The best language learning apps

One thing is for sure, the best way to learn a language is to start speaking it. If you’re looking for something to complement this kind of natural learning, these apps are study tools to help you retain what you’ve already learned and start talking. This article is all about some of the best language learning Android apps out there. We’ve come up with a mixed bunch, after going over everything from databases full of grammar to collaborative platforms that help you improve your pronunciation. Here are the results.

Duolingo

Duolinguo very cleverly applies gaming elements to language learning processes. This app lets you beat different challenges that’ll help gain you knowledge points, leveling up in content blocks. It is available in English, French, Italian, German and Portuguese, and its main advantage is that almost all of the services it provides are totally free. [Download]

Forvo

Correct speaking and pronunciation are two of the main parts of learning a new language. Forvo is a huge collaborative data base where any user can record their voice to illustrate exactly how a word or expression should be pronounced. This is why when you run a search for a specific term on Forvo, you’ll come across tons of different results spoken by people from all over the world, with the additional appeal of hearing how the same word varies its sound depending on each accent and where its from. [Download]

Busuu

An enormous online community that has everything you need to learn in just about any language. It mixes lesson units with vocabulary exercises and grammar, along with audio that’ll help you improve your pronunciation and level tests for each stage. It’s social environment allows you to interact with other users to exchange knowledge and personalize your goals. Here you can learn English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Polish, Japanese and Chinese. [Download]

Memrise

Memrise puts into practice all of the learning principales on other services while mainly focusing on getting you to retain what you’ve already learned. It’ll also add new vocabulary periodically. Memrise has over 100 different languages available (including synthetic languages like Klingon from Star Trek). And it offers all kinds of interactive exercises and tons of their own audiovisual material for you to use. [Download]

Wlingua

With over 600 full lessons neatly divided into levels and themes (A1, A2, B1 and B2) and tons of different sections for learning your target language, Wlingua is a great learning app. It supports English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese. And, that’s not all. It’s also got content that covers all different kinds of topics based on modern learning standards for communication like: writing, speaking, listening and reading. [Download]

Rosetta Stone

This ‘Language Learning’ app covers over 24 different languages, and works much like a personal trainer. It’s super-effective. And its massive amount of available content organized into themed blocks has been this brand’s trademark since 1992. Developed by experts, Rosetta Stone was a pioneer in using new technology for language learning. It covers over 30 different languages in total. Access to the first unit for each language is completely free. However, the rest of their language lessons are only available if you join their paid subscription program.  [Download]

Babbel

Babbel’s courses are focused on offering an educational experience while providing a game -like environment. You’ll never get the impression that you’re sitting down to finish a course. Instead it’ll have the feel of playing a game on your phone. But, you’ll actually be learning new content the whole time. It includes 13 different languages. All the exercises it offers are adapted to each level. And, within this app you’ll get everything from comprehension activities to pronunciation tests. Not to mention all of the vocabulary review and accent perfecting challenges. To access Babbel’s services, you’ll need to sign up for a monthly subscription.  [Download]

SayWhat Video Dictionary

One of the biggest problems when starting out learning a new language is understanding local expressions and slang. These kinds of sayings are totally valid, but aren’t always included in dictionaries or typical language courses. The best way to understand any word or expression is for a native speaker to explain it to you. Everybody knows that. So, based on that concept SayWhat Video Dictionary brings the natives to your phone. On SayWhat you’ll be able to search for a local expression and gain access to video explanations of tons of slang made by a whole community of native speakers. [Download]

Word Lens Translator

This app is much more than just a learning tool. What we’re looking at here is a major survival utility. Word Lens Translator lets you instantly translate texts, posters, and signs in real-time using the camera on your smartphone. Just aim your camera at the sign you want to translate, and you’ll immediately see a translated version on your phone. Word Lens Translator even respects the original sign fonts and angles.  Welcome to the world of augmented reality applied to knowledge and understanding. [Download]

Traductor de Google

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about translators. Google translate is without a doubt a giant in this field. It covers an enormously extensive amount of content, and works seamlessly on almost any terminal. Whether you’re looking up phrases, expressions, technical terms, or even translating a whole website, it’ll automatically provide you with the information you need. Now, you can even use your camera to look for dynamic results. Whether you want to learn a language or just look up terms every so often, this is a crucial language tool. [Descargar]