18 Free Language Apps That Are Actually Fun to Use

Language learning apps can be not only useful but incredibly entertaining and fun. With our current ability to use language tools on the go, this is the golden age of language apps.

While they won’t replace real human interactions, language learning apps are an invaluable resource for learning the basics of a new language or for translating words in real-time.

There are hundreds of language learning apps being launched on a weekly basis, and it can be confusing to differentiate what’s useful from what’s not. To help you save time, we’ve curated the top 18 language learning apps that you should try and experiment with on your own.

18 Free Language Learning Apps That Are Incredibly Useful

Language Instructional Courses

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language tools out there. It’s perfect for beginners looking to dip their feet into learning a new foreign language. The site’s gamified approach to learning makes it fun to learn vocabulary, grammar, and basic words.

2. Busuu

Busuu offers a similar language learning experience in which you mix speaking, listening, writing, and reading activities. This helps you acquire a basic understanding of your target language.

3. Babbel

Babbel is an inexpensive and fun tool that uses algorithms to personalize your language learning experience.

4. Internet Polyglot

Internet Polyglot has a mixture of different games that will activate different parts of your brain. They include typing games, picture games, word searches, guessing games, and more.

Language Memorization Tools

5. Ankiweb

Anki has been around for awhile. It’s an electronic flashcard tool that makes it easy for you to remember phrases and words in a foreign language.

6. Memrise

Memrise is one of the leading platforms for memorizing anything. It’s mainly focused on language learning, but you can also use it to memorize vocabulary for your SAT exam, biology exam, etc.

7. Tinycards

Tinycards is an application launched by Duolingo. It’s a free and fun flashcard app that you can take on the go. You can choose from thousands of topics that have been created for you or create your own decks.

 

8. Quizlet

Quizlet offers free quizzes that help you learn just about anything. “Flashcards” is one of their most popular features, but you can also take tests, play games, or create your own quizzes to share with friends.

Language Speaking & Conversation

9. Rype

Rype is a monthly membership site that connects you with fully-vetted professional language teachers for 1/10th of the price of a leading language school. Lessons are as short as 30 minutes, and you can schedule them at any time of the day and any day of the week. For anyone with the desire to speak a foreign language fluently, Rype is worth checking out.

10. MyLanguageExchange

MyLanguageExchange is a community where you can connect with like-minded language learners and potentially find conversation partners to help you practice your speaking skills. You’re able to filter by language, location, and the type of communication you prefer, including SMS text, phone calls, or in-person.

Language Games

11. Mindsnacks

Mindsnacks offers fun brain games that you can play to activate your mind while also learning a foreign language. Two birds with one stone!

12. FluentPanda

FluentPanda offers fun, bite-sized lessons, and it was created with the intention of helping the underprivileged learn English. Now, FluentPanda’s app offers lessons in many other popular languages.

13. Stumbleupon

Stumbleupon is a discovery platform for great content. With hundreds of topics and languages to discover, you can always find interesting and unique content for your target language.

Language Translation Tools

14. Google Translate

Google Translate is the go-to resource for translating basic words and phrases. It may not be perfect, but Google Translate is constantly improving its translation algorithms.

15. Bab.la

Bab.la doesn’t stop with just translation (currently available in over 28 languages). They offer a community forum, vocabulary listings, and games for language learners.

16. SpanishDict

Spanishdict offers Spanish translation and learning activities. If you’re learning Spanish, it’s worth your while to use SpanishDict as a dictionary, since it provides several thorough definitions as well as real-life examples that you can relate to.

17. Linguee

Linguee started by offering German translations, and now they offer translations in many popular languages. Their mobile app allows you to translate foreign words on the go and hassle-free.

18. Gengo

Gengo is a human-based translation service that offers fast turnaround. As great as algorithms can be for translation, they’re not perfect yet. That’s where a site like Gengo can fill in the gaps. It’s especially useful if you need larger-scale foreign language translations.

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