Top apps for learning a new language

Whether it’s to help with your studies, get you prepared for a holiday abroad or just for fun, learning a new language is easier than ever these days thanks to modern technology.

We’ve rounded up some of the best apps available to download that will have you speaking Spanish (or any other language) in no time. De nada!

Duolingo

One of the most well-known language apps out there, Duolingo uses advanced technology to personalise every lesson for you. You can practice reading, writing, speaking and listening by partaking in conversations with intelligent chatbots. The best thing about Duolingo is that it feels like a game, making sure you stay motivated and entertained.

There are a variety of languages available for you to learn, as well as features that allow you to track your progress and earn rewards for your hard work.

You can find Duolingo on both the App Store and the Play Store.

busuu

Another good option, busuu helps you to perfect languages by uploading your speaking and writing exercises to be corrected by native speakers. You can do the same for other users if you wish, correcting their mistakes and giving them tips in your own language.

You can learn up to 12 major languages using their award-winning courses, with levels ranging from beginner to fluency – the level you start at will be worked out using a placement test.

busuu offers a range of helpful features, such as accent and speech recognition exercises, tips on grammar and the ability to learn offline.

Download busuu from either the App Store or the Play Store.

Memrise Memrise has been specially created for developing real-life language skills through a helpful variety of easy-to-use games, innovative chatbots and a database of over 30,000 native speaker videos.

Like the other apps mentioned, Memrise has a ton of exciting interactive language and vocabulary games for you to learn and practice with. Thanks to a nifty recording feature, you can learn to speak like a local by recording and comparing your pronunciation with native speakers. Memrise also allows you to practice offline, letting you put your skills to the test whenever and wherever is convenient for you.

Get Memrise from the App Store or the Play Store.

Babbel

The last app on our list is Babbel. Developed by a team of language learning experts, it has helped millions of people to speak a new language with confidence.

Babbel teaches you how to engage in practical, everyday conversations, making it easier for you to have authentic experiences in your new language. The lessons immerse the user in relevant culture and real-life conversations, plus they’re short and sweet, lasting about 10-15 minutes and designed to send your new language straight to long-term memory.

After just one month on the app, you should be confident enough to have conversations about topics such as directions, shopping and public transport.

Grab Babbel from either the App Store or the Play Store.