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Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone

Thursday, November 7th

2024 German Lesson Reviews

Duolingo Review 2.5 Star Rating

Duolingo

2.5 Star Rating
  • Most features are free
  • Super Duolingo program costs $7 a month (when billed annually) with a 2-week free trial
  • Units have Guidebooks with cursory explanations of grammar and vocabulary
  • Option to test into next level if a level is too easy
  • Duolingo Stories available for reading and listening practice
  • Leaderboards feature for friendly competition and motivation
  • Constantly testing new ideas to improve learning
  • Appropriate for casual learners with time constraints
  • Allows users to establish a daily habit of language learning
  • Teaches basic vocabulary for a variety of topics

Duolingo is the most popular app for learning languages, offering many free features and a premium option called Duolingo Super for $7 a month, which removes ads and gives extra benefits like unlimited access to Stories. The app is fun to use and has tools like basic grammar guides, level tests, and competitive leaderboards. However, it might make you feel more confident in your language skills than is merited. Duolingo focuses on translating sentences rather than teaching you to form your own, and it doesn't explain grammar very well. Also, it teaches vocabulary that isn't very useful in everyday life. Duolingo is good for beginners who want to make language learning a daily habit, but if you want to truly master a language, especially German, you'll need more than what Duolingo offers.

Rosetta Stone Review 2 Star Rating

Rosetta Stone

2 Star Rating
  • Pricing: Starts at $15.99/month with options for 3-month, 12-month, and lifetime access
  • Provides a Lifetime Access option which gives access to all 25 languages
  • 20 units of German lessons
  • Uses an "immersion" method that combines images, text, sound, and video with no translations
  • Features interactive stories for language practice

Short When you think about learning German, you might consider Rosetta Stone, well-known for its "immersive” teaching method. However, instead of true immersion where you're part of a community speaking the language, you'll be working with a computer program using pictures, sounds, and text in German, which is not the same. Learning as an adult is different from how you learned as a kid, and having translations can actually help you understand new words and grammar rules faster. You'll find 20 different units of German lessons on the platform, but the stories and lessons are likely to leave you confused and frustrated. Plus, Rosetta Stone is expensive compared to other programs that offer more interactive, engaging, and effective features. So, if you're serious about learning German, it may be better to consider another, more affordable option that fits your learning style.

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