this post was submitted on 04 Mar 2025
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Hello,

A few alternatives to Duolingo (which hasn't been that good for a while now)

So here are some tips

  • Drops app - Originally from Estonia, now a Kahoot! company which is from Norway. In few minutes a day for unpaid version it builds your vocabulary and you can also search by the topic. They offer wide range of languages. They also support Ukraine.

Link: https://languagedrops.com/

  • Babbel - Most widely known subscription-based app where you learn with language professionals. Origin in Germany.

Link: https://www.babbel.com/

  • Preply - Tutoring platform focused on languages originating in Ukraine. It is like a marketplace where tutors offer their language services and you can book tutor for language you want to learn.

Link: https://preply.com/

  • Lingoda - German online language school

Link: https://www.lingoda.com/

  • Busuu - they are from Spain but main hub is now in UK. Self-led language app in short lessons.

Link: https://www.busuu.com/

https://www.memrise.com/ is British

Feel free to share more if you have them and/or your experience with the ones above

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[โ€“] [email protected] 4 points 6 hours ago (1 children)

I really like the Assimil method of learning. I find it is more organic than Duolingo or flashcards. It makes you more proficient in conversation early than learning a whole lot of vocabulary.

My uni also offered a Dutch course with a similar style to Assimil. Loved learning it, although it is quite similar to German so it was actually super easy. No offence to you Dutch folk, but the way you pronounce your G is just terrible. xD

[โ€“] [email protected] 1 points 4 hours ago

I really like the Assimil method of learning. I find it is more organic than Duolingo or flashcards. It makes you more proficient in conversation early than learning a whole lot of vocabulary.

Indeed. It gives stronger fundamentals. I much prefer it to Duolingo myself which I find a bit too focused on the gamification of the learning through their system of badges, rewards and leagues. Whereas Assimil has none of that (at least last time I checked). It's also much, much older than Duolingo something I'm afraid many of our younger people may feel awkward to be seen using the same method their (great-)great-grand-parents could have used.

That said, no matter how excellent the method, the best way to learn is still to immerse yourself in the language and live it.