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Thursday, November 7th
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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