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Duolingo Review

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

You would have to be living under a rock to not have heard of Duolingo by now. Founded in 2011, the app now has 37 million active users and 500 million registered. If you're one of the few who has escaped the grasp of the Green Bird but are now curious about how well they teach German, we've got your back.

Fun for casual learners

How did Duolingo get so popular? They know their market: the casual learner who doesn't want to commit more than a few minutes a day (or any money) to a new language. If you want to be studying at a German university by next year, you could waste a lot of time with Duolingo. On the other hand, it makes a good substitute for the less valuable things people do on their phones. As one user puts it, "It's my ‘no zero days' app, meaning if I haven't managed to have time for any other language learning, I know I can quickly knock out a lesson on Duolingo while I'm laying in bed at night. It's definitely not my primary learning resource, but it does help with motivation a bit.”

Duolingo constantly phases out features

Duolingo is constantly testing new ideas to improve learning. They use these tests and data to decide on new features and updates(if you search "why did Duolingo get rid of...” you'll see what we mean). The latest home screen experience is set up like a step-by-step path leading you through each unit, which are grouped by topics like "make excuses”, "talk about holidays” and "use the present tense”. Also along the path you'll find Stories and review sessions, so you won't forget to practice what you've previously learned. Most units also have a Guidebook that gives you a very basic rundown of the grammar and vocabulary you'll explore in that unit. If a level is too easy, you can test into the next one by passing a short test.

Super Duolingo now required to read Stories on demand

Duolingo recently rolled out a new program: Super Duolingo. If you want features like personalized practice, access to Stories anytime you like, and a list of your tricky words, you now have to pay $7 a month (billed annually). You'll also stop seeing ads. If you want to test it out, you can get 2 weeks for free. While $7 isn't a lot of money, we don't love that they introduced Super like these are totally new, unseen features: we remember when you could do all of those things for free.

Best German Lessons

Friendly competition to keep you going

Leaderboards on Duolingo let you compete with others by earning XP through lessons, practice, and other activities. This friendly competition can motivate you to study harder and more consistently. Each week starts on Sunday afternoon or evening, depending on your timezone, and you can climb up or fall down the ranks based on your XP. If you're in the top ten, you'll move up to a higher league next week, but if you're at the bottom, you'll drop to the previous one. The highest league is Diamond, and if you make it to the top three there, you'll stay in that league without any additional gem rewards. To join a league, you need to do a lesson first. You can find your league standings in the app or on the desktop website, and if you want to change how you get notifications or opt out of Leaderboards, you can adjust those settings in your profile.

Duolingo may be impractical for most people

A lot of serious language nerds think Duolingo is counterproductive to learning a new language. For example, the app has you translate sentences rather than create your own, which won't prepare you for real conversations where you need to respond quickly and accurately. Also, they do a poor job at explaining grammar. When new grammar like German's n-declension or specific uses of "der" and "um" are introduced, they usually leave you to figure it out on your own. You might end up confused, and you probably won't be able to use these structures correctly in daily interactions. The most common complaint about Duolingo is that the vocabulary it offers is impractical; knowing the names of various animals isn't as useful as knowing how to ask for directions or order food in a restaurant.

Only good for getting your feet wet

Duolingo's engaging and game-like format can easily lure you into a false sense of security about your language skills. It keeps learning light and fun, often avoiding the harder challenges that truly test and improve your ability. However, mastering German requires stepping out of your comfort zone, facing difficult grammar, and using the language actively, none of which Duolingo strongly emphasizes. If you're serious about learning, you'll absolutely need to supplement Duolingo with other learning tools that focus on speaking, listening, and real-world usage to truly master it. We would only recommend Duolingo for acquiring some basic vocabulary and establishing a daily habit. After that, you should move on to one of our higher-rated German lesson providers in this review.

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.
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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!

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