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10 Best Apps to Learn New Languages

Learning a new language is one of the most fulfilling experiences. Expertise in foreign languages can help you to blend in with locals whilst vacationing in a destination where your native language isn’t recognized. Mastery of a new language is also invaluable if you’re pursuing certain career paths, especially those that deal with serious communication, such as tourism and hospitality, education, and mass communication. Also, it’s just an excellent way to expand your knowledge.

The software market teems with thousands of apps that are designed to help people learn new languages. But as you may expect, finding an app that delivers on its claims is not a walk in the park. So, how do you ensure you don’t get swayed by the many captivating marketing clichés that language learning software developers tag their products with?

First, you should familiarize yourself with the top features that a language learning app must possess. Some of those features include; the number of languages the tool supports, ease of use, and the operating systems that the app is compatible with. Also, the software must be readily available on App Store or Google Play Store.

The following is a rundown of some of the best language learning apps, based on third-party reviews and user recommendations.

1. Rosetta Stone

 

Rosetta Stone is one of the best language learning apps, with a history spanning more than 25 years. The app allows you to learn up to 28 languages. That includes several variations of the same language, such as English (US) and English (UK), and Spanish (Spain) and Spanish (Latin America).

One of the best things about Rosetta Stone is that you can learn a new language from the basics. First, you listen to a word, then repeat it, and finally match it with a photo or phrase. The app categorizes words into various industries and niches, such as Emergency, Finance, Hospitality, Shopping, etc. Though Rosetta Stone is a subscription-based tool, it comes with a trial period that allows you to learn the first lesson for free.

2. Duolingo

 

Duolingo prides itself on its intuitive interface, which makes it an excellent language learning app for beginners. The software allows you to learn more than 30 foreign languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, to mention but a few. It’s readily available online, so you don’t need a user account.

Duolingo starts you off with the basics and helps you to work your way up with more complex words and phrases. As you progress, the tool points out any mistakes you might be making while also appreciating your efforts. The software also incorporates numerous learning aids, including audios, texts, and pictures to help you master a new language fast.

3. Memrise

 

Memrise comes with a friendly interface, making it another excellent recommendation for beginners. It allows you to learn more than 30 languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese.

Memrise takes a unique approach in helping learners to master new words. After learning a new word, the software puts that word in a sentence that contains words from your language that sound the same as the one you’ve just learned. Also, Memrise assists learners to master foreign languages by mixing up translations, which makes it possible to learn more words at a go. The app works both online and offline.

4. Busuu

 

When you’re trying to learn a new language, you care so much about the feedback on your progress. And it’s reassuring to know that there’s a language learning app that takes care of that. Busuu updates you on your progress every step of the way, pointing out areas of inadequacy and testing your skills through quizzes.

Busuu also takes care of different learner levels, ranging from Beginner to Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, and Travel. Like most reputable language learning apps, Busuu enables you to learn a word or phrase separately and in a sentence. The tool supports more than 10 languages – English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese, etc. It’s available in both freemium and premium versions.

5. AccellaStudy Essential Apps

 

Flexibility is one of the defining features of AccellaStudy. The app comes in separate user-friendly mobile versions depending on the language that you wish to learn. Still on flexibility, AccellaStudy is designed with a hands-free mode which makes it ideal for on-the-move learners. Plus, the software makes it possible for learners to build their study sets so they can prioritize on the words to focus on.

You can use AccellaStudy both online and offline to learn more than 15 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The software implements various learning techniques such as audio quizzes, flashcards, and spaced repetition.

6. Google Translate

 

Google Translate allows you to translate anything, ranging from handwriting, audios, and graphics. Therefore, it’s the perfect software for learning exotic languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. The app supports more than 100 languages and lets you save your favorite words and phrases for future reference.

Another excellent feature of Google Translate is that it works offline, provided you’ve downloaded and installed it. The software is particularly recommended for travelers due to its ability to offer translation services in real time. All you have to do is point your phone’s camera at a foreign text, sign, or graphic, and Google Translate will do the rest.

7. HelloTalk

 

HelloTalk allows you to learn more than 200 languages, with a special focus on the conversational approach to learning. To that end, the app connects you with thousands of native speakers of the language that you wish to learn. It provides an interface similar to that of WhatsApp, through which you can link up and chat with a tutor via text, audio, or video.

Locating a tutor is made easy by a filter feature that filters by learner level, age, geographical location, etc. HelloTalk also integrates a correction tool that makes it easy to correct one another as you learn. That ensures the whole learning experience is fun and interactive.

8. Babbel

 

Babbel is a subscription-based app which offers the first lesson free of charge. The tool supports 14 languages, ranging from English, French, and German to Swedish, Turkish, Russian, etc. It allows you to listen and repeat new words or phrases, then tests you to gauge your progress.

After finishing your lesson, Babbel lets you view the list of words and phrases that you’ve learnt and select a writing exercise to test your skills. The app also implements interactive language learning aids like pictures and pop-ups. It caters to different learner levels and takes a step-by-step approach to learning a new language.

9. Clozemaster

 

Clozemaster sports a signature old-school interface and comes with intuitive design features, with no frills. This language learning app supports more than 100 languages, from English, French, and Italian to Korean, Russian, etc. There is a cocktail of other bonus features, such as an optional text-to-speech feature.

You start off at Clozemaster by learning the basic words and phrases before advancing to more complex vocabularies. The app has a reward program where learners earn points for correctly selecting missing words in a sentence. You can also test your progress by taking a grammar challenge and save all your progress by signing up for a free account.

10. LinguaLift

 

LinguaLift operates in the same way as HelloTalk. It enables learners to connect with tutors all over the world for a smooth and interactive learning experience. The app supports scores of languages, including Russian, Mandarin, Hebrew, and Japanese.

One thing that sets LinguaLift apart from other language learning software is the insistence on professional tutors. Some of the roles that the tutors play include answering grammar questions, assigning and correcting homework, and suggesting additional resources. Besides offering you access to professional tutors, LinguaLift is also famous for its user-friendly interface, clear grammar explanations, and lots of other vocabulary learning tools.

Final Word

As you shall find, most reputable language learning apps are subscription-based. But that shouldn’t come as a drawback, as there are lots of premium features to enjoy.

Posted by:Josh

Josh is a SEO specialist, designer, and freelance writer. He believes that knowledge can change the world and be used to inspire and empower young people to build the life of their dreams.