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Babbel vs Mondly

Tuesday, December 3rd

2024 German Lesson Reviews

Babbel Review 3 Star Rating

Babbel

3 Star Rating
  • Starts at $17.95/month for self-study and $99/month for live classes
  • Uses a review technique called "spaced repetition"
  • A1-B2 courses in 14 different languages, including German
  • Includes exercises developed by language experts, podcasts, videos, games, and planning tools for tracking progress
  • Courses cover grammar, listening and speaking, and job applications
  • Live classes are capped at 6 participants and go to C1 level
  • Offers a 20-day money-back guarantee

Babbel is a well-known language learning platform that you might have heard of. If you want to learn German, Babbel has you covered. They'll ask you a few questions to understand your goals and knowledge level, then you can pick between learning by yourself or taking live classes. The self-study option starts at $17.95 per month, while Babbel Live begins at $99 a month. The lessons include activities like matching words to pictures and filling in sentence blanks, and they use a technique called "spaced repetition" to help you remember new words. If you're busy but need to get in speaking practice, Babbel Live could work well for you because it offers drop-in classes. Unfortunately, we find their prices too steep to recommend them more highly.

Mondly Review 2.5 Star Rating

Mondly

2.5 Star Rating
  • Price: $9.99/month, $47.99/year, or $89.99 for lifetime access to all 41 languages
  • Access to all 250 lessons and weekly quizzes, monthly challenges in premium version
  • Freemium model with a 7-day free trial for premium features
  • Availability of professional and educational lessons such as Business Communication, Negotiations, and so on
  • Lesson search function to find specific lessons
  • Mondly VR for practicing German in virtual reality scenarios
  • Option to learn at own pace and in any order

Mondly is an app you can use to learn new languages like German. The free version gives you access to daily lessons and a few categories, but it's limited. You might want to try the 7-day free trial of the premium version, which gives you access to all the lesson categories and unlimited daily lessons. They also offer lessons on professional and educational topics, and a search function to find specific lessons. Their lessons are pretty standard, and if you're looking for detailed grammar lessons, Mondly will disappoint. They do offer a virtual reality feature where you can practice German in different scenarios. Their pricing plans range from $9.99 monthly to expensive lifetime access. If you're committed to learning German, there are honestly better options out there than Mondly.

Where Can You Find the Best German Lessons?

Learning a language opens doors to new possibilities, and German is no exception. The trend of learning German online has gained traction globally due to the convenience, adaptability, and diversity of available resources. Want to learn German online? There's a plethora of options to suit your learning preferences.

Whether you're fascinated by Germany's picturesque architecture, interested in its robust engineering and philosophical legacy, a fan of its classical music and literature, seeking to reconnect with your family roots, or interested in job opportunities in the country with the largest economy in Europe, studying German can enhance your life.

The Best German Lessons Compare German Lessons Compare German Lesson Reviews What are the best German Lessons Best German Lesson Reviews

German Lesson FAQ

You might be surprised to learn that about 130 million people speak German as a first or second language! It's the most widely used "mother tongue” in the EU and is an official language in seven countries (not just Germany!).
Yes, but fortunately they are all mutually understood (for the most part). Standard German is taught throughout Germany, but there are regional dialects that might be harder to grasp as a non-native speaker. Think about how a non-native speaker of English would experience moving from the accent used in the Midwest to the one used by people in Boston! You'll also find vocabulary and accent differences when you visit other German-speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland or Belgium.
English borrows a lot of words from German (e.g. kindergarten, bagel, iceberg), so learners often find it more familiar than they expected. But, because there are some big grammatical and pronunciation differences from English, German is ranked as a Category II language in terms of difficulty: not as easy as French or Spanish, for example, but easier than Greek or Japanese.
Experts recommend that you start with basic vocabulary. If you plan to use German in a specific way, like during an upcoming trip or to study documents from your ancestry, choose words and phrases that apply. You can also use the language settings on your favorite movies and TV shows to begin watching in German: it's a great way to pick it up naturally!
Studying any language online is going to be more affordable and accessible than trying to find an in-person class. While German used to be taught in most secondary schools throughout the US, it has dropped in popularity with the rise of other languages like Chinese and even ASL. Fortunately, there are many online German lessons that are effective and fun, and you can study at your convenience.
German is easier to learn than some languages because it mostly uses the same alphabet as English. There are a few characters and accented vowels that are particular to German. The good news is that, on a smartphone, you can usually hold down the base letter (like "b” or "u”) and accented options will be displayed, while on a keyboard there are shortcuts you can use.
Not at all. You can choose between a one-time fee for a defined package of lessons or a monthly subscription for ongoing access. You could pay under $100 for a whole level of German coursework, or under $20/month for unlimited lessons. Either way you choose, it will be much less money than paying for an in-person German class.
Most German courses have a way to preview the materials, either through a free trial period or through full sample lessons on the website. We encourage you to use every complimentary resource provided by the German lessons platform you're considering before committing to a paid program, because not all of them come with a satisfaction guarantee. You may only get your money back if you cancel within 30 or 60 days of purchase, or you might be able to cancel future monthly payments without getting a refund for what you've already invested.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

When comparing German to English, there are several unique challenges you might face. German is notorious for its long compound words, but it also has a high degree of phonetic consistency, which can simplify pronunciation for beginners. However, German grammar won't be so easy to conquer, thanks to three genders for nouns, four cases, and seemingly endless verb conjugations. But, the precision of German, with its structured syntax and the rhythm of its sentences, offers a distinctive learning curve that can be immensely rewarding to master.

If you're an auditory learner and thrive on hearing how German sounds, there are specialized programs designed for that. These help you familiarize yourself with the language's intonation and pronunciation. And if you enjoy interactive learning, there are engaging platforms where you can acquire new vocabulary and grammar through games, competing against other learners and earning rewards as you progress.

If you prefer a structured learning approach, there are courses that integrate video lessons, quizzes, and even writing exercises. This helps you improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in German, all of which are required to reach fluency.

Prefer real-time interaction? You can connect with native German speakers via tutoring services. This is an excellent way to learn the practical usage of the language and gain deeper insights into German culture.

Not sure where to begin? Consider these factors as you explore your options:

  • Your starting point. Are you a complete beginner or do you have some knowledge of German already? Choose lessons that correspond to your current level. If you already know some German, you might want to look for a course with a placement test.
  • How you like to learn. Do you prefer gamified apps, audio lessons to listen to while commuting, or text-heavy learning? Select a method that fits your lifestyle and learning preferences.
  • Different German dialects. Most online German lessons will teach High German, but some may include regional dialects like Austrian German, which has a distinct pronunciation and vocabulary nuances. While Germany has a diversity of dialects, High German remains the standard in educational and official communications throughout Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking areas.
  • Cost. Options range from free to paid subscriptions or one-time fees. Consider what you're willing to invest and what you gain from both free and paid lessons.
  • What other learners say. Checking reviews from past users can provide insights into how effective the lessons are and how quickly you might progress. You'll also want to know if there are any glitches with apps or software before you buy.

To guide you to the best German lessons that match your goals and preferred learning style, our team at Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed today's top offerings and provided candid feedback on what each provides. So, why wait? Begin learning German today!

The Best Reviews of German Lessons