If you’re planning to travel to a foreign country this summer and want to be able to ask for directions or place an order at the restaurant, it may be worth learning a few phrases in the local language. Installing a language-learning app on your phone a few months or weeks before your journey could help. This guide covers the best language-learning apps to us before your trip to quickly learn the essentials.
Good to know: check out these handy online translators that you can access from your browser.
1. Duolingo
Price: Free with premium options
Duolingo (Android, iOS) is perhaps the best-known language-learning app for digital learners. Guided by their cute owl mascot, Duo users can embark on a journey of linguistic discovery.
Based on your current language competency, Duolingo creates a learning path for you that is divided into sections. Each deals with different aspects – for instance, Travel – and is further split up into Units. Under each, various exercises allow users to learn specific words and expressions related to certain topics.
Duolingo offers an engaging way to learn by setting daily goals that unlock rewards when hit. The app also offers a wide range of languages to choose from, including some fictional languages, such as Klingon and High Valyrian. Duolingo lets you learn more than one language, even in the free version, which is a big advantage.
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2. Memrise
Price: Free with premium options
Memrise (Android, iOS) takes a slightly different approach than Duolingo, focusing more on interpersonal communication. This makes it a great choice for those looking to learn a few quick phrases to better interact with the locals.
Memrise offers a blend of learning exercises to teach you the basics of the language. It relies on video content as well, where digital lecturers speak phrases for you. Alternatively, watch videos of people interacting and see what you can pick up, with Memrise lending a helping hand, of course.
If you want to practice writing in that language, you can access a series of written exercises that allow you to chat with a bot about certain topics. Compared to Duolingo, Memrise has fewer language tracks available, but still, it offers plenty of options.
3. Drops
Price: Free with premium options
Drops (Android, iOS) is another app that can teach you basic vocabulary for a language of your choice. The options are numerous, so you’re most likely to find the language of the country you’re traveling to in the list.
Based on your current knowledge and the amount of time you are willing to devote each day to the learning process, Drops will create exercises using words and expressions that are graphically represented. If you’re a visual learner, this app is what you need.
If you’re interested in a particular topic, check the Explore section to find words and expressions associated with a different topic. For instance, numbers 0 to 10 or weather words. Drops also features a series of challenges that can earn you rewards to help your language journey.
Tip: bothered by too many notifications? Learn how to disable push notifications on Android.
4. Babbel
Price: Free with premium options
Babbel (Android, iOS) is a language-learning app with a clean interface that’s easy on the eye. The app asks you to set a maximum of three goals for your language learning experience before it creates your personalized learning path. You can also specify which skills you want to focus on, including vocabulary, speaking, or reading.
Once your plan is created, you can access one free lesson and a daily vocabulary workout before Babbel will ask you to sign up with a free seven-day trial. After that, you’ll need a subscription to keep using the app. In the free version, explore additional content and exercises. For instance, Everyday Conversations (listening exercises), podcasts, and more.
Babbel also features live classes with various tutors that you can book for free. (You can only access two if you haven’t upgraded to a paid plan.) Lessons are structured intuitively and feature multiple types of exercises. Finally, the app offers a good choice when it comes to the number of languages.
5. Tandem
Price: Free with premium options
If you tend to learn best through conversations, turn to the Tandem (Android, iOS) app. Once you sign up (which takes a little longer than on the other apps), you can find native speakers of the language you’re targeting and interact with them through chat, video, or audio.
The app pairs you with people who speak the language you want to learn and who are also seeking to get acquainted with your language. Tandem is big on the social component, so it also offers a Clubs section, where you can join other people.
There’s also a Parties feature: a talk channel where you can interact with others using your voice. If you’re using the chat feature, the app also provides a translation tool. Some options are hidden behind a paywall, such as interaction with Nearby people, but for the most part, you can use this app for free.
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6. Pimsleur
Price: Free lesson with premium plans
Pimsleur (Android, iOS) is an app that offers a wide choice when it comes to language tracks. It even has some specific options targeting children. Like Babbel, however, you can only access one lesson for free before you will be required to sign up with a seven-day free trial.
Lessons are structured a bit differently than the other apps on this list, in the sense that you have a digital tutor guiding you through the lessons. The tutor will provide explanations and break down pronunciations for you. The app relies on a learning technique that requires you to listen and repeat after the speaker.
The best thing about this approach is that you can start a learning session anywhere: while you’re walking to the store or working out. Once the lesson is complete, practice what you’ve learned by using Flash Cards, Quick Match, or reading exercises.
7. Busuu
Price: Free with premium options
Busuu (Android, iOS) uses videos as the primary learning source. Watch a quick video, then match the spoken words with the written ones. Depending on how much time you’re willing to spend, lessons can be shorter or longer.
After the first lesson, the app will quickly prompt you to update to a premium account, but if you don’t mind watching ads, you can delay making a payment – for a while at least. But if you want access to grammar information, you will have to upgrade.
Busuu has a strong social component, too. Set your native language and review other users’ content. You can also request help if you’re not sure about a phrase or expression. However, note that Busuu offers fewer options when it comes to the languages you can learn.
Tip: with Omegle gone, learn your options for chatting with a stranger.
If you’re heading out on a business trip instead of a holiday, it may be worth getting a physical translator device or checking out this Google Translate guide for easy communication in any language.
Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
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