Apps to learn languages: free, offline, fast

Learning a foreign language can change our life, allowing us to expand our horizons into new possibilities that can bring positive experiences. In this article, you will find a list of our recommended apps to get you started in a foreign language. Which one would you like to learn?

Rosetta Stone

Choose from 23 languages!

• One of the most popular language apps, Rosetta Stone is a learning program developed by the same app called Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion® method, which offers a mix of interactive scenarios with contextual lessons and extensive learning features.
• The app has a friendly interface making it easy to use and accessible to start learning right away. It offers 23 languages and starts off with a gentle rhythm.
• The app is ideal to build up the foundations in their available languages and eventually be able to read, write and understand general ideas for a basic understanding.
• The mobile app can be accessed offline and directly from your desktop.

It’s available at the Play Store for a free trial or with three different payment plans; three months ($35.97), one year ($170), two years ($249), and a lifetime ($299).

Busuu

Improve your speaking skills

• Busuu is a paid language learning app that uses a speech recognition system it encourages students to practice and improve their language-speaking skills.
• It has a long selection of dialogues involving the user to listen and comprehend daily-life situations.
• The free version of Bussu limits to digital flashcards with different levels making the learning process interactive and quick.
• With a premium version, more benefits can be acquired that offer more significant in-depth activities for each level.
• One of the most attractive features is the cultural references and lessons offered for each language. This way, the user is not only improving the target language but also immersing himself in the culture behind it. This can come in handy when traveling or moving abroad.
• The application is available offline, so you can practice and learn regardless of location. Find it in the PlayStore and Apple Store.

Tandem

Talk with native speakers

• Tandem is a different kind of learning app, it works more in a community context where all students have the possibility to exchange, talk and learn from native speakers.
• Regardless of your location, you can connect with other users via messages or video chat, who can help you learn your desired language, and in exchange, you can help them by teaching your native language.
• Apart from the community exchange, you can test your level and study for official language levels and tests.
• If you want to deepen your knowledge, you can also follow a complete course before getting started with real life conversations.

Tandem can be downloaded from the PlayStore and App store completely for free, it offers a low price subscription for extra lessons and tests.

Mango

Choose your language need and improve

• Mango stands out for its simplicity and attractive design. The application offers more than 70 languages from which you can choose among more specific needs, like Business ethics, or in a more fun matter, you could learn the Pirates or the Oktoberfest German language.
• Simply start by listening to common phrases of each language. You’ll have to repeat and understand them to continue your learning path.
• With the revealing phrases to practice out loud, the app explains as well the composition and order of each word, this way, the user can practice more in-depth the phrases learned.
• Mango is focused on learning patterns and forgetting about rules which makes it one of the most entertaining language apps, you can try it for free in the PlayStore and App store.

Babbel

Learn any language with the help of English

• One of the most affordable language apps, Babbel was created in Germany and offers 14 different languages.
• Their best programs are Spanish and French, the application is mainly addressed to English native speakers since the comparisons and conversational matches are made from English to other languages.
• The method is simple and straight to the point, the lessons are developed by linguists who created a learning path that follows more traditional rules making Babbel a more scholarly approach.
• Learn by listening and repeating conversations, comparing your pronunciation with one of the apps, and completing your lessons with fill-in-the-blank exercises and extra notes.

You can try it for free for iOS and Android or subscribe for a complete course.

Duolingo

Learn the language in a game-like atmosphere

• Duolingo is one of the most popular language apps, with 21 languages.
• It works with a simple method of mixing words and phrases to have a wide variety of vocabulary while gamifying the lessons.
• The app's main target is to engage the user with basic conversation phrases introduced with flashcards, listening exercises, and multiple-choice questions.
• Unlike other language courses, Duolingo has a study plan that works according to the user.
• An interesting feature is the possibility of contacting other language learners on the platform to discuss and share experiences. 

You can download Duolingo for Android and Duolingo for iOS devices in App Store for free with all its features, although you can upgrade to a premium version to delete ads and enjoy offline access.