Apps and websites
There are a number of apps and websites that you can use to learn a language - often for free!
Apps and websites to explore
- Babbel
Babbel is an online language learning software and e-learning platform available in fourteen different languages.
Registration with Babbel is completely free of charge and the first lesson in every course, in every language, is free to try. Babbel will charge if you want full access to the courses in your learning language, but all other parts of Babbel are free to use.
- Busuu: Language Learning
Busuu is a language learning website and smart phone application that offers high quality courses in 12 different languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Turkish, Arabic and more. A partnership with McGraw Hill Education allows for official certification of language curses for the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Available for iOS and Android devices through the App Store or Google Play. Download is free, this includes 20 complete learning units, more courses and features available in monthly packages, prices may vary.
- Digital DialectsDigital Dialects offers games and activities to learn a new language. The website hosts 79 language sections, a list of which can be found on the language learning games index page. They have created interactive flashcards with audio for learning many languages and also include picture dictionaries.
- Duolingo
Duolingo is a free language-learning platform that includes a language-learning website and app, as well as a digital language proficiency assessment exam. Duolingo offers all its language courses free of charge.
- Easy Languages
Easy Languages is a video and podcast series that showcases language as spoken in the streets and among friends. Their goal is to help you learn languages in a fun and authentic way. They are based in Berlin, Germany, but operate with a global network of producers.
- HelloTalk Language Exchange
HelloTalk is a language learning application that allows users to interact with native language speakers and features over 100 different languages. This app is free to download for both iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play. Free to download with one free language, more can be accessed with in app purchase. - Innovative Language Learning -You Tube
Innovative Learning Languages is a You Tube Chanel that offers free, fast and fun audio and video lessons for learning a variety of languages. Great for those who travel and are always on the go.
- LanguageGuide.orgThis site includes vocabulary lessons in more than 25 languages, complete with audio recordings to help you learn pronunciation. The vocabulary lessons are perfect for both audio and visual learners because they incorporate images with each audio file.
- Memrise
Memrise is a language learning website and application that uses its community of language users to enhance the learning experience. Courses are offered for French, Spanish, Japanese, German and more. Available for iOS and Android devices through the App Store of Google Play. Application is free to download, some advanced features require paid membership.
- MyLanguages.orgMyLanguages.org is a free resource for almost any language you can imagine, from obscure to widely spoken. The website is user-friendly.
- Open Culture
This free collection features lessons in 48 languages, including Spanish, French, English, Mandarin, Italian, Russian and more. Download audio lessons to your computer or mp3 player and you’re good to go.
- Surface LanguagesSurface Languages contains words, phrases and expressions in many different languages along with audio, flashcards and some language learning games.
Seven strategies to learn a new language at home
1. Make your own program
2. Work on tasks that match your skill level
3. Learn the language as it's really spoken
4. Don't overload your brain
5. Review what you've learned
6. Get immersed and make it a habit
7. Use resources (like this guide!)
Source: https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/7-ways-to-learn-a-language-without-a-teacher