There are many reasons to learn a new language. Improving your proficiency in another language is a vital skill that can really give you an edge in every aspect of your life. It opens the door to new job opportunities, traveling the world, and new connections.
Thanks to technology and apps you can learn a new language wherever you are. You can learn at your own pace and have fun doing it. There are lots of economical and free options available.
Duolingo
Duolingo is the world’s most downloaded education app. It has more than 300 million learners from all over the world. It is known for its goal-setting, tracking, and competitive leaderboards for those wanting a little extra motivation.
Duolingo offers game-like classes in 40 different languages. It has fun characters that help users build speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. It even offers podcasts for select languages.
The app encourages you to work towards your goals using rewards and achievements. Practice everyday to keep your streak going.
Duolingo is completely free to download and use. You can upgrade to Super Duolingo to remove ads, and get fun rewards and perks like Unlimited Hearts and Monthly Streak Repair. Monthly plans start at $9.99 and yearly plans start at $83.99.
Rosetta Stone: Learn Languages
Rosetta Stone was founded in 1992. With many years of experience it has made quite a reputation for itself. Rosetta Stone claims that everyone has the ability to learn to read, write, and speak another language with confidence.
The programs they offer treat learning a new language as a journey rather than an object or goal with an end. Rosetta Stone uses an immersion method, which is a slightly different approach than the other apps. You will listen, read, and speak your way through the training lessons based on typical daily scenarios.
Rosetta Stone has a variety of subscription plans available. Three month plans are $44.99, one year plans are $109.99, and there is a lifetime option for $199.99.
Memrise Easy Language Learning
Memrise is laser-focused on expanding your vocabulary. The app uses short lesson and real-life phrases to get you speaking right from the get go.
There are hundreds of flashcards to help drill new words into your brain. Heavy repetition will have you on your way to memorizing a plethora of vocabulary words.
Knowing the words but pronouncing them wrong doesn’t really help anyone. That’s why Memrise includes video clips of real people talking in real-life situations. You’ll be able to listen to native speakers in many different dialects to hear how they pronounce words.
Memrise Easy Language Learning is free to use with limited lessons. You can upgrade to a monthly plan starting at $8.99 per month or $49.99 per year. A lifetime plan is available for a one-time fee of $119.99.
Busuu: Language Learning
Busuu makes it possible to learn a new language at your own pace. You can then test your knowledge with practice lessons and quizzes.
The app offers courses in 14 different languages. You can choose the areas you want to focus on. There are lessons for speaking and pronunciation, spelling and grammar, and listening and memory.
You’re able to study offline and test your skills with games and quizzes.
Busuu offers a lot of features for free. However, if you want full access without limitations you can opt for one of the subscription plans starting at $12.99 a month or $89.99 a year.
Drops: Language learning game
Drops gamifies language learning. The app uses visual learning along with custom illustrations to make it easier to remember words.
It only requires a few minutes each day. You can study and have fun with the game-like practice lessons. You’ll find yourself swiping your way through lessons and not even realize you’re studying.
Drops incorporates words and topics that are used in daily conversation in whatever new language you’re learning. Everything you learn can be used in everyday, real-life situations.
The app is free to download with limited features. Premium plans start at $9.99 but Drops offers a seven day free trial so you can see what it’s all about.
Broaden Your Horizons
Each app offers something different. What’s best for you will depend upon your learning style. Learning a language is a life long process so it’s key to study a little every day, even if it’s just for a couple minutes.
These apps will help you knock down the language barriers and give you the chance to connect with new people from different parts of the world.
