Many apps are offered in the market that can help you learn languages. MeinMMO presents the best options currently available.
Do you want to vacation in a foreign country or simply understand the language of your fellow players when trying out a new MMORPG?
In our article, we present the best options available if you are looking for a language learning app. Many apps are free, but several features are hidden behind a subscription.
This is what you will find in our article: We provide detailed presentations of 5 apps. At the end of the article, you will find a few more apps and options tailored to very specific needs or otherwise worth recommending.
An overview of all language learning apps:
Duolingo
Platform: Android, iOS, Web version (PC) | Price: free or 10.99 euros per month | Supported Languages: 43
Duolingo is one of the most well-known apps for learning languages. Duolingo relies on bright colors and strong gamification. With various concepts, it tries to convince people to stay engaged.
Duolingo can be used for free in its basic features and offers many languages to learn. Duolingo primarily aims to entertain. The focus is on reading and writing, not on having conversations. If you want individual support, then Duolingo is also not the right app for you.
Babbel
Platform: Android, iOS | Price: paid, 12 euros per month (minimum 3 months) | Supported Languages: 14
Babbel takes a stronger learning approach and focuses on proper lessons and grammatical understanding. As a result, it feels less playful and a bit dry, but you learn typical phrases and greetings that can help you on vacation. Babbel operates on a paid subscription model (starting at 13 euros), but is ad-free.
Memrise
Platform: iOS, Android | Price: free or 13.65 euros per month | Supported Languages: 75+
Memrise is somewhat like a vocabulary trainer with a few extra advantages. Therefore, Memrise is well-suited for building vocabulary and learning simple sentences for vacation. Thanks to the community, you will also find support for very specific language topics.
However, how to use the language in daily life or grammar is not taught. The basic functions of Memrise are free, but most content is paid.
Mondly
Platform: iOS, Android, Web app | Price: Free or 12.99 per month | Supported Languages: 41
Mondly also relies on strong gamification like Duolingo: competitions and regular puzzles with leaderboards aim to challenge participants. Mondly features a very colorful design and focuses on short, quick lessons to learn words or phrases. The app primarily targets beginners, with little emphasis on grammar.
Busuu
Platform: Android, iOS, Web app | Price: Free or 13.99 euros per month | Supported Languages: 14
Busuu offers extensive opportunities for learning languages. This includes not only grammar but also support from native speakers. Completed exercises can then be checked with AI.
Busuu focuses on writing and reading, with little conversation practice. The free version is heavily restricted, and Busuu offers only a few languages (13).
Language learning apps: 4 additional noteworthy options
Anki: Anki is a free open-source app for learning flashcards. You can also import flashcards from the community to study or create your own. However, there is no professional support in learning.
Rosetta Stone: Only available for a fee (starting at 14.95 per month for 3 months) and is mainly aimed at advanced users. The app is neutral and not very playful. Rosetta Stone focuses on listening and speaking without explanations or translations.
Pimsleur: Paid (around 15 euros) Dr. Paul Pimsleur developed a language learning method focusing on listening to audio files and loudly repeating sentences. The app and the offering come across as significantly outdated compared to similar competing products.
Yabla: A purely paid video platform for learning (starting at 12.95 euros per month). The app offers a wide selection of videos and provides some gamification. The offered video content is older, and grammar is only offered to a limited extent. Overall, the video platform seems outdated compared to other providers.
Prices have been rising for months. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann has tried several apps to be more economical. And it has really paid off. Because at the end of the month, there were always a few euros left because he actually left an app on his phone: I use a free app on Android, saving around 30 euros every month
