Which App Should I Use to Learn a Language? Duolingo vs Babbel, Memrise vs Duolingo & More
- Jens Olesen
- Dec 19, 2020
- 40 min read
Updated: Jul 19
Wondering what the best language learning app of 2025 is? In today’s world, language learners have a wealth of apps at their fingertips. 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 asking: “Which language app is best for me? Duolingo vs Babbel, or perhaps Memrise vs Duolingo? Will any app actually make me fluent, or do I need more support?” 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. In this comprehensive review, we compare Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, Quizlet, and Busuu – five of the most popular language learning tools for beginners and beyond – and help you decide which ones suit your goals. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents (Quick Navigation)
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? Each app has unique strengths: some feel like addictive games, others like mini-classrooms in your pocket.
In this post, we’ll compare language apps by looking at their core features, pros and cons. The truth is, no single app is a magic bullet to fluency – but the best language learning apps of 2025 can greatly boost your vocabulary, confidence, and consistency. Below you’ll find a handy comparison table and detailed breakdowns of Duolingo vs Babbel, Memrise, Quizlet, and Busuu. By the end, you should have a clear idea which app (or combination of apps) is best for your learning style and goals.
Before jumping into each app, here’s a quick comparison table to see how they stack up at a glance:
Comparison Table: Duolingo vs Babbel vs Memrise vs Quizlet vs Busuu
App | Strengths | Weaknesses | Core Features & Focus | Cost-Effectiveness |
Duolingo | - Highly gamified and engaging (streaks, points, Duo the owl) - Free access to all courses (ad-supported) - Wide range of languages (40+ courses, including fictional ones) | - Shallow grammar explanations (only basic “Tips”) - Limited speaking practice (few speaking exercises) - Repetitive translation-based exercises | Fun bite-sized lessons, basic phrases and sentences, cartoons and rewards, optional AI features (“Roleplay” chats with GPT-4) | Free with ads (Super Duolingo subscription for ad-free and extra perks) |
Babbel | - Structured courses designed by language experts - Clear grammar explanations integrated into lessons - Practical dialogues with real-life scenarios (travel, business, etc.) | - Paid subscription required for full content (only first lesson or demo is free) - Fewer languages (14 courses) compared to Duolingo - Less gamification – can feel “serious” or textbook-like to some | Comprehensive lessons (covering speaking, listening, reading, writing), speech recognition for pronunciation, CEFR-aligned content up to ~B1/B2 level | Paid app (monthly subscriptions, often with discounts for longer plans; no fully free tier beyond trial) |
Memrise | - Excellent for vocabulary building (spaced repetition system) - Includes videos of native speakers for pronunciation/context - Community courses for niche topics (user-created content) | - Light on grammar – minimal explanations - Not a full course (best as a supplement for vocab) - App changes: user-created courses moved out of the main app in 2024 (now on a separate site) | Flashcard-style drills with spaced repetition, official courses for 20+ languages, short video clips (“Learn with Locals”), some gamified review exercises, points leaderboard | Free core content with optional Pro subscription (adds offline mode, difficult words review, etc.) |
Quizlet | - Versatile study modes (flashcards, matching games, tests, etc.) - Highly customizable – create your own decks on any topic - Great for memorisation (excellent for exam revision and vocabulary lists) | - Not a guided course (it’s a tool, so no structured lessons) - Quality varies on public decks (user-generated content may have errors) - No direct teaching of grammar or speaking (purely recall practice) | Digital flashcards for any subject, game-like quizzes (Match, Gravity), “Learn” mode with spaced repetition, audio on cards, AI chat quiz (Q-Chat) for Plus users | Free to use basic features (create and study decks); Quizlet Plus subscription adds unlimited AI learning, offline access, and advanced creation tools (annual fee) |
Busuu | - Structured courses aligned to CEFR (A1 to B2) - Community feedback – get corrections on writing/speaking from native speakers - Balanced skills: covers reading, writing, listening, speaking + grammar in each unit | - Limited free version (locks many lessons and features without Premium) - Content depth varies by language (popular languages have more units than less common ones) - Community corrections aren’t 100% reliable (feedback quality can vary) | Full courses in 13 languages with dialogues and quizzes, grammar tips, offline mode for Premium, live tutoring option, and official certificates via McGraw-Hill for course completion | Basic use is free, but a Premium subscription is needed for most content and features (monthly/annual plans available). Offers good value for the depth provided. |
(Key: CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the standard levels A1–C2.)
As you can see, each app shines in certain areas. Duolingo is unbeatable for gamified daily practice, while Babbel provides more depth and explanation. Memrise and Quizlet are fantastic for boosting your vocabulary, and Busuu blends self-study with social interaction. Next, let’s look at each app in detail and see what makes it unique.
Duolingo: Gamified Learning Experience
Duolingo is the world’s most popular language learning app – and for good reason. It’s completely free to use (supported by ads) and makes learning feel like a game. From day one, Duolingo throws you into translating and building simple sentences, giving a real sense of progress as you earn points and level up. The app’s mascot, Duo the owl, cheers you on, and features like streak counts, leaderboards, and achievement badges keep you motivated. Duolingo offers courses in over 40 languages, from popular choices like Spanish, French, and German to even fantasy languages like Klingon or High Valyrian. For German learners, Duolingo’s 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 verb conjugations or noun genders!). Duolingo has also introduced new content like Stories, where you can practice reading short dialogues in your target language, and Audio Lessons (currently for a few major 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 make unlimited mistakes (no more heart penalties). There’s even a new Duolingo Max subscription that uses GPT-4 AI to provide advanced features like role-play conversations and an “explain my answer” feature – but this top tier comes at a steep price (around $30/£20 per month) and is completely optional. Most learners will do just fine with the free version or the cheaper Super plan.
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 – the onus is on you to read the Tips or infer the grammar from context. Many learners find themselves Googling grammar questions that Duolingo leaves unanswered. Additionally, Duolingo’s exercises focus heavily on translating simple, often quirky sentences back and forth, which may not prepare you for actual free-form conversations. Speaking practice is minimal – you’ll get some pronunciation repetition tasks, but the app can’t truly engage you in dialogue (even though the new AI features try to simulate this in a limited way).
Bottom line: Duolingo is fantastic for beginners and for building a daily habit of learning. It’s fun, low-pressure, and surprisingly effective for basic reading and vocab. However, to move beyond the basics (roughly A1–A2 level in CEFR), you’ll eventually need to supplement Duolingo with other resources for grammar depth and speaking practice.
Pros:
Free Access: Offers a substantial amount of content at no cost (supported by ads), lowering the barrier to entry.
Engaging Interface: The game-like exercises (points, streaks, leaderboards) make learning feel like play. It’s easy to stay motivated when you’re chasing a high score or maintaining a streak.
Diverse Language Options: Includes courses for many languages, even less-common ones (everything from Irish to Japanese to Swahili). Great for polyglots or dabblers.
Cons:
Limited Depth: Does not provide thorough grammar explanations. You might finish a Duolingo course without fully understanding why the language works the way it does (e.g. grammatical gender, tenses).
Repetitive Exercises: The heavy focus on translation and multiple-choice can become monotonous, and there’s little opportunity for open-ended speaking or writing. Real conversation skills aren’t built through tapping on pre-set answers.
Ideal For:
Casual Learners and Complete Beginners: Perfect for anyone starting a new language from scratch or learning casually. If you want a free, fun, low-commitment tool that builds your habit, Duolingo is ideal.
Gamification Fans: Those who need a bit of entertainment and reward to stay consistent. Duolingo turns learning into a daily game, which is great for motivation (just don’t get too addicted to the game at the expense of depth!).
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 clear grammar instruction. Unlike the freewheeling, game-like experience of Duolingo, Babbel’s interface and teaching style feel more like a structured online class. Each Babbel lesson is around 10–15 minutes and walks you through new vocabulary, phrases, dialogues, and grammar explanations in a logical progression. The app integrates brief grammar explanations and drills more explicitly than Duolingo or Memrise. If you’re learning, say, past tense in Spanish or the cases in German, Babbel will explain the rule, then have you practice it in various sentences. For learners (like me) who need that “why” answered, this is a huge plus – it’s like getting mini-textbook explanations alongside the exercises.
Babbel also incorporates speaking practice via microphone input and speech recognition. It’s not as flashy as Duolingo; some might even call it a bit “serious” or dry, since Babbel doesn’t use cartoons or leaderboards. However, many appreciate the no-nonsense approach because you feel like you’re getting a thorough lesson each time. Babbel’s content is designed by language teachers and linguists, and it shows in the course quality. The focus is on real-life conversational skills – from day one you’re learning phrases and exchanges you might actually use while traveling or working abroad (instead of random sentences about cats drinking milk 🐱🥛). Babbel’s courses cover all the fundamentals of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with an emphasis on dialogues and useful vocabulary in context. By the end of Babbel’s intermediate courses, you can often handle everyday conversations and have a solid grammatical foundation.
How far can Babbel take you? In my experience, using Babbel alone could get you to a strong A2 or possibly low B1 level (elementary to intermediate) in speaking and listening – which is impressive for an app. However, beyond that (and to ensure no gaps), you’d likely 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 fully fluent.
Babbel is a subscription service; there’s no fully free tier (aside from a first lesson or trial). The exact prices change, but generally it’s a reasonable monthly fee (with cheaper per-month rates if you commit to a multi-month or yearly plan). They often run discounts and sometimes even offer lifetime access deals. Considering the depth of content, many learners find Babbel worth the investment – especially if you prefer not to deal with ads and want a more curriculum-like experience. Babbel also has a handy placement test at the start, so if you already know some of the language, it can start you at an appropriate level. And here’s a confidence booster: 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. That research-backed credibility suggests Babbel’s method can yield real progress 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 the 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 in 2025 for reaching a conversational level.
Pros:
In-Depth Content: Comprehensive lessons go beyond the basics. Babbel covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a balanced way, ensuring you build a solid foundation in the language. Grammar and vocabulary are presented in context, with review sessions to reinforce what you learn.
Practical Application: Focuses on real-life language usage. The dialogues are realistic and immediately useful (no “the cat drinks milk” nonsense – early on, you’ll learn things you might actually say while travelling, dining out, or meeting people). Grammar points are introduced as needed, so you learn the rule and then see it in action.
Multiple Language Options: Offers full courses in 14 languages, including major European languages (German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, etc.) and a few others like Turkish and Indonesian. You have a variety of options, though Babbel generally excels most in European languages.
Cons:
Subscription-Based: Requires a paid subscription for full access. After a short free lesson or trial, you’ll need to pay to continue, which can be a barrier for some. (On the bright side, the cost is often far less than an in-person class or tutor, and Babbel frequently has sales.)
Less “Gamified”: Babbel is intentionally less gimmicky. There are no cartoon mascots or competitive leaderboards. Some learners might find it less immediately engaging or “fun” compared to Duolingo. If you crave a strong game-like vibe, Babbel’s straightforward approach might feel a bit too serious or traditional.
Ideal For:
Serious Learners: Individuals willing to invest in a structured program. If you have clear goals (e.g. “I want to converse in German in 6 months”), Babbel gives you a roadmap to follow. Great for professionals or students who prefer a curriculum and measurable progress.
Grammar Seekers: Those who want grammar explanations and a bit of theory with their practice. If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of clarity in some free apps, Babbel’s style will likely suit you better – especially for grammatically complex languages like German or Russian, where understanding rules is key.
Memrise: Vocabulary Expansion Through Spaced Repetition
Memrise takes a different approach from the above apps: it specialises in teaching vocabulary using flashcards and a tried-and-true technique called spaced repetition. Like Duolingo, Memrise is easy to use and even fun, but instead of full sentences and grammar drills, you’ll spend a lot of time memorising words and short phrases. For example, suppose you’re learning German on Memrise. In that case, you’ll be introduced to useful words (Hallo, danke, Apfel, etc.) and tested on their meanings and pronunciation at carefully timed intervals optimised for retention. The spaced repetition system is scientifically proven to help you remember new vocabulary long-term by reviewing items just before you’d likely forget them. In practice, this means Memrise drills you on new words multiple times over days and weeks, increasing the interval each time you get them right.
Memrise also spices up learning with short video clips of native speakers pronouncing words and phrases (in the official courses). This is a fantastic feature – it gives you a feel for authentic pronunciation and intonation, almost like a mini-immersion. It can be really enjoyable too; it’s like a mix of flashcards and TikTok-style snippets of real people speaking. You hear real voices, see faces, and learn a bit of cultural context along the way.
One unique aspect of Memrise has been the availability of community-created courses. Beyond Memrise’s official courses for about 23 languages (including German, Spanish, French, Japanese, etc.), 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 of Spanish, chances are someone made a Memrise course for it. However, as of early 2024, Memrise made a big change: user-generated Community Courses have been moved off the main app to a separate website, and are no longer accessible within the Memrise app. This was a controversial decision, but Memrise did it to focus the app on their official content and new features. The good news is those community courses aren’t gone – you can still use them on the Memrise website (via the community courses portal) – but the mobile app now primarily highlights Memrise’s official courses and a newer Immerse feature with videos.
Practically speaking, Memrise’s official courses are themed around everyday language for each level (e.g. “Introductions”, “Travel”, etc.), and they do introduce some grammar in context, but it’s lighter than Babbel or Busuu. Memrise is at its best when used as a supplement to another resource: for instance, if you’re taking a German class or using a textbook, Memrise can help you drill all the new words you encounter. If you’re self-studying, Memrise alone won’t teach you grammar deeply, but it will quickly ramp up your vocabulary and listening recognition. A common strategy is to use Memrise alongside a more grammar-focused resource. I often recommend to my German students: use Memrise to drill vocab (it’s especially good for mastering those German noun genders and plural forms!), but pair it with something like a grammar workbook or tutor sessions to understand sentence structure.
Just like Duolingo, Memrise alone won’t make you fluent, but it’s a superb accelerator for vocabulary building. You might use Memrise alongside an app like Babbel or a course: for example, Memrise can quickly teach you hundreds of words (from basic nouns like die Katze – “the cat”, to useful phrases). Then your other resources can show you how to put those words into sentences.
Memrise offers a lot for free: you can access many courses and the spaced repetition learning for no cost. There is a Memrise Pro (subscription) that adds extra features like difficult word reviews, offline mode, and some advanced learning stats or games. The subscription isn’t too expensive and sometimes on sale, but you don’t need it to get value from the app (unless you require offline access). Overall, Memrise is one of the best language learning tools for beginners to acquire a broad vocabulary fast, and it’s also great for intermediate learners to keep expanding and not forgetting what they’ve learned.
Pros:
Rapid Vocab Expansion: Memrise’s focus on memorisation means you’ll learn lots of words quickly. The spaced repetition algorithm ensures you genuinely retain them long-term, as opposed to just cramming and forgetting.
Native Speaker Media: The short videos and audio by native speakers make learning more engaging and improve your listening skills. It’s a bit of immersion on the side – you’re not just learning words, you’re hearing how they’re actually used by real people.
Community Content (Breadth): (Note: accessible via web) Over the years, Memrise has accumulated countless user-made courses. Need a specific set of vocab? Someone’s probably made it. This means Memrise’s content can go well beyond the official curriculum and into very specialised territory when you need it (e.g. “500 Most Common French Verbs” or “Mandarin Chinese idioms”, etc.).
Cons:
Not Much Grammar: Memrise doesn’t really teach grammar rules. You might pick up some grammar implicitly (like seeing verbs in different forms or word order patterns), but it won’t explain why. If you rely only on Memrise, you could end up with lots of puzzle pieces (words) and not know how to assemble them into sentences.
Quality Varies in User Courses: The community courses (especially older ones) can range from excellent to haphazard. Some might have typos or mismatched translations. Since those are external to the app now, it’s a bit of a separate experience and not moderated by Memrise.
Repetition Can Be Tedious: Ultimately, Memrise is flashcards. It tries to keep it fun with points and videos, but some people might find the repetition dull after a while. If you’re not the flashcard type, Memrise might not hold your interest as much as a game-like app.
Ideal For:
Vocabulary Enthusiasts: If you love learning new words or you need a lot of terms quickly (e.g. preparing for a trip or an exam with a vocab list), Memrise is perfect. It will drill those words into your memory efficiently.
Visual/Audio Learners: People who benefit from hearing and seeing real usage. The video clips of natives and the option to review with audio are great if you want to train your ear and not just your reading ability.
Supplementary Learners: Those who are using other resources (classes, textbooks, other apps) and want to augment their learning. Memrise is a fantastic second app to have running alongside another program – it fills the gap of “I need to review and remember all these words and phrases.”
Quizlet: Versatile Study Tool for Memorisation
Unlike the other platforms discussed, Quizlet isn’t a guided language course or pre-made 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, you name it. Suppose you’re studying German and using a particular textbook or syllabus. Chances are, someone has already made a Quizlet set for “German A1 Chapter 1 Vocabulary” or “Common German Irregular Verbs” and shared it publicly, saving you the trouble of typing them out yourself.
The power of Quizlet is in its versatility and engagement. Once you have (or find) 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. Simple and effective.
Learn mode: Quizlet tracks your progress and automatically generates quizzes that focus on the terms you haven’t mastered yet. It might start with multiple choice questions, then move to fill-in-the-blank as you improve – adapting to your level.
Write and Spell modes: You have to type the translation from memory, which is great for spelling practice (especially useful for languages with tricky spelling or accents – e.g. practising writing Überraschung for “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, quick way to review under a bit of pressure.
Gravity game: (In the old version; they modify games periodically) It challenges you to type in answers quickly before asteroids “crash” – essentially testing recall at speed. It’s engaging for those who like a gaming element to studying.
One feature that emerged recently 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 prompt, “How do you say ‘apple’ in German?” and you can try to answer in a chat interface. It gives Quizlet 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 or grammar teacher.
Quizlet is agnostic to content – 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 test, 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 might find the occasional mistake. It’s wise to use sets created by reputable sources (many teachers and textbook publishers share Quizlet sets for their students) or double-check community sets against a dictionary. I often create private sets for my own students to ensure the vocabulary and definitions match exactly what we’re doing in class.
One limitation I’ve encountered with Quizlet (especially for languages) 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” in German on a flashcard, but not realise that in German, weil kicks the verb to the end of its clause (a key grammar point). 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 itself 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. This is great for students on a budget. 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 per day, nudging frequent users toward their paid plan. Quizlet Plus (a yearly subscription, roughly the cost of a textbook or so) unlocks unlimited access to all study modes, removes ads, allows you to study offline on the mobile app, and lets you add custom images or audio to your cards. There’s also a cheaper student plan in some regions (formerly called Quizlet Go) that mainly removes ads and provides 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 (saying “you’ve practised enough for now”), whereas Plus lets you continue until you’ve absolutely 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 to hold a conversation or explain grammar rules by itself. But when used alongside something like Babbel or an actual 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 Learn mode, which will quiz you more on the words you keep forgetting). As an instructor, I’ve noticed students who use flashcard systems (Quizlet or others like Anki) for reviewing vocabulary tend to recall words faster and with more confidence when speaking, because they’ve done the repetition work to get those words into long-term memory.
Pros:
Customisable Content: You can tailor your study sets to exactly what you need to learn. Whether it’s the German vocab 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 – you’re not stuck with the app’s content; you learn what matters to you.
Engaging Study Modes: A variety of 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 and prevent study fatigue.
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 learners on a budget (or teachers who want to recommend a free tool to students).
Cons:
Not Language-Specific: Quizlet doesn’t teach pronunciation, grammar, or usage – it’s not a structured language course. It assumes you have or will get that knowledge elsewhere. So, as a standalone tool for language learning, it’s incomplete (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, or sets tailored to a specific class that use abbreviations or context you don’t have. Always double-check critical information or stick to trusted sets, especially if you’re studying solo.
Needs Self-Discipline: Because it’s open-ended, you have to decide what to study and when. Some learners might not use it effectively without external structure (“I made flashcards, but I keep procrastinating reviewing them!”). It’s a tool – you get out what you put in.
Ideal For:
Students and Exam Prep: If you have a big exam or vocabulary list to master (GCSEs, A-Levels, university language courses, etc.), Quizlet is your friend. It’s perfect for drilling things like verb conjugations, technical terms, or definition-heavy subjects.
Independent Learners: Those who are self-motivated and know what they need to practice. If you’re taking an online course or using a textbook, you can use Quizlet to practice exactly that material. For example, I often tell my students: after class, put the new words from our lesson into Quizlet and play with them during the week. It’s a great way to organise and review content from various sources in one place.
Teachers & Tutors: Many educators use Quizlet to create study sets for their learners (and then share the link or print QR codes, etc.). If you’re guiding others or want to practice together, Quizlet can be a collaborative tool as well.
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 organised around real-life topics and aligned with CEFR levels (from A1 up to B2). In fact, Busuu covers 13 languages (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 Busuu’s German course, you might have a lesson on “At the Restaurant” where you learn key phrases, listen to a dialogue about ordering food, practice writing a sentence or two in German, and take a quiz on grammar or vocabulary 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 a short writing prompt or a recording of 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 mistakes. Similarly, if you say a sentence into the app, a native might comment if it sounds natural or suggest a better way to phrase it. 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 AI or pre-set content; you’re engaging (albeit asynchronously) with real people. It’s hugely motivating and helps with skills like writing and pronunciation. It can also be a confidence booster to get a “Gut gemacht!” (“well done!”) from a native speaker when you do well.
Of course, community feedback on Busuu is not filtered or guaranteed to be correct by professionals. As Busuu itself acknowledges, not all users are teachers or even truly fluent in the language they’re correcting (sometimes fellow learners chime in). Usually, you’ll get good feedback, and often multiple people will respond which gives a consensus or at least different perspectives. But occasionally, you might get a correction that’s a bit off or an alternative phrasing that is just a preference. You have to use your judgment – though in my experience errors in feedback are rare for common languages, and the community is quite friendly.
Busuu’s structure and content quality are high. They incorporate listening exercises with realistic audio, reading comprehension passages, and plenty of practice opportunities. They even include some fun word order or memory exercises (like ordering words to form a sentence) that reinforce grammar implicitly. One cool feature: Busuu offers official certificates in partnership with McGraw-Hill Education for completing certain course levels (you can take a level test when you finish A1, A2, B1, or B2 and get a nice certificate to show your proficiency). While certificates from an app aren’t the same as an official exam like DELE or Goethe Institut tests, they’re a nice motivation and something to show employers or teachers as evidence of self-study.
Like other apps, Busuu has a free version and a Premium. The free version of Busuu lets you take some lessons and use some features, but it’s quite limited – typically you can only complete a certain number of lessons or activities per day, and you won’t have access to grammar units, offline mode, or the certificates. To get the full course content and all features, you’ll need the Premium subscription. The cost is in line with other paid apps (and usually cheaper if you buy an annual plan). Busuu Premium also unlocks some extra tools like a vocabulary trainer, offline downloads, and perhaps most importantly, it allows you to unlock all lessons upfront (free users have to go in order and might be capped daily).
One thing to note: Busuu’s content depth varies by language. The courses for super popular languages like Spanish, French, German, and English tend to be very comprehensive and go up to B2 with lots of material. For less commonly studied languages (like Turkish or Arabic), Busuu might only go up to A2 or B1 and have fewer exercises. This is because they prioritised depth where the user demand is highest. So if your target language is less common, Busuu’s offering might be less robust than, say, Duolingo’s community-sourced course for that language (Duolingo, with its volunteer contributors, often has obscure languages albeit maybe lower quality content). Still, Busuu generally focuses on quality over quantity.
Overall, Busuu is a well-rounded app that gives you a bit of everything – structured learning and human interaction. It feels closest to an actual online class, with the bonus of a friendly community to support you.
Pros:
Comprehensive Curriculum: Well-structured lessons that cover all language skills. You get a balance of vocabulary, grammar, writing, listening, and speaking exercises. It’s a one-stop-shop up to an intermediate level.
Community Feedback: The standout feature – you can get real feedback from native speakers on your written or spoken exercises. This social interaction can greatly enhance your learning. It’s like having a built-in language exchange community.
Flexible Learning: Offers offline access and study reminders. You can download lessons to study on the go (great if you commute). Plus, you can sync across devices – start on your phone, continue on the web. The app also lets you set goals and will track your progress through the CEFR levels, which is encouraging.
Cons:
Limited Free Features: While you can use Busuu for free, it’s quite restricted. You might be locked out of progressing after a point each day, and you won’t get vital parts like the grammar units or offline mode without paying. Essentially, to get real value, you’ll likely need the subscription.
Content Depth Varies: Some courses have more content than others. The “big” languages have the most complete courses (with plenty of units and practice exercises), whereas a language like Chinese or Turkish on Busuu might not go as high or have as many lessons. If your target language is one of the smaller ones, check how far Busuu goes with it.
Community Can Vary: While the community feature is mostly a pro, the quality of corrections can vary. You may occasionally get feedback that’s slightly incorrect or inconsistent. It’s not a replacement for a teacher’s feedback, but rather a supplement. (In my view, the benefits far outweigh this minor risk, but it’s worth noting.)
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 experience.
Goal-Oriented Learners: If you’re aiming for a certain level (A2, B1, etc.) and maybe want a certificate to prove 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 completed, say, 100% of A2 and are ready to move to B1, which can be very motivating.
The Grammar Gap: Why Apps Alone Aren’t Enough
So far, these apps sound pretty great – and they are excellent tools. However, based on my experience as a tutor, many learners eventually 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 quick 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 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 active 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 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 Duolingo sentence, 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 beginner German courses 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, create 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 (e.g. 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 a language like 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 later.
(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.)
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 to cover all bases. For example, you might use Duolingo for a fun daily practice streak, Memrise or Quizlet to drill vocabulary (especially for something like German noun genders or verb conjugations), and Busuu or Babbel for more in-depth lessons and grammar clarity. 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 on weekends. Find a routine that’s sustainable for you.)
✅ Set Realistic Goals and Be Consistent: Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s far more effective to study 15–20 minutes every day than to do two hours once a week. All these apps are most useful when used regularly in short, frequent sessions. Set a goal like “I will complete 1 Babbel lesson and review 5 new words on Memrise each day,” or “I’ll spend 10 minutes on Duolingo every morning during breakfast.” Consistency beats cramming. The apps often have reminder features and streak trackers – use those to keep yourself accountable, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day. What matters is getting back on track and maintaining momentum over the long term.
✅ Practice Speaking (Early and Often): It’s easy to get into a passive mode with apps—tapping choices without ever saying things out loud. Make a point to speak as much as you can, even if the app doesn’t strictly require it. If the app has a speaking prompt or pronunciation check, use it (even if you feel a bit silly or the voice A.I. isn’t perfect). Repeat after the app’s audio; answer questions aloud before you tap the answer. Even talk to yourself using new phrases you’ve 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; maybe imagine you’re asking someone for directions. Apps like Busuu are great here because you can record yourself and potentially get feedback. But even without that feature, pretend you’re teaching someone else: use new vocabulary in a made-up sentence out loud. 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 really reinforces your memory. You can do this easily alongside your app use. For example, keep a little journal or note file where each day you write a couple of sentences using something you learned. If you learned how to introduce yourself in the app, try writing a short introduction of yourself in the target language from memory. Apps like Babbel and Busuu have some built-in writing exercises – take those seriously and maybe even write more than they ask for. If you’re using Quizlet, use the “write” test mode to practice spelling out answers. You can also post on language exchange forums or apps (like HelloTalk) – write a simple message or diary entry and have native speakers correct it. The more you use 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 discussion forums or comment sections on each exercise (Duolingo’s sentence 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 as soon as possible: label items in your house with their names in the new 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 retention. While apps like Memrise and Quizlet give you ready-made flashcards, sometimes writing your own (even old-school on paper) can significantly boost memory. The act of writing engages your brain in learning differently than just reading does. If you’re studying German, for example, try writing each new noun on a small index card with its article (der/die/das) and maybe a simple example sentence. Making your own deck in Quizlet or Anki works too – the point is the creation process forces you to recall and process the info. You’ll find you remember those words much better. For example, after a Memrise session, you could jot down the 5 hardest words in a notebook and write a sentence with each. This bridges the gap between passive recognition (what apps often train) and active usage (what you need in real life).
By following these strategies, you’ll maximise the benefits of the apps and progress faster than by just mindlessly tapping through lessons. Consistency, active engagement, and supplementing app study with output practice are key. Remember, these apps are like 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 even 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 (choosing from given answers, etc.). Even Busuu’s community feedback 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 take the conversation in an unexpected direction.
Moreover, fluency involves cultural context, idioms, humour, and listening to various speaking styles – things best gained from immersive experiences like interacting with native media or 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 what apps can offer:
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 rich 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 catch some of it, 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: pick content you enjoy – if you love cooking, watch recipe videos in Spanish; into gaming, find a French gaming streamer. Fun keeps you going!)
Engage in conversation practice: Ultimately, to be fluent you have to speak with humans. 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 via Skype or Zoom), 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 offers live tutoring separately). If you prefer in-person, attending local meetup groups or language conversation tables can be great. The first few times you transition from app exercises to real conversation, it can be challenging – you might feel like you “know” words but can’t recall them fast enough when speaking. This is normal! Speaking is a skill that needs practice. The sooner you start practising actual conversation, the better. It will also highlight gaps in your knowledge, which you can then go back and review with your apps or ask a teacher about.
Use books and grammar guides: Apps sometimes skip explicit rules or detailed explanations, so having a simple grammar reference or workbook can clear up confusion quickly. A book like “English Grammar in Use” (if you’re learning English) or “Complete French Grammar” (for French), or even free grammar websites (like ThoughtCo, Lingolia, or the grammar sections on our blog) can complement your app learning. For example, if something in Babbel’s Spanish course confuses you, looking up that grammar point in a book or on a reputable site might give you the fuller explanation you need.
Practice writing and get feedback: Consider writing short passages and getting them corrected. We already talked about Busuu’s advantage here, but you can also use forums like Reddit’s r/WriteStreak or apps like HelloTalk where you post a journal entry and native speakers can correct it. Writing forces you to produce the language without the time pressure of speaking, and you can learn from corrections at your own pace. It’s a great stepping stone to fluency because it solidifies how to express your thoughts and lets you focus on accuracy.
Many learners find that formal classes or tutoring become especially 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, real conversation practice, and clarify doubts immediately. For instance, if you’re serious about German, you might consider an intensive course after finishing something like Babbel’s B1 course, to push you into B2 and beyond. In-person interaction, even in a small group class, adds accountability and 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 on a day-to-day basis. 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 take that trip or join that language course; you’ll recognise patterns and be able to fill in gaps much 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!)
Choosing the Right Language App: It Depends on Your Goals
If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, it really depends on your goals and learning style. Each app offers something unique, so the “best” one differs from person to person. Here’s a quick recap to help you choose:
✅ For complete beginners → Duolingo is a great starting point to build a habit and get the basics in a fun way.
✅ For serious learners → Babbel or Busuu provide more in-depth, structured content that will take you further (especially if you’re willing to subscribe).
✅ For vocabulary drills → Memrise and Quizlet use effective memorisation techniques to expand your lexicon (Memrise with its spaced repetition and videos, Quizlet with its customizable flashcards and games).
✅ For real-world interaction → Busuu connects you with native speakers for feedback, giving you a taste of real communication.
In the end, the best language learning app in 2025 might not be one single app, but a combination that covers all your needs. Many learners find success by using one primary app plus one or two secondary apps. For example, you might do your main lessons on Babbel, keep Duolingo for extra practice on lazy evenings, and use Quizlet to memorise new words you encounter.
And remember, apps are tools – powerful ones, but still tools. The most important factor is you: your consistency, your engagement, and how you supplement the apps with other learning methods. If you combine a good app with real practice (speaking, writing, listening to native content) and maybe some guidance from a tutor or teacher when you can, you’ll get the best results.
Finally, let’s talk about how you can integrate these apps into a broader learning plan and how Olesen Tuition can support you in that journey. 😊
Learn German More Effectively with Olesen Tuition
While apps can be incredibly useful, they often lack the depth and personalisation that live instruction provides. That’s where we come in! At Olesen Tuition, we offer a range of services to help you take your German (or any language) to the next level:
✅ Private German lessons (online or in London): One-to-one sessions tailored to your needs and schedule. Perfect for targeting your specific weaknesses, getting instant feedback, and accelerating your progress.
✅ Small weekly German classes (in London or via Zoom): Learn German in a friendly small group (usually 4–7 students) led by an expert tutor. Get the benefit of interaction with classmates and plenty of personal attention due to the small class size.
✅ Intensive German courses for rapid progress: Need to level up fast? Our intensive courses (both in London and online) are designed to boost you up a level in a short time. These are great for exam prep, relocation, or anyone serious about making big strides quickly.
All lessons are taught by Oxford-educated native tutor, Jens Olesen (that’s me!), and my experienced team. Olesen Tuition is London’s most trusted German language school, with the highest number of 5-star reviews – we’re passionate about helping students achieve real results.
By supplementing your app learning with 1:1 lessons or interactive classes, you get the best of both worlds: the convenience of app learning and the expertise of professional instructors who can explain nuances, correct your pronunciation in real-time, and keep you accountable. We’ll help you bridge those “grammar gaps”, practice real conversations, and stay motivated on your journey to fluency.
(Tip: Not based in London? No problem – we have online options for almost all our offerings, so you can join from anywhere.)
Use Our Blog to Deepen Your Learning
For more clarity on tricky grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, be sure to visit our German language blog “Auf Deutsch, bitte!”. With over 500 articles, it’s the perfect (free!) resource to support your app learning and class progress. We cover everything from grammar explanations (in plain English) to vocabulary lists and learning tips. For instance, if you’re confused about German word order or cases (blame those apps 😅), our blog likely has an article that demystifies it. Use the search function on the blog to find posts on topics you need help with, or just browse and learn something new. It’s updated regularly with fresh content directly based on students’ questions.
Some popular posts that might interest language learners include our guide on how long it takes to become fluent in German and tips on how to learn vocabulary effectively. Our goal is to provide professional insight and practical value – all aligned with Google’s helpful content guidelines and E-E-A-T standards, of course ✅.
In short: Don’t study harder, study smarter. Make use of the tools (apps, classes, blogs) available to you, and you’ll see steady progress.
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 every day, or maybe Babbel’s structured lessons gave you that “lightbulb” moment in German grammar. Or you might be combining apps, or using an app we didn’t cover here (there are others out there like Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, Anki... the list goes on).
Share your experiences and tips in the comments – your story might help another learner decide what to try! If you have questions (“Is Memrise better than Duolingo for vocabulary?” or “How do I get past a plateau on Babbel?”), feel free to ask as well. Let’s get a discussion going and help each other on this language learning adventure.
Thanks for reading, and happy learning – remember to have fun with it. Viel Spaß und viel Erfolg! 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.