live tutoring as an option: you can purchase one-on-one video lessons with professional tutors through the platform (this is separate from the community feedback, and naturally costs extra per lesson). It’s a bit like integrating italki or a language school option within the app for those who want personal guidance.
For German learners, Busuu is a well-rounded choice. The German course will take you through everyday scenarios and build up your skills systematically. You’ll get to practice writing German and possibly have native Germans correct your work. You can even use Busuu’s community to ask questions – many users are happy to explain something about German culture or grammar if you post a question. The main drawback I’ve observed: similar to Babbel, advanced grammar explanations are limited. Busuu will teach present, past, future tenses, some subjunctive, etc., but if you get to the finer points (like the difference between als, wenn, and wann in German, or using Konjunktiv I), you might not find thorough coverage. It’s enough to get to an intermediate conversational stage, but truly advanced mastery will require more than the app. Additionally, because Busuu’s content breadth depends on the language’s popularity, the German, Spanish, French, English courses are the most extensive (up to B2). Some other courses might only go up to B1 or have fewer exercises. For example, Polish or Turkish on Busuu might not have as many lessons as German does. German being a popular language means you’re in luck – the content is rich.
Pros:
Comprehensive Content: Busuu addresses all language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in a structured manner. Lessons follow a clear progression aligned with internationally recognised levels (A1–B2), so you know what level you’re at.
Native Speaker Feedback: The community feature allows real-time corrections and suggestions from native speakers. This social interaction can greatly enhance your writing and pronunciation. It’s like having a built-in language exchange community.
Flexible Learning: Offers offline access and the ability to schedule study reminders. You can easily download lessons to study on the go (useful if you commute). Plus, you can jump between devices (start on phone, continue on web). The flexibility extends to content as well – you can skip ahead to harder lessons if you feel ready (Premium users can unlock any lesson).
Cons:
Limited Free Features: While you can use Busuu for free, it’s quite restricted (you might be locked out of lessons after a certain point each day, and you won’t get the grammar units or offline mode). A paid subscription is needed for full access, so effectively it’s not fully free beyond basic usage.
Content Depth Varies by Language: Some courses have more content than others. Popular languages like Spanish, French, German have the most complete courses, whereas a language like Chinese or Turkish on Busuu might not go as high or have as many exercises. If your target language is less common, Busuu’s offering might be less robust than, say, Duolingo’s community-sourced course for that language.
Ideal For:
Interactive Learners: Those who want structured lessons and the opportunity to get feedback from real people. If you value having someone correct your French sentence or German pronunciation, Busuu provides that in-app community.
Goal-Oriented Learners: If you’re aiming for a certain level (A2, B1, etc.) and maybe want a certificate to show for it, Busuu is a great choice. It’s also good for learners who like a sense of progression and accomplishment (the app will tell you when you’ve reached 100% of a level and are ready to move up).
The Grammar Gap: Why Apps Alone Aren’t Enough for German Grammar
So far, these apps sound pretty great – and they are excellent tools. However, based on my experience as a tutor, many learners discover a “grammar gap” when they rely on apps alone, especially for a language with complex grammar like German. I often insist on doing a level assessment with new students before they join any of my German classes or intensive German courses. The reason is simple: it’s hard to self-evaluate your true proficiency, and I’ve found that app users can get a skewed sense of their level.
Over the years, I’ve had many prospective students come to me saying, “I finished Duolingo (or Babbel/Memrise) and I think I’m around B1 (intermediate).” They are often proud – rightly so – of the progress they made on their own. But after I conduct a thorough assessment, the reality tends to be different. In fact, about 9 out of 10 times, I’ve had to gently advise these learners to start from scratch at an A1 beginner class to learn the basics of grammar properly. Why? While they may have picked up quite a lot of vocabulary and some phrases (sometimes enough to handle very basic conversations), their understanding of the language’s grammar and their ability to construct sentences from zero are usually very limited.
For example, a self-taught app user might know the German words for dozens of foods, common greetings, and travel phrases. They might even recognise or guess the meaning of simple sentences. But when I ask them to create a sentence in German or have a short dialogue, they struggle. Often, they’ve never had to actively use the language beyond tapping multiple-choice answers. The apps might not have explained how to conjugate verbs beyond preset examples, or how to use the accusative vs. dative case, so the learner hasn’t internalised those patterns. This isn’t a criticism of the learner at all (nor entirely of the apps, which are designed with limitations); it’s just the nature of app-based learning. The focus tends to be on recognition and passive learning, not full mastery.
To be fair, I have seen some exceptions. Roughly 1 in 10 app learners I’ve assessed was able to test into a higher beginner or even low intermediate level class (A2 or so). But in all those cases, that learner wasn’t only using apps – they had supplemented with other resources, like grammar books, tutoring, or lots of media consumption in the language. In other words, apps were just one part of a broader learning strategy.
For German in particular, the lack of explicit grammar training in apps is the biggest hurdle. German has a very logical but also detailed grammatical structure (cases, three genders, precise word order, etc.). Apps like Duolingo and Memrise introduce German grammar points somewhat incidentally – you learn phrases and might infer the rule, but often you don’t learn the rule explicitly or get enough practice applying it in new sentences. So, an app user might finish a German course knowing ich habe gelernt means “I have learned,” but not truly understand how to form other present perfect sentences on their own, or why gehabt goes at the end in Ich habe einen Hund gehabt. Without a foundation in grammar, their knowledge remains fragile and limited to what they memorised.
Another observation: many app learners develop a decent passive vocabulary (they can recognise words, especially in multiple choice format) but have a very weak active vocabulary (using those words in speaking/writing). I’ve had clients who could recognise the German word weil (because) in a sentence on Duolingo, but when speaking, they never used complex sentences with “because” because they didn’t feel confident forming them. This gap between passive and active skills is common when learning only via apps.
Now, this doesn’t mean using apps is “bad” or useless – not at all! It simply means that if your goal is beyond just dabbling, you should be aware of these gaps and plan to fill them. In fact, I encourage my students to use these apps as supplements to their coursework. They can accelerate your progress by drilling vocabulary and giving extra listening practice. For instance, a student in one of my German beginners classes might use Memrise or Quizlet to practice the exact vocabulary from our textbook – that’s a smart way to combine resources. What I usually advise is: if you enjoy apps, by all means use them to reinforce what you learn in class or from a good textbook. Use a flashcard app (or even better, write your own flashcards) to memorise words we covered. But don’t rely on the app alone to teach you everything.
A practical tip for app users: try to align the app’s content with a structured curriculum. If you’re in a class or following a book, see if there are premade flashcard sets (for example, on Quizlet) for that material, or use the app to practice the same topics. If you’re self-learning, consider doing a basic grammar workbook alongside your app to solidify those rules. For German learners, I often recommend getting a simple grammar overview (even a free website or a book like “German Grammar for Beginners”) to reference the rules that apps gloss over.
The bottom line on the grammar gap is that apps alone can take you only so far. They are fantastic for building a base and keeping you engaged daily, but to truly progress to an intermediate level and beyond – especially in German – you will need to supplement with grammar study, real conversation practice, and possibly formal lessons. Recognising this early on will save you from the frustration of hitting a plateau. Think of apps as one tool in your toolbox, not the entire toolbox.
(As an aside: if you’ve learned a lot of words via apps but find they don’t match the vocabulary used in your course or exam syllabus, don’t be discouraged. Different apps introduce vocabulary in different orders. I’ve found that sometimes the words an app teaches don’t line up with what a class or exam expects at the same level. This might mean you know lots of random words but missed some fundamental ones, or vice versa. That’s another reason I help students “sync” their app usage with their course – for example, I create custom Quizlet sets targeting the exact vocab in our lessons. If you self-study, you can do this too by creating your own flashcard sets focused on words you personally need to know.)
Quizlet: Versatile Study Tool for Memorisation
Unlike the other platforms discussed, Quizlet isn’t a guided language course or curriculum – it’s a flexible study tool that you can use for any subject, and it’s especially popular for language learning. Quizlet essentially digitises the classic flashcard experience and supercharges it with interactive modes. You can use Quizlet to create your own flashcards or access millions of flashcard sets made by other users. For language learners, this means you’ll find Quizlet sets for everything: basic German-English vocabulary, French verb conjugations, Spanish phrases from popular textbooks, etc. Suppose you’re studying German and using a particular textbook or syllabus. In that case, chances are someone has already made a Quizlet set for “German A1 Chapter 1 Vocabulary” or “Common German Irregular Verbs” and shared it publicly.
The power of Quizlet is in its versatility and engagement. Once you have (or create) a set of flashcards, Quizlet lets you study them in various ways:
Flashcard mode: Flip the cards as you would manually, with the word on one side and the translation or definition on the other.
Learn mode: Quizlet tracks your progress and automatically generates quizzes that focus more on the terms you haven’t mastered yet. It might start with multiple choice, then move to fill-in-the-blank as you improve.
Write and Spell modes: You have to write the translation from memory, which is great for spelling practice (especially useful for languages with tricky spelling or genders – e.g., you can practice writing die Überraschung for “the surprise” in German, accent marks in French, etc.).
Match game: A timed game where you match terms with their meanings by dragging and dropping – a fun way to review under pressure.
Gravity game: Originally an asteroid-type game (this has changed in recent updates), it challenges you to type in answers quickly before they “hit” the screen. It’s engaging for those who like a gaming element.
One feature that emerged in recent years is Quizlet’s use of AI, such as the Q-Chat (available to Quizlet Plus subscribers). Q-Chat is like a little chatbot tutor that can quiz you on your flashcards in a conversational style. For example, it might ask, “How do you say X in German?” and you can try to answer in a chat interface. It gives the tool a more interactive, tutor-like feel. However, keep in mind this feature is still evolving – it’s a nifty addition but not a full conversation partner.
Quizlet is agnostic to which language or content you are studying. It doesn’t teach you new words by itself; you or your teacher have to decide what to put into it. This means Quizlet is best used as a supplement alongside other learning methods. If you learn 20 new vocabulary words in your German class this week, you might enter them into a Quizlet set and play the matching game to memorise them. Or if you’re prepping for a Spanish exam, you can search Quizlet’s database for a set on Spanish past tense conjugations to drill those endings. The quality of Quizlet content is as good as the creator of the set – there’s no official vetting of user-made flashcards, so you sometimes might find errors or inconsistencies. It’s wise to use sets created by reputable sources (many teachers and educational publishers create Quizlet sets for their students), or double-check user-made ones against a dictionary. I often create private sets for my own students to ensure the vocabulary and definitions match what we’re doing in class.
One limitation I’ve encountered with Quizlet (especially for language learning) is the lack of example sentences. Flashcards in Quizlet are typically just a word and its translation, or a phrase and its meaning. Without context, you might memorise a word’s basic meaning but not understand how to use it in a sentence. For example, you could learn that weil = “because” on a flashcard, but not realise that in German, weil kicks the verb to the end of the clause. When I use Quizlet with students, I encourage them to also study example sentences (sometimes I include a separate card with a sentence, or use the “description” field to add context). If you rely solely on isolated flashcards, be aware of this drawback: you may need to consult other resources to see the words “in action.” Quizlet doesn’t inherently teach grammar or usage – it’s up to you to incorporate those aspects.
From a pricing standpoint, Quizlet has a generous free tier. You can study any public flashcard set for free, and you can create your own sets for free as well. However, in the last couple of years, Quizlet has started limiting some of the “Learn” and “Test” features for free users after a certain number of rounds, nudging frequent users toward their paid plan. Quizlet Plus (roughly $35–$45 or £31.99 per year) unlocks unlimited access to all study modes, removes ads, allows you to study offline via the mobile app, and lets you add custom images or audio to your cards. There’s also a cheaper student plan in some regions (sometimes called Quizlet Go) that’s mostly about removing ads and offline access without all the bells and whistles. You don’t need a paid plan to benefit from Quizlet if your usage is light, but serious learners or teachers often opt for Plus to remove the occasional limitations. For example, with a free account, the “Learn” mode might stop after a few rounds in a large set, whereas Plus would let you continue until you’ve mastered all terms.
Quizlet is excellent for memorisation – whether it’s vocabulary, gender of nouns, verb conjugations, or even things like geography and history facts. It’s not going to teach you conversation or grammar rules by itself. But used alongside something like Babbel or a German class, it can help cement those pesky details in your memory. Many language learners use Quizlet to cram vocabulary before an exam or to regularly review words learned over months (spaced repetition is built into the Learn mode, which will quiz you more on the words you keep forgetting). As an instructor, I’ve noticed students who use Quizlet (or any flashcard system) for reviewing vocabulary tend to recall words faster and with more confidence when speaking, because they’ve done the repetition work.
Pros:
Customisable Content: You can tailor your study sets to exactly what you need to learn. Whether it’s the German words from Chapter 5 of your textbook, a list of French restaurant phrases, or 100 Japanese kanji characters, you decide what goes in the set. This personalisation is incredibly useful.
Engaging Study Modes: Various modes and games keep things from getting too boring. If you’re tired of flipping cards, you can play a matching game, take a practice test, or use the new AI chat quiz. These different angles help reinforce the material in your memory.
Basic Access is Free: A lot of functionality is available without paying. You can create an unlimited number of flashcard sets and study them in several modes for free, which is great for students on a budget.
Cons:
Not Language-Specific: Quizlet doesn’t teach grammar, pronunciation, or usage – it’s not a structured course. It assumes you have or will get that knowledge elsewhere. So as a standalone tool, it’s incomplete for language acquisition (you’d miss out on speaking practice, listening comprehension, etc.).
Quality Control: Since anyone can create and share flashcard sets, the accuracy can vary. You might find sets with typos or incorrect translations. Also, some sets might use regional vocab or class-specific references that are unclear. Always double-check critical information or stick to trusted sets.
Ideal For:
Learners Who Need Memorisation Aids: If you have a lot of vocabulary or facts to memorise (for example, a student preparing for a German exam with a list of 500 words to know), Quizlet is your friend. It’s perfect for drilling verb conjugations, noun gender, plural forms, etc., which require repetition.
Those Using Other Resources: If you’re taking a course or using a textbook, Quizlet is an ideal supplementary tool to reinforce what you’re learning. It’s also great for self-learners who want to organise the material they encounter from various sources into one review system.
Tips for Maximising Language Learning Apps
No matter which app(s) you choose, your success will depend on how you use them. After seeing many students go through these tools, here are some best practices to make the most of your language-learning app experience:
✅ Use Multiple Apps Together: Each app has its strengths and weaknesses, so consider combining them. For example, you might use Duolingo for a fun daily practice streak, Memrise or Quizlet to drill vocabulary (especially for German noun genders or plural forms), and Busuu or Babbel for more in-depth lessons and grammar. Using a mix ensures you cover all skills. (Tip: Don’t overwhelm yourself by starting everything at once – you can stagger them. Maybe do Duolingo daily, Babbel a few times a week, and Quizlet reviews of words on weekends. Find a routine that’s sustainable.)
✅ Set Realistic Goals and Be Consistent: Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s more effective to study 15–20 minutes every day than two hours once a week. All these apps are most useful when used regularly in short sessions. Set a goal like “I will complete 1 Babbel lesson and 1 Duolingo session each day” or “I will learn 5 new words on Memrise daily.” Consistency beats cramming. The apps often have reminders and streak features – use those to keep yourself accountable, but don’t worry if you miss a day. What matters is getting back on track and maintaining long-term momentum.
✅ Practice Speaking (Early and Often): It’s easy to get into a passive mode with apps—tapping choices without ever saying things aloud. Make a point to speak as much as you can. If the app has a speaking prompt, use it (even if you feel shy or the pronunciation check isn’t perfect). Repeat after the app’s voice, answer questions out loud, and even talk to yourself using new phrases you learned. For instance, if you just learned “Wo ist der Bahnhof?” (Where is the train station?) on an app, say it aloud a few times, imagine a scenario for it. Busuu can be great here because you can record yourself and potentially get feedback. Even without that feature, pretend you’re teaching someone else: use new vocabulary in a made-up sentence aloud. The goal is to engage your speaking muscles so you’re not caught off guard when real conversation opportunities arise.
✅ Reinforce Learning with Writing: Don’t let writing be the forgotten skill. Writing in a foreign language forces you to recall vocabulary and apply grammar, which reinforces your memory. You can do this easily alongside your app use. For example, keep a journal or digital notebook where each day you write a couple of sentences using what you learned. If you learned how to introduce yourself in the app, write a short paragraph about yourself in the target language. Apps like Babbel and Busuu have some writing exercises built in – take those seriously and maybe even write more than they ask for. If you’re using Quizlet, use the “write” test mode. Consider posting on language exchange forums or using social media to write a Tweet or HelloTalk message in the language. The more you output the language, the better you’ll remember it.
✅ Be Active, Not Passive: It’s easy to fall into passive learning with apps – clicking through without deeply processing. To really benefit, stay mentally active. This means: when an app teaches you a phrase, pause and think “How would I say a different thing with this structure?” or “Do I understand each word in this phrase?”. Challenge yourself: if Duolingo introduces “Ich mag Kaffee” (I like coffee), see if you can form “I like tea” (Ich mag Tee) on your own. When you get an answer wrong, don’t just shrug and move on – take a moment to understand why it was wrong. Many apps have forums or comments on each exercise (Duolingo discussions, for instance) – those can be goldmines for explanations. In short, engage with the material actively: speak along, predict answers before they’re revealed, and connect it to other things you know. Also, try to use what you learn in the real world: label items in your house with their names in the language, think in the language for a few minutes a day, or greet your friends with a new phrase (if they’re game for it). The apps provide the content, but you have to train your brain to use it actively.
✍️ Write Your Own Flashcards: This is a bonus tip, particularly for vocabulary retention. While apps like Memrise and Quizlet give you ready-made flashcards, sometimes writing your own (even on paper) can significantly boost memory. The act of writing engages your brain in learning. If you’re studying German, try writing each new noun on a small index card with its article (der/die/das) and a simple example sentence. The physical act and personal effort help move words to long-term memory. You can still use the apps, but incorporating a bit of old-school handwriting – perhaps maintaining a small notebook for new words and phrases – will reinforce your learning in a different way. For example, after a Memrise session, jot down 5 hardest words in a notebook and write a sentence with each. This bridges the gap between passive recognition and active usage.
By following these strategies, you’ll maximize the benefits of the apps and progress faster than by just mindlessly tapping through lessons. Consistency, active engagement, and supplemental practice are key. Remember, these apps are like the gym equipment for your language “muscles” – you have to do the workouts, and do them with good form, to see results!
Can Language Learning Apps Make You Fluent?
Language learning apps are a fantastic innovation of our time – they literally put a “language tutor” in your pocket and can guide you from zero knowledge to a decent foundation. By using apps like Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, Busuu, and Quizlet, you can learn a lot on your own: basic grammar, hundreds (or even thousands) of words, common phrases, and the confidence to read and understand simple texts or have basic conversations. Many people have achieved a solid beginner or even lower-intermediate level of a language purely through self-study with apps and online resources.
However, the big question many learners have is: Can an app make me fluent? The honest answer in 2025 (and likely for the foreseeable future) is no – not by itself. Fluency, as most would define it, means the ability to express yourself and communicate with ease in real-life situations, to understand native speakers at natural speed, and to think in the language. Achieving that requires going beyond the structured, safe environment of an app.
Why aren’t apps enough for fluency? As we discussed in the “grammar gap” section, apps often don’t provide full grammar depth or open-ended practice. They also can’t truly simulate the unpredictability of real conversations. Fluent conversation involves spontaneous language creation – saying things you haven’t specifically been taught or practised – and reacting in real time to another speaker. Apps train you mostly in recognition and guided production. Even Busuu’s community or Duolingo’s new AI chats are still somewhat limited in scope and can’t mimic the complexity of talking to a native speaker who might use slang, speak with an accent, or expect you to formulate your thoughts from scratch.
Moreover, fluency involves cultural context, idioms, humour, and listening to various speaking styles, which are best gained from immersive experiences like listening to native media or speaking with people. Apps provide a controlled introduction to a language, but to be fluent you have to step into the uncontrolled, real world use of language.
So, what’s the path to fluency? Combine the apps with other resources and real practice. Here are a few suggestions to go beyond the apps:
Immerse yourself in native content: Start incorporating authentic materials like podcasts, music, YouTube videos, TV shows, and movies in your target language. Even if you don’t understand everything at first, this trains your ear and gives you context. For example, if you’re learning German, try watching a German series on Netflix with subtitles, or listen to a beginner-friendly German podcast. The apps will have given you the basics to somewhat follow along, and this real content will teach you how the language sounds in everyday life. It also introduces you to casual phrases and new vocabulary that apps might not cover. (Bonus: it keeps you interested – picking content you enjoy is motivational. Love cooking? Watch recipe videos in Spanish. Into gaming? Find a French gaming streamer. Make it fun!)
Engage in conversation practice: Ultimately, to be fluent you have to speak. If you don’t have access to native speakers in person, there are many online options. You could find a language exchange partner (for instance, a German speaker learning English – you chat half in German, half in English), or join online speaking clubs. There are also tutoring platforms where you can pay for one-on-one conversation lessons (italki, Preply, and even Busuu’s tutoring feature). Even attending local meetup groups or conversation tables can help. The first few times transitioning from app exercises to real conversation can be challenging – you might feel like you “know” words but can’t recall them fast enough when speaking. This is normal! It’s a muscle that needs exercise. The sooner you start speaking, the better. It will also highlight gaps for you to go back and review with your apps or ask a teacher.
Use books and grammar guides: Apps sometimes skip explicit rules, so having a simple grammar reference can clear up confusion quickly. A book like “English Grammar in Use” (for English learners) or “Complete French Grammar” etc., or even free websites (like ThoughtCo, Lingolia, or Grammar blogs) can complement your app learning. If something in Babbel’s Spanish course confuses you, looking up that grammar point in a book or online can give you a fuller explanation.
Practice writing and get feedback: Consider writing short passages and having them corrected (the Busuu community or forums like Reddit’s r/WriteStreak or HelloTalk can be useful). Writing forces you to produce language without the time pressure of speaking, and you can learn from corrections. It’s a stepping stone to fluency because it solidifies how to express your thoughts.
Many learners find that formal classes or tutoring become beneficial at intermediate stages. After using apps to get the basics, joining a structured class (in-person or online) can accelerate your progress from intermediate to advanced. A teacher can provide personalised feedback, conversation practice, and clarify doubts immediately. For instance, if you’re serious about German, you might consider an intensive course after finishing a B1 level on Busuu/Babbel to push you into B2 and fluency. In-person interaction, even if it’s in a small group class, adds accountability and speaking practice that apps can’t fully provide.
In summary, think of apps as your launchpad. They will kick-start your journey and keep you engaged day to day. But reaching fluency is like launching into orbit – you need a combination of powerful boosters: immersion, speaking practice, writing, and possibly formal instruction. The good news is that with the foundation you build on apps, all those next steps become much easier. You won’t be starting from scratch when you converse or travel; you’ll recognise patterns and be able to fill in gaps faster.
If you’ve been learning with apps and feel ready to take the next leap, consider stepping out of the app bubble. Try a real conversation this week or sign up for a trial class. For example, if you’re in London (or even online anywhere), you could join one of our German classes in London and online to reinforce and expand what you’ve learned – there’s nothing like interacting with a teacher and fellow students to bring a language to life. An intensive German course could quickly shore up those grammar gaps and get you conversing more fluently. Use the apps as support, but give yourself the chance to practice in genuine settings.
Remember, fluency is a journey. These apps are incredible companions on that journey, and with dedication and the right mix of methods, you’ll get there. Viel Erfolg! (Much success!/Good luck!)
Which App Should I Use to Learn a Language? Duolingo vs Babbel, Memrise vs Duolingo & More
With so many language learning apps on the market, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. In this section, we'll summarise each app's strengths and weaknesses—and now include direct comparisons to help you decide.
📊 Language App Comparison Tables
Duolingo vs. Babbel
Feature | Duolingo | Babbel |
Teaching Style | Gamified, bite-sized lessons | Dialogue-based, structured progression |
Grammar Focus | Light, incidental | Strong grammar explanations |
Speaking Practice | Limited (AI scoring) | Real-world dialogues + pronunciation |
Languages Offered | 40+ | 14 |
Free Version | Yes | Limited |
Premium Cost (2024) | From £6.99/month | From £9.99/month |
Memrise vs. Duolingo
Feature | Memrise | Duolingo |
Teaching Style | Native-speaker videos, SRS | Game-like exercises |
Listening Input | Real-world video/audio | Mostly TTS audio |
Personalisation | Strong; user-created content possible | Limited |
Grammar Explanations | Basic | Minimal |
Vocabulary Coverage | Thematic and real-life usage | Core words + high-frequency vocab |
Free Version | Yes | Yes |
Busuu vs. Babbel
Feature | Busuu | Babbel |
Speaking Practice | AI + peer feedback | Structured dialogues + pronunciation |
Grammar Support | Moderate | Strong grammar focus |
Interactive Tasks | Flashcards, quizzes, writing | Role-plays, sentence-building |
Community Aspect | Yes (peer corrections) | No |
Premium Features | Conversation feedback, vocabulary trainer | Review manager, real-life phrases |
Pricing | From £5.83/month | From £9.99/month |
🗝️ Choosing the Right Language App: It Depends on Your Goals
If you're looking for gamification and a fun daily habit, Duolingo is a good starting point. Want structured grammar lessons? Try Babbel. Need listening input from native speakers? Memrise has you covered. Prefer peer interaction? Busuu might be best.
Each app offers something unique, so the best one depends on your learning style, consistency, and budget. For many learners, combining one or two apps with formal instruction leads to the best outcomes.
✅ For complete beginners → Duolingo is a great starting point.
✅ For serious learners → Babbel or Busuu provide in-depth content.
✅ For vocabulary drills, → Memrise and Quizlet use effective memorisation techniques.
✅ For real-world interaction → Busuu connects you with native speakers.
🎓 Learn German More Effectively with Olesen Tuition
While apps can be useful, they often lack the depth and personalisation that live instruction provides. At Olesen Tuition, we offer:
All lessons are taught by Oxford-educated native tutor Jens Olesen and his experienced team. We are the most trusted German language school in London, with the highest number of 5-star reviews.
📖 Use Our Blog to Deepen Your Learning
For more clarity on tricky grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, visit our German language blog Auf Deutsch, bitte! With over 500 articles, it’s the perfect resource to support your app learning and classroom progress. Start now and make real progress in your German learning journey!
What’s Your Favourite Language Learning App?
Now, over to you! Do you use any of these apps to learn a language? Which app has worked best for you, and why? Perhaps Duolingo’s gamification keeps you on track, or maybe Babbel’s structured lessons gave you a “lightbulb” moment in German grammar. Or you might be combining apps, or using an app we didn’t cover here. Share your experiences and tips in the comments – your story might help another learner decide what to try!
And if you have questions (“Is X app better for vocabulary?” or “How do I get past a plateau on Y app?”), feel free to ask. Let’s get a discussion going and help each other on this language learning adventure.
Happy learning, and remember to have fun with it. Tschüss! 👋
Would you like to read other posts on the topic of language learning? Then check out my German language blog with articles, such as my answer to how long it takes to learn German.
