To brush up on your German, not long ago, all you needed was to watch TV regularly. The endlessly repeated phrase "für Deutschland" stuck in mind, and even those without a talent for languages could easily recognize the contexts in which it could be used. But hoppla, television has changed after all (supposedly), and now we have bergauf. Fortunately, a good app for learning German will solve the problem. A good one – which one? We'll tell you.
Language learning apps – it was worth inventing the smartphone just for them. It's so simple, it's brilliant. To have a teacher in your pocket (this time literally, not figuratively)? In every free moment, instead of scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, or reading the entire internet, being able to develop language skills? And in a form that most often resembles a simple game? With rewards? Who wouldn't want that?! Exactly.
Language learning apps are very effective, but under certain conditions. First and foremost, they should not be treated as the primary method of learning. Lack of contact with a real language, little cultural context, or an individual approach are limitations of apps that one should be aware of.
Learning German on your phone will never replace conversations with a teacher or a native speaker (in this case, a Muttersprachler…). However, as a supplement, a German learning app will work perfectly. We recommend it, especially since traveling and being able to communicate in the host's language is always a great option – and abroad, of course, roaming will also come in handy.
How to effectively use German learning apps?
- Combine it with other learning methods. Watch German films with original audio and German or Polish subtitles, speak German as much as possible, and read: newspapers, comics, books.
- Use the app regularly. Five minutes every day will be better than an hour once a week. Actually, an hour every day would be even better.
- Speak aloud. Apps encourage speaking, but also allow you to avoid it, for example, when you're on a tram.
- Choose a good app, tailored to your skills and abilities. Which app for learning German? That is the question you're about to get the answer to.
German learning app on your phone – selection and Viking reviews
Learning German on your phone: Duolingo
Who is it for? Beginners and intermediate learners
Method: gamification, short lessons, memo, listening and writing exercises
Biggest pros: free version, paid version for multiple users, motivating reward systems
Biggest cons: limited grammar, sometimes absurdly artificial sentences, passive-aggressive notification system
Model: free version, subscription
Viking Piotr's opinion:
Duolingo initially puts you off with its childish interface, but once you get used to it, it becomes "transparent" and you stop noticing it. Be sure to dig into the app settings and turn off all those annoying sounds before – like me – you throw your phone on the floor. That is, if you manage to find the settings at all, because the interface is not only childish, but also totally unintuitive, and can even throw up an error.
The whole gamification aspect works really well (with yourself, but also with family or friends – several people can use one subscription). It's motivating and simply works. A quick reward system, daily goals, and really short lessons are a big plus. However, the intrusive notifications are truly awful – I turned them off after a week.
Check out: the best apps for learning English.
Which app for learning German? Babbel!
Who is it for? Beginners and intermediate learners
Method: courses with an emphasis on conversation
Pros: realistic dialogues, grammar!
Cons: less interactive and "gamified" than Duolingo (for some, this is a plus!)
Model: paid subscription
ViQueen Ewa's opinion:
The app is very extensive, but fortunately, it's not complicated and is easy and pleasant to use. This is important because the app itself doesn't discourage its use.
It lacks some gamification elements; the app is more "serious" than, for example, Duolingo. For me, however, that's an advantage. I appreciate the comprehensive approach to learning German, as Babbel emphasizes not only vocabulary but also grammar and pronunciation.
Lessons based on dialogues taken straight from everyday life work great. Babbel Live (conversations in small groups under the guidance of instructors) and podcasts are super. The app also teaches business language – a huge plus for that.
Learning German on your phone: Anki
Who is it for? Beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners
Method: Flashcards with a spaced repetition system
Pros: Ability to create your own sets, personalization
Cons: Hmm…
Model: free version, subscription
ViQueen Laura's opinion:
Creating my own card decks is a great solution – it allows me to expand vocabulary in areas that interest me. I really appreciate that the app is available on both computers and smartphones, and data synchronizes between platforms. It's easier for me to arrange card decks on a computer, but to learn on my phone – it's nice to have that flexibility. Anki's somewhat community-driven nature works well; decks prepared by others can be surprising and engaging.
German language learning app: LingQ
Who is it for? Intermediate and advanced learners
Method: learning through reading and listening
Pros: huge content database
Cons: app is difficult to use
Model: free version is heavily limited, subscription
Viking Adam's opinion:
It looks outdated, but maybe that's a deliberate move to build credibility? Either way, it's a bit difficult to navigate, but once you learn how to use LingQ, the app turns out to be very good.
It teaches through context, which means you come into contact not only with the language but also with the entire culture of a given country. For me, that's a huge advantage. Among the drawbacks, I'd mention that you need to know the language quite well to even use this app.
German learning app: DW Learn German
Who is it for? Beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners
Method: free courses, videos, podcasts, exercises
Pros: professional materials, all for free!
Cons: not very interactive
Model: free
ViQueen Magda's opinion:
If something is endorsed by Deutsche Welle, it can't be bad – and this app (though an online desktop version is also available) proves it, but only in terms of content, of which there is a huge amount. The work put into it is evident, and the fact that everything is completely free creates an even greater "wow" effect.
On the other hand, the app itself can crash, there are sometimes login issues, and some strange errors. Well, as you can see, there's a trade-off. In my opinion, for the wealth of materials – it's still worth it!
German learning app – summary
As part of a larger plan, a German learning app is indeed a decidedly good idea. Considering that we always have smartphones at hand – it's better to use them this way than just consuming random content (read: watching dog videos).
Accessibility, convenience, interactivity, and a variety of methods make learning German using a smartphone possible. Remember, however, not to treat your device as the main source of knowledge. After all, it's just a pleasant supplement.
