Jack
When I graduated from university, I couldn’t speak a single foreign language. I mean, I didn’t even know how to say “hello” in French or “thank you” in Spanish. Fast forward a few years, and I’m now fluent in French, Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin. This transformation wasn’t because I spent years in classrooms or living abroad, but because I discovered the right tools to guide me along the way. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the best language learning apps that took me from a complete novice to fluent, explaining how they can do the same for you.
Getting Started: The Best App for Absolute Beginners
When you’re just starting out, the idea of learning a new language can feel daunting. You might not even be sure which language you want to learn. Thankfully, there’s an app that can help you dip your toes in the water without any commitment:
Duolingo
Duolingo is probably the most well-known language learning app, and for good reason. It’s free, user-friendly, and accessible to absolutely anyone. But here’s the thing: Duolingo’s true value isn’t in making you fluent—it’s in helping you determine whether you’re serious about learning a language. Before investing time, effort, or money into more advanced resources, it’s crucial to answer three key questions:
- Are you committed to learning a language over the long term?
- Can you commit at least 20 minutes every day to studying?
- Do you actually enjoy the process of language learning?
Give Duolingo a two-week trial. Try out any language that piques your interest—be it Italian, Swahili, or even Klingon—and see how you respond to those three questions. If you find yourself enjoying the challenge and consistency, then congratulations! You’re ready to explore more advanced tools that will accelerate your learning.
Comprehensive Learning: The Best All-Round Language Learning App
Once you’ve decided to dive deeper into language learning, it’s time to find a more comprehensive app. Most of the big-name language apps, like Rosetta Stone or Babbel, claim to be one-stop shops for everything from vocabulary and grammar to pronunciation. However, they all share one significant drawback: they require you to stay constantly engaged with your screen. This visual-based learning can become monotonous and, quite frankly, a recipe for distraction.
The solution? Switch to an audio-based app. Audio learning allows you to multitask—whether that’s taking a walk, doing household chores, or even exercising—while still absorbing the language. The physical activity that accompanies audio learning isn’t just a bonus; it’s actually been proven to help you relax and retain information better.
Two audio-based apps stand out in this regard:
- Language Transfer: This app offers a series of 100% free lessons that feature a teacher and a student, making it feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private class. It’s a fantastic starting point, though the limited content (less than 12 hours even in the most complete courses) means you’ll eventually need to supplement your learning.
- Pimsleur: While Pimsleur requires a monthly subscription, it’s well worth the investment. The app offers a vast array of languages, a substantial amount of content, and useful supplementary tools like vocabulary quizzes and flashcards. Pimsleur’s focus on conversational language makes it an invaluable resource for building both comprehension and speaking skills.
Building Vocabulary: The Best App for Expanding Your Word Bank
Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll need to expand your vocabulary. This is where Anki comes in. Anki is the undisputed king of flashcard apps and has been around for almost 20 years. What makes Anki so powerful is its flexibility and community-driven approach.
You can create your own flashcards or download shared decks from AnkiWeb. These decks are often created by other users who have painstakingly crafted them for specific languages or purposes. For example, I used an Anki deck for studying Japanese that included native audio, photos, and a breakdown of kanji—a must-have for anyone tackling this notoriously difficult script.
However, there’s a caveat: even the best flashcards can become tedious over time. If you’re struggling to maintain focus, consider switching to a listening mode.
One app that offers this hybrid approach is Glossa. Glossa uses audio flashcards to help you memorize vocabulary in a more engaging way. You hear a phrase in English, followed by the same phrase in your target language. Over time, the phrases become more complex, but the learning process remains straightforward and effective.
Do note that Glossa isn’t for absolute beginners—it’s designed for those who already have a basic understanding of the language, as it doesn’t provide explanations.
Improving Speaking Skills: The Best App for Conversational Practice
If you’re serious about becoming fluent, you’ll need to practice speaking. Many language apps include features that claim to analyse your pronunciation and offer feedback, but let me be clear: no app can reliably correct your pronunciation yet. That technology is on the horizon, but for now, the best way to improve your speaking skills is through real conversations with native speakers.
There are two primary ways to do this: language exchange and paid tutoring.
- HelloTalk: This app connects you with people around the world for language exchange. It’s free, and the concept is simple: you teach them your language, and they teach you theirs. HelloTalk has a massive user base and an active community, so it’s relatively easy to find a conversation partner. The only downside is that you’ll spend half your time teaching your own language, which can slow your progress.
- Preply: If you’re willing to invest in your learning, Preply offers paid language lessons with experienced tutors. The one-on-one lessons can be intense, but they’re incredibly effective. Preply also offers group classes, which are a great option if you prefer a less formal, more social learning environment.
Enhancing Reading Skills: The Best App for Learning to Read
Perhaps you’re more interested in learning to read a new language than speaking it. If that’s the case, there’s a whole subset of apps dedicated to developing reading skills, with Beelinguapp standing out as the best.
Beelinguapp provides parallel versions of texts in English and your target language. The app’s library includes everything from children’s stories to classical literature, and it even allows you to listen to native speakers read aloud. This parallel text approach is highly effective because it helps you understand context and meaning while gradually increasing your reading proficiency.
Achieving Fluency: The Best Strategy for Complete Language Mastery
Fluency in a new language requires more than just rote memorisation and structured lessons. It demands constant exposure to the language, or as language learners often say: input, input, input. The more you hear, read, and engage with the language, the more naturally it will come to you.
In my experience, the best way to immerse yourself is through podcasts. But there’s a catch: you can’t just passively listen to a podcast while doing other tasks. To make real progress, you need to actively engage with the content by looking up words and phrases you don’t understand.
Here’s a pro tip: use Google Translate’s voice-to-text feature while listening to podcasts. This feature allows you to quickly translate and save unfamiliar words for later review. Google Translate has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to advancements in AI, making it a much more reliable tool than it used to be. However, it’s still a good idea to double-check your translations with a native speaker through one of the language exchange platforms mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
Learning a new language is a challenging but immensely rewarding journey. I started with nothing and, through dedication and the right tools, became fluent in four languages. Whether you’re just beginning your language learning adventure or looking to take your skills to the next level, these apps can help guide you along the way.
Remember, the key to success is consistency. Use these apps regularly, experiment with different methods, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Language learning should be a joyful exploration of new cultures and ideas, not a chore.
If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with language learning apps, please leave a comment below. I’ll do my best to respond. Happy learning!
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