Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Babbel Review

Friday, February 14th

2025 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

You may already be familiar with Babbel, a language learning platform, from your favorite travel vlogger's YouTube channel. Established in 2007, Babbel has expanded to provide courses in 14 different languages. A significant study from the City University of New York and the University of South Carolina found that you can develop basic conversational skills in a new language by using Babbel for only 15 hours over two months.

Set your learning goal

To get started with Babbel, they'll first ask you a few questions - why you want to learn German, how much German you know already, and what level you're aiming for. Next, they'll have you set a daily learning goal, starting at just 5 minutes. Now, don't be fooled by apps saying you can master a language in a few minutes a day - it's going to take a bit more commitment than that. But hey, starting with 5 minutes a day is a great way to build a habit, and then you can ramp it up from there. Once you're done with that, you have to decide between self-study with Babbel or Babbel Live.

Babbel live includes live classes

What's the difference? The self-study option on Babbel includes app-based exercises developed by language experts, tools for real-life language use, podcasts, videos, games, and planning tools for tracking progress. The Babbel Live option, on the other hand, includes all of the self-study features plus the ability to practice speaking with qualified teachers in a flexible class schedule, with an unlimited number of classes and no hidden fees.

Best German Lessons

Self-assessment for placement

When you choose self-study on Babbel, the first thing you'll see on your dashboard is an assessment designed to find the right level for newcomers. It would be more useful if they tested your understanding of German, as most people tend to overestimate their abilities on self-assessments, thanks to a phenomenon known as the Dunning-Kruger effect. However, the assessment consists more of a series of self-evaluations of things you think you can do in German, like summarizing a book or TV show, or understanding the news without subtitles. But don't worry: if you get placed incorrectly, you can always move to the level that feels right.

Zero in on tricky grammar

You can browse Babbel's German lessons by level or by topic, like specific grammar topics you need to work on. When you browse by topic, you'll see 4 courses that focus on grammar and 2 courses to improve your listening and speaking skills. If you're aiming to learn German for work, they have 9 courses that cover job applications, interviews, and business trips, along with 2 courses specifically for vocabulary in different professions. You can also learn about Germany's culture with 3 courses on countries and traditions. If you want to refresh your memory or learn idioms, they have 3 special courses for that. And to build your vocabulary, they offer 31 courses with over 3,000 words and everyday sentences.

B1 course isn't finished yet

If you're browsing by level, you'll see a total of 21 courses from A1 to B2. At the time of our review, there were 9 A1 courses on the basics of grammar, vocab, and pronunciation, 8 courses for A2 beginners, and they weren't finished with creating the content for the B1 course for intermediates to consolidate what they've learned and express themselves in German with nuance. The last level, B2, has 4 courses to help you get better at writing, reading, speaking, and listening.

Best German Lessons

Helpful grammar hints

In the lessons, you'll do activities like matching words to pictures and filling in blanks in sentences. We like that the lessons include literal translations as well as common translations of German sentences. They also highlight the case being used in each sentence. When we were practicing the prepositions that take the dative case, Babbel taught us a useful saying to memorize them: "Herr von Nach-Seit-Zu und Frau Aus-Bei-Mit bleiben mit dem Dativ fit”. We do wish there was more colloquial German, though, maybe through native speaker videos. For example, if you learned German only from Babbel, you wouldn't know that a lot of Germans shorten "habe” to "hab'”, and it'd take you some time to tune your ear to quirks like that. But, you can always supplement your learning with free resources from YouTube.

Review with spaced repetition

With Babbel, you can easily check your learning plan on the homepage to see what lessons are coming up. Each lesson comes with a title and description of what you'll learn. After each lesson, you'll do a review. You can choose how you want to review: flashcards, listening, speaking, games, or writing. Babbel uses a learning technique called "spaced repetition", which helps you remember things better. When you learn something new, you'll review it at increasing time intervals - from a day to six months. Each time you get it right, the time before you review it again gets longer. This moves the word from your short-term to your long-term memory, helping you to really learn, not just cram. And don't worry about remembering when to review - Babbel will remind you.

Babbel Live works well for busy schedules

Let's talk a bit more about what you get with Babbel Live, which starts at $99 a month. Is it worth it? That depends on you. The main draw of Babbel Live is its live drop-in classes. You can test these for free twice before you'll have to subscribe. Although the lessons only reach B2, the online classes can go all the way to C1. These 55-minute classes are capped at 6 participants so everyone is able to get some time to ask the teacher questions. Topics include "Über Erziehung Sprechen" (talking about education), "Eine Beschwerde Äußern" (expressing a complaint) and "Über Feminismus Zu Sprechen" (talking about feminism). Babbel Live could be a great choice for you if you're someone with a tight schedule and can't always plan for regular tutoring sessions. If you're the type of person who might need to join a class at the last minute, and if you're really eager to start speaking right away, Babbel Live could be just what you're looking for.

Best German Lessons

Self-study starts at $17.95

Babbel Live could be a little cheaper if you purchase more than one month at a time (like 12 months for $50 a month), but that's still a considerable chunk of cash to put down at once. If you're considering Babbel Self-Study, you should know it's also a bit pricey for what you get. All plans come with a 20-day money-back guarantee and access to all Babbel languages.

  • 1 Month Plan: $17.95/mo
  • 3 Months Plan: $15.25/mo, billed as $45.75
  • 6 Months Plan: $13.45/mo, billed as $80.70
  • 12 Months Plan: $8.95/mo, billed as $107.40
  • Lifetime Plan: One-time payment of $349

Just okay

Babbel Self-Study just doesn't stand out from its competitors enough to justify the cost. If you like the idea of live classes but not the associated Babbel price tag, you might be happier with one-on-one tutoring sessions, which you can find for much less through one of our top-rated German lesson platforms in this review. Overall, Babbel is decent, but they don't wow us enough to earn a higher place in our ratings.

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