Two things put people off learning a language: the cost of a course and the lack of time. In the 21st century, neither excuse really holds. Most language learning apps are free to download, so you can start with nothing but your phone, and because they are built around short exercises you can practise in odd moments, on the bus, in a waiting room or in a queue, for as long or as little as you like each day. Here are five of the best apps, with what each is good for. Features and pricing tiers change over time, so treat these as well-chosen examples and check the current version.
The Best Language Learning Apps for Your Phone
Duolingo
Probably the best-known language app, Duolingo builds a daily habit through short, gamified lessons that introduce new words by topic and have you listen, read and write, with images to help. You earn rewards as you go and can take quick quizzes to check your level. It is strong for beginners and for keeping a streak going, though lighter on deep grammar.
Memrise
Memrise (the name plays on "memorise") is built around memorising words and phrases, mainly by repeating them, either typing them or picking the right answer from a list. At the end of a session it shows you the words you found hardest, based on your mistakes and how long you took, so you can focus your revision. It is a good vocabulary builder.
Tandem
Practising with a real person is easier and more fun, and that is what Tandem is for. It is a large language-exchange community where members help each other: you pair up with someone learning your language, and you help each other through text, voice clips, images and video calls. It also has translation and correction tools, and offers access to certified tutors and personalised lessons if you want more structure.
PowerVocab
PowerVocab is a word game, a bit like a dictionary quiz: you are shown a word and choose its correct definition. It is aimed at word lovers who enjoy Scrabble and crosswords, and it is a fun, low-pressure way to expand your vocabulary and sharpen your sense of meaning.
Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages puts the emphasis on speaking. The exercises have you repeat words and converse along with audio recordings, and you can record yourself to track your progress. You can also download the audio lessons to listen offline. Some lessons are reserved for paying members, so full access requires a subscription.
Apps are the first step, not the whole journey
It is worth being realistic about what an app can do. These tools are excellent for building vocabulary and giving you the basics of grammar and pronunciation, but they will not make you bilingual on their own, because a language is meant to be spoken. Use apps to familiarise yourself and build a foundation, then take it into the real world: listen to music and watch films in the language, and above all use it with other people. As the Spanish poet Juan Ramon Jimenez put it, "He who learns a new language acquires a new soul." The surest way to bring an app's vocabulary to life is to speak the language where it is spoken, on a course with SPRACHCAFFE.
Summary
The best language learning apps each do one job well: Duolingo for a daily habit and the basics, Memrise for vocabulary through repetition, Tandem for real practice with native speakers, PowerVocab for playful word-building, and Rocket Languages for speaking. They are free or low-cost, fit into spare minutes, and are a brilliant first step, as long as you remember they are a start. Pair them with real conversation, and, ideally, a language course abroad, to turn the basics into fluency.
FAQ
Apps are good for building vocabulary, daily habit and early confidence, and their games and reminders keep you coming back. They work best as one part of a wider approach rather than a complete method on their own.
They excel at short, regular practice of vocabulary, basic grammar and listening, and at keeping motivation up between lessons. Some also connect you with native speakers for exchange, which adds real conversation.
Most apps are limited on spontaneous speaking, feedback on your own sentences and cultural context. Real conversation, correction and immersion are where progress speeds up, and these are hard for an app to provide.
Apps and courses complement each other: use an app for daily vocabulary and revision, and a course, such as one with SPRACHCAFFE, for structured teaching and immersive speaking practice with real people.
Related news
Get the latest on travel, languages and culture