The Best Apps for Learning a New Language

The secret to choosing the ideal tool is understanding your needs and exploring the features offered by these apps, which optimize learning with effective and accessible methods.

Let’s explore the best apps available and how each one can transform your language learning journey.

Why Use Apps to Learn a New Language?

Apps have revolutionized the way we learn. There are several reasons to opt for this approach:

• Practicality and flexibility: You can study anywhere and at any time, adapting to your routine.
• Effective methods: The best apps for learning a new language use proven techniques such as spaced repetition, gamification and immersive learning.
• Low cost or free: Many offer free access or affordable prices for additional resources, making learning more democratic.
• Interactivity: Unlike books and traditional methods, apps offer quizzes, games and interactive challenges that make memorization easier.

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is often the first name that comes to mind when we talk about the best apps to learn a new language.

With a fun, gamification-based approach, it offers short lessons that are ideal for those with busy routines.

By completing exercises, the user accumulates points, levels up and is encouraged to continue studying to maintain the daily sequence.

Strengths:

• Ideal for beginners, with a simple question and answer system.
• It supports a wide range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and even less common languages like Irish and Gaelic.
• Totally free, with the option of a premium subscription to remove ads and get additional benefits.

Weaknesses:

• It does not delve into more complex topics, which can be a limitation for advanced users.
• The main focus is on vocabulary and short sentences, leaving grammar and fluency in the background.

How to Download Duolingo:

• iOS: Go to the App Store, search for “Duolingo” and click “Get”.
• Android: In the Google Play Store, search for “Duolingo” and tap “Install”.

2. Babbel

Babbel is known for its more structured and grammar-focused approach, making it an excellent option for those looking to make more consistent progress.

The lessons are created by linguists and cover everything from the basics to more advanced topics, such as real-life dialogues and everyday situations.

Strengths:

• Offers a more robust learning framework than Duolingo, with detailed grammar explanations.
• Focuses on conversation practice, helping users build more complex and natural sentences.
• Personalized study plans for every level, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced student.

Weaknesses:

• Full access to the content is paid, although the prices are affordable and there is a free version with limited features.

How to Download Babbel:

• iOS: Search for “Babbel” in the App Store and download the app.
• Android: Find “Babbel” in the Google Play Store and tap “Install”.

3. Memrise

Memrise is another big name among the best apps to learn a new language, especially for its methodology focused on memorization and spaced repetitions.

It uses learning techniques that help to retain words and expressions through visual and auditory associations.

In addition to vocabulary, Memrise offers videos of native speakers in everyday situations, allowing you to learn the language in a contextualized and interactive way.

Strengths:

• Excellent for memorization and vocabulary retention.
• Real content in video with native speakers, bringing authentic immersion.
• Variety of languages and listening, writing and speaking exercises.

Weaknesses:

• The free version has limited functionality and requires payment to unlock all features.
• The focus is more on vocabulary than grammar and sentence structure.

How to Download Memrise:

• iOS: Go to the App Store, search for “Memrise” and download it.
• Android: In the Google Play Store, search for “Memrise” and tap “Install”.

4. Busuu

Busuu offers a difference between the best apps to learn a new language by allowing you to practice your writing and speaking skills with native speakers from other parts of the world. Additionally, the app creates a personalized study plan based on your knowledge level and goals.

Busuu offers courses in popular languages such as English, French and Spanish, but also less common languages such as Turkish and Arabic.

Strengths:

• Exercise corrections by native speakers, which significantly improves your pronunciation and writing.
• Recognized and certified courses, great for those seeking a language diploma or certification.
• Simple and easy-to-use interface, with dynamic and practical exercises.

Weaknesses:

• Full access to certification content and features is subject to payment.
• The free version has limitations in terms of available content.

How to Download Busuu:

• iOS: Go to the App Store, search for “Busuu” and download it.
• Android: Search for “Busuu” in the Google Play Store and tap “Install”.

5. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is one of the most renowned and traditional applications in language teaching, using the “total immersion” technique, in which you learn the language without resorting to your native language.

This means that from the very beginning, all course content is presented in the language you are learning.

This approach is effective for those who want to acquire fluency quickly, as it forces the student to think directly in the new language without translating.

Rosetta Stone is widely used by companies and professionals looking for more intensive learning.

Strengths:

• Method of total immersion, focusing on listening, reading and speaking.
• Complete courses adapted to different proficiency levels.
• Excellent for acquiring fluency more quickly.

Weaknesses:

• The cost is considerably higher compared to other applications.
• It can be a bit challenging for beginners who are not familiar with the language.

How to Download Rosetta Stone:

• iOS: Find “Rosetta Stone” in the App Store and download it.
• Android: Search for “Rosetta Stone” in the Google Play Store and click “Install”.

6. Pimsleur

If you are a busy person and want to learn while doing other activities, Pimsleur is the ideal choice.

This app is based on an audio learning method, in which you listen and repeat dialogues to improve your speaking and listening comprehension.

Pimsleur is perfect for those with busy schedules, as the lessons are in audio format and you can study while driving, exercising or doing other tasks.

Plus, it's one of the few apps that offer offline lessons, allowing you to study even without an internet connection.

Strengths:

• Audio lessons, perfect for training listening and pronunciation.
• Ideal for those who want to study while doing activities such as walking or driving.
• It works offline, making it perfect for traveling.

Weaknesses:

• The focus is more on pronunciation and listening, offering fewer written or visual exercises.
• Subscription required to access all content.

How to Download Pimsleur:

• iOS: Search for “Pimsleur” in the App Store and click “Get.”
• Android: Go to the Google Play Store, search for “Pimsleur” and tap “Install”.

Tips for Choosing the Best App for You

Now that you know the best apps to learn a new language, how to choose the most suitable one? Here are some tips:

1. Identify your level and goal: If you’re a beginner or just want to learn as a hobby, apps like Duolingo or Memrise might be enough. For more serious goals, Babbel, Busuu, or Rosetta Stone might offer a more complete experience.
2. Consider your available time: If you have a busy schedule, opt for apps like Pimsleur, which allow you to learn through audio.
3. Testing is essential: Many apps offer free versions or trial periods. Try out different options to see which one best suits your learning style.

Conclusion

The best apps for learning a new language offer practical, accessible tools to help you achieve fluency at your own pace.

By choosing the right app, you can transform your learning experience and open doors to new personal and professional opportunities.