Learning a new language is a fantastic goal, and it is totally doable! While we recommend studying abroad and attending language schools in Washington DC, we recognize that language learning apps are great supplemental learning tools. Language learning apps help encourage language learners outside the classroom by using gamification methods, reinforcing language skills, boosting foreign language vocabulary, and connecting language learners with native speakers. Today, we are highlighting 15 of the best language learning apps in 2019.

Duolingo

Duolingo is, by far, one of the most popular language-learning apps on the market. First, Duolingo is free and easy to use. It has over thirty languages for users to choose from. All you have to do is select the language you want to learn and get busy! It uses a combination of text, audio, and pictures to help you learn the language and continues to move you to more difficult tasks.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk is an app that connects language learners to native speakers allowing them to practice the language through conversations. Language learners can text and talk to native speakers. It has over 1 million users and over 100 languages. Plus, it’s free! Keep in mind, while conversation apps are awesome, you will benefit more by enrolling in language schools in DC where you will be surrounded by native speakers.

Drops

This is a unique language learning app without reading or typing. It focuses on short games with word buckets, unscrambling, and matching pictures with translations that are designed for five-minute learning segments. It offers 19 languages, including French, Spanish, and Korean.

Busuu

This award-winning app helps language learners learn 11 languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, or (Brazilian) Portuguese. It diversifies language learning, so users get practice learning the language in a variety of ways. It includes vocabulary, dialogue, and quizzes.

Babbel

Babbel offers 14 languages and allows users to practice language learning by practicing dialogue. You begin with basic conversational dialogue and move on to more advanced dialogue. However, you choose answers to conversational questions rather than writing your own response. Additionally, it offers interactive lessons focusing on listening, reading, writing, and speaking the target language.

Memrise

Memrise is a popular gamified language learning app that is like a fancier version of flashcards. It covers a wide variety of topics, and the type of content is varied (audio or images). The app uses mnemonics to help language learners memorize new vocabulary easily. It is a great app for beginning language learners – especially those who like to combine language learning with games.

AccellaStudy

AccellaStudy offers separate apps for whichever language you hope to learn. It offers flashcards, audio quizzes, repetition, and more. It is very easy to use and makes it easy to listen hands-free. Plus, you can create your own study sets so you can focus on the vocabulary you need the most help with learning. However, this app is only available for iOS devices.

Rosetta Stone

A longtime favorite, Rosetta Stone, is still a much-respected language learning program. In addition to the popular language learning program, they offer a free app for language learners and covers several different languages. They use pictures and common phrases to help language learners master words and phrases that will be helpful when traveling.

Beelingu App

A different type of language learning app, Beelingu App, works by showing language learners both their native language and target language at the same time. This allows language learners to compare and learn. It also stands out because it uses music and audiobooks for language learning.

50 Languages Review

Another free app, 50 Languages Review, is free and high-quality. It has great content that helps language learners with studying and practicing reading, writing, and listening skills. There are also quizzes and games. As the name suggests, it has 50 plus languages for users to learn.

Pimsleur

The goal of the Pimsleur app is to help users learn conversation fast, claiming it helps users “rapidly start speaking a new language in 30 days.” Since it focuses on teaching conversation, it works hands-free and is even compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Tandem

Tandem is another free language exchange app where language learners spend time conversing (text, chat, and video messaging) with native speakers. The app works to point out mistakes gently, and it includes an in-app translation feature. Again, students enrolled in the Washington language school inlingua will benefit from face-to-face conversation with native speakers.

Mango Languages

Mango Languages is an online language learning app that includes over 70 languages. It works to help users master conversational speaking with an emphasis on pronunciation and accent learning. However, this app does require a monthly payment.

Mindsnacks

If you are looking for a game playing language learning app, then you should check out Mindsnacks. This app uses gamification to make language learning fun and easy. It focuses on vocabulary and grammar. Plus, the app tracks your progress. It includes the following languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, German, Mandarin and Portuguese.

HiNative

HiNative is a unique question and answer app for language learners. Users can ask questions such as “How do you say, ‘Where’s the restroom’ in Spanish?” Then, in just a few minutes, you will receive a response from a native speaker. Likewise, you can also record audio to ask about pronunciation.

The Best Way to Learn a New Language in 2019

It is important to note that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the language rather than relying on a language learning app. For example, students taking English courses in Washington DC will be surrounded by English speakers, instructed by native speakers, and provided numerous opportunities to practice real-life English.

Additionally, language learning apps are meant to be supplemental learning tools. Students preparing to take the TOEFL at an English test center will find using apps, such as the ones listed in this article, helpful as they provide extra practice in the time outside of class.