Memrise Review

Thursday, February 9th

2023 Italian Lesson Reviews

Memrise

• Free basic account
• Uses video clips of native speakers in authentic Italian settings
• Large variety of topics/content
• User-created materials plus Memrise content
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Created by a team of passionate linguists, Memrise's game-like platform prioritizes the inherent joy of learning. Why drill-and-kill with yawn-worthy verb conjugations if you can study Italian in a much more entertaining way?

Game-like format makes learning a pleasure

You'll never find a long-winded explanation of grammar or a clunky, old-fashioned phrase like the ones you remember from out-of-date high school textbooks in Memrise's Italian course. Instead, you'll be taught immediately-relevant words and phrases through the thousands of Memrise's "Learn with Locals" video clips. They are just what the name suggests: amusing 10-15 second clips of native Italian speakers using the coursework phrases, filmed in locations like shops and cafes or in front of tourist spots like the Colosseum. Not only will you have the chance to tune your ear to authentic Italian accents, you will also absorb aspects of Italian culture and become familiar with the scenery.

Seven levels of lessons categorized by topic

Memrise's Italian program is made up of seven levels in increasing degrees of complexity. (Note: anyone can create a course on Memrise, so be sure to select the official Italian course at the top of the page.) You do not have to complete the courses in order or finish one to gain access to the next level. Each level contains lessons organized by subject, including topics like Falling in Love, Technology, Dealing with Hotel Troubles, Heated Confrontations, and Talking About the Future.

Memory-focused algorithm

Memrise's algorithm determines which of your new Italian vocabulary words need work, using different exercises like speaking, listening, writing, and flashcards to help it stick in your long-term memory. Newly acquired vocabulary is indicated with a seed icon to the right of the exercise screen while a word that is "fully grown" in your memory will be signified by a flower.

Learn and play your way

Memrise gives its users full autonomy over how their learning sessions go. Maybe you want to spend an entire lesson watching native speaker videos, half an hour reviewing your Difficult Words, or ten minutes brushing up on your listening skills - or, maybe a mix of everything is more your speed. Whatever your learning style, the choice is yours.

Free access to all lessons

With most language learning programs, there is typically a free trial period after which you have to pay to retain access to the whole course. When you sign up with Memrise, you get the entirety of the course material for free, forever. There is one catch, though: you won't have access to all of the exercises (Learning with Locals and Speed Review specifically) or the ability to do them in the order you prefer until you upgrade to Memrise Pro.

Costs

• Free for basic account
• $8.99 monthly
• $90 annual
• A one-time payment of $139.99 for Lifetime access

Memrise regularly runs promotions, so keep your eyes open for 50% off deals for Yearly access. Your purchase is also covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, in the event that you try the Pro subscription and later decide that you don't want to continue as a paid subscriber.

No in-depth grammar explanations

The only reason you might not choose Memrise is the lack of detailed grammar explanations. Sometimes, you just want to know why the words are in a certain order or when you conjugate a verb one way and not the other - and you won't get that here. That's refreshing for some learners but frustrating for others.

Fun and affordable

Besides that, though, Memrise can be trusted to deliver Italian lessons that you'll enjoy. The native speaker video clips add a degree of authenticity to this platform that you won't get with most of Memrise's rivals. This platform is fun to use and gentle on your wallet: an option worth trying as you learn Italian!