10 Applications for Learning Languages

Is learning a new language one of your current goals? You're in luck, because we're going to tell you all about the best applications for learning languages.
10 Applications for Learning Languages

Last update: 26 November, 2020

Applications for learning languages are one of the best ways to go about meeting your goal to learn and practice a foreign language. The little time we have and the use of technology combine to offer us effective alternatives to incorporate a new language into our lives.

There are debates about whether or not language learning applications are effective. Without going into too much detail, the truth is that they can provide us with extra vocabulary, useful practice exercises, and a basis to begin new learning. The benefits are undeniable.

Thanks to the advancements in technology, we can learn almost anything through our smartphones nowadays. What’s more, in many cases, we can do it for free.

If you want to broaden your horizons, are thinking about taking a trip, or simply love to acquire new knowledge, keep reading. You don’t want to miss our selection of applications for learning languages that are for both Android and iOS.

Applications for learning languages: Let’s speak clearly

Duolingo, one of the most famous applications for learning languages

This is a free application and it’s probably one of the most famous. You can learn German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Dutch, Irish, Danish, Swedish, Ukrainian, Esperanto, Polish, Greek, Hungarian, Norwegian, Hebrew, Welsh and English. Learning takes place through games and rewards.

Available for Android and iOS.

10 Applications for Learning Languages

Babbel

Although it’s free, this is one of the language learning applications where  you have to pay in order to unlock all the content. If you don’t want to pay, you can access short and simple lessons and take advantage of any time you have free.

You’ll find lessons in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Polish, Dutch, Indonesian, Danish, and Norwegian.

Available for Android and iOS.

Busuu

This is a great global network through which you can practice languages with native speakers all over the world. You can find vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar exercises. It has a free version, although to take advantage of all the tools you’ll have to pay.

The languages you can learn are English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, Arabic, and Chinese.

Available for Android and iOS.

ABBA English

This application is totally free for those who want to learn English. It uses a natural method based on watching movies, singing, or all kinds of practical issues. It consists of 6 levels and 144 units. What’s more, it offers teachers assigned to each student.

Available for Android and iOS.

Lingualia

Here you’ll find very adaptable courses according to your level of knowledge. Lingualia has online exercises and a virtual teacher that gives constant support to students.

Available for Android and iOS.

MosaLingua

In this case, each language comes in a different application, so you should only download the one you want to learn. You can access courses in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Russian. Their method is through thematic learning cards where they combine the use of vocabulary, grammar and practical tips.

Available for Android and iOS.

Mondly

Mondly’s catalog is its strong point; 31 languages are available! Besides the most classic ones, you can also find Indonesian, Persian, Finnish, Afrikaans, among others. Its mini-games and lessons are complemented by augmented reality content.

Available for Android and iOS.

10 Applications for Learning Languages


More language learning applications

TripLingo

More than just an application for learning languages, TripLingo combines the love of travel and the need to communicate.

This is the perfect app if your interest in language learning is for tourism purposes. It offers 13 languages, focusing on the basics you’ll need to be able to travel. This app also provides you with information about 100 different destinations.

Available for Android and iOS.

Wlingua

Like ABBA, this application is geared toward those who want to learn English, and consists of 600 different lessons. Its method involves exercises, games and tests that will help you learn vocabulary, grammar, and expand your reading comprehension.

It also has complementary applications to learn basic Italian, Portuguese, and German vocabulary. It’s free, but with a premium paid version.

Available for Android and iOS

Elsa, the last of the language learning applications we offer

The aim of this application is to help learners improve their English pronunciation. Elsa listens to you and corrects you until you pronounce correctly.

Available for Android and iOS.

To conclude, these are just some of the most popular language learning applications available. Of course, the one that’s best for you will depend on the language you want to learn, your current level, what purposes you have when it comes to learning a new language.

The time you have available or your knowledge of technology will also influence the decision.

 


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Area, M., & Adell, J. (2009). E-learning: enseñar y aprender en espacios virtuales. Tecnología Educativa. La Formación Del Profesoradi En La Era de Internet. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.04.015
  • Gisbert Cervera, M., González Martínez, J., & Esteve Mon, F. M. (2016). Competencia digital y competencia digital docente: una panorámica sobre el estado de la cuestión. Revista Interuniversitaria de Investigación En Tecnología Educativa. https://doi.org/10.6018/riite2016/257631
  • Badia, A., Campos, L. C., Vargas d’Uniam, J., & Díaz, G. S. (2016). La percepción de la utilidad de la tecnología conforma su uso para enseñar y aprender. Revista Electronica de Investigacion Educativa.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.