Duolingo is currently the most popular language learning app, but there are better alternatives to get started with.
Duolingo Alternatives to Really Learn the Language
When you think of learning a language, you think of Duolingo. The extremely popular app has countless people in its grip, because they don’t want to lose their streak or because the green owl gets angry.
That’s not surprising, because Duolingo is a very good app. Instead of wasting your time scrolling through social media, in Duolingo you are actually acquiring knowledge. Handy if you are going on holiday, emigrating or just want to train your brain. But can you speak the language fluently after a year of Duolingo?
Gamification
Duolingo is a very clever app that uses gamification to keep you coming back. Think of that streak you want to keep going, but also earning all sorts of points and currency in the game. And if you keep coming back, you’ll see a lot of ads, or you might take out a subscription.
The app also does a lot of good for language learning, such as combining listening, reading, writing and speaking. But once someone, after a year of practicing Italian daily, stands in front of an Italian to have a conversation, things will probably go wrong.
You learn language mainly in contact with others, or by exposing yourself to the language in other ways. Think of watching films and series. You quickly pick up things that are really useful to you, while with Duolingo for some reason you are busy with sentences like ‘the elephant is wearing a red dress’ or ‘my sister is eating an orange’.
Not as the only means
Duolingo can still be valuable. As I said, it is a very well-made app and you can certainly pick up words that you will recognize when you are abroad. But if you really want to learn the language, you need to combine it with other resources.
None of the alternatives below offer the ultimate language learning tool, but by combining multiple apps you have a greater chance of becoming fluent.
1. Lingodeer: more attention to grammar
Do you want something that is very similar to Duolingo but takes the next step in language learning? Then Lingodeer is an interesting option. Duolingo leaves a lot to be desired in the area of grammar, but that is exactly where Lingodeer is strong. That makes the app a bit less accessible than Duolingo, but this part is necessary to really learn the language.
LingoDeer – Learn Languages
LingoDeer – Learn Languages Apps
2. HelloTalk: talk to a native speaker
Because talking to people who speak the language is so important, HelloTalk is a great addition to Duolingo. This app connects you with native speakers. This can be done via text, audio or video. Although this can be a bit scary, it is an accessible way to practice conversations so that you are not at a loss for words in real situations.
HelloTalk – Learn Languages
HelloTalk Learn Languages App
3. Busuu: Feedback on your lessons
Although Busuu does not have nearly as many languages as Duolingo and can be quite expensive, it is a very nice app to learn a language. Not cartoon characters, but real people speak the language via video. Especially special is the possibility to get feedback on your lessons from native speakers.
4. Babbel: learn the sentences you need on holiday faster
It can be frustrating when you want to learn how to order food or ask for directions with Duolingo, while the app wants to teach you other things first. Babbel focuses on the words and phrases you need on vacation first. The app also has more explanations about the languages you are learning. The app is a bit drier, but the focus is on learning and not on entertainment.
Babbel – Learn Languages
Babble
5. Language Transfer: no ads, no costs
If you’re annoyed by Duolingo’s ads or that owl that keeps trying to sell you a subscription, Language Transfer is an interesting option. It’s not nearly as flashy as Duolingo, but there’s plenty of content to learn from.
Language Transfer
Language Transfer
6. Netflix: watch series and movies in another language.
You can also use apps that are already on your smartphone to immerse yourself in the language. Search for a series or film in this language on Netflix. You can turn on the subtitles, but you will still get the words and sentences.
7. YouTube: Create a Second Account
YouTube is also full of fun videos in which the language you are learning is spoken, but it can be difficult to find them. Our tip is to create a second account with which you search for videos in that language. The algorithm will then adjust itself. You can easily switch between the different accounts via your profile picture.
Source: www.androidplanet.nl
