The Best Tools to Learn Languages: From Apps to Flashcards

Learning a new language is an amazing but humbling experience. It rewires our brains, allows us to meet and interact with different cultures, and expands our understanding of the world. But it can also make us feel like a kid again (and not in the cute and fun way): I hate not knowing how to express myself, feel shy when speaking, and not fully understand what’s being said around me.

With the appropriate tools, we can transform this difficult process of language learning into a pleasant and handleable linguistic experience.

Whether you’re aiming for fluency or just want to pick up conversational skills for travel, leveraging technology and proven techniques can significantly accelerate your progress, and make the journey a little easier. In this post, we’ll explore the best tools for learning languages faster, supported by scientific evidence and practical advice. From language apps to flashcards,  these tools will help you make steady progress and retain what you learn.

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Language learning apps offer convenience, interactive lessons, and features designed to keep learners motivated.

These types of apps are called mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) and are for the most part designed with gamified features. 

In addition, some of these apps also feature live classes and interaction with native speakers, which gives another layer of depth to the learning process.

But there is one key detail you must remember: The app is gamified, but it’s not a game. Any effective practice needs to be deliberate and involve attention and focus. So be careful to not get distracted and use it just to pass the time or distract yourself. For it to work as a learning tool it needs to be used as a learning tool.

1. Duolingo

• Duolingo offers gamified lessons,  which makes this app ideal for beginners who wish to learn vocabulary while discovering basic language structures.
• How to Use It Effectively: Focus on daily practice. Research indicates you will learn more effectively if you divide your study time into small but frequent sessions.

2. Babbel

• Babbel delivers lessons focused on real-world conversations,  which suits travelers and those learning as a hobby.
• Pro Tip: Babbels simple lessons work best paired with speaking practice to reinforce conversation skills.

3. Anki

• Anki is a flashcard app that uses the spaced repetition system (SRS) making it very useful for vocabulary building.

4. Busuu

• Busuu allows you to practice with native speakers and take short lessons at your own pace.

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Flashcards are one of the most effective tools for memorizing. It’s simple, easy to use, and based on the principle of spaced repetition. Therefore, making it a must-have in your language learning routine.

• Build decks using isolated terms and phrases as well as entire sentences so you can obtain contextual vocabulary understanding.
• Use picture or audio elements to stimulate multiple senses.
• Bind your deck learning content to the topics you struggle with, such as irregular verbs or pronunciation skills.

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Speaking is for most people (myself included) the most intimidating part of learning a language, but it’s essential for fluency.  According to the output hypothesis by linguist Merrill Swain, producing language (through speaking or writing) forces us to process and reflect on language in ways that reception of input alone (listening or reading) doesn’t. In addition, this process can help learners: identify gaps in knowledge, practice, and refinement, trigger self-correction, and increase conscious attention to language forms.

Language exchange platforms can help by matching users with native speakers for real-time practice.

1. iTalki

• Offers affordable one-on-one lessons with certified tutors and casual practice with native speakers.

2. Tandem

• A free app that matches you with language partners for conversation exchanges.

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Learning languages doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. In fact, participating in online communities can help to motivate you, keep you accountable, and connect with people who share similar interests.

• Reddit: In subreddits like r/languagelearning and r/polyglot you can share and get language learning tips, resources, and support.
• HelloTalk: A social network, where you can practice with native speakers via text, voice messages, or calls.

Social engagement creates learning benefits from both collaboration and feedback while also promoting consistency and helping people overcome challenges.

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Not everyone can go on a long vacation or exchange program, so it can be difficult to explore and immerse yourself in the culture. An alternative for that is to consume media in your target language. You can use podcasts, audiobooks, movies, and TV shows, not only as a fun way to explore the language but also the cultural context, such as style, local costumes, regional accents, slang, and cultural nuances. 

With that in mind, you can just browse your favorite streaming service, activate the subtitles, and choose something fun to watch or listen to. An app that can help you to make the most of this strategy is Lingopie. In Lingopie users can select shows in their target language, complete with original subtitles, and click on any word or phrase for instant translations, enhancing comprehension in real-time. After watching, learners can reinforce their knowledge with built-in flashcards and vocabulary lists, making it easy to review new words and grammar rules. 

I haven’t used this app yet but this form of cultural immersion has been a huge part of my language acquisition journey.

Also, YouTube channels and music can and should be part of this approach.

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Analog methods like notebooks and physical flashcards still have a place in modern learning. For example, reading books can be more engaging than listening to them. Reading requires the learner to actively parse sentence structure, identify contextual clues, and make inferences – skills that are crucial for true language mastery. Additionally, the ability to pause, re-read, and review written material allows the brain more time to encode and retain new linguistic information. And if you’re reading physical books you can annotate by hand. Writing by hand improves memory retention because it engages more parts of your brain than typing.

• Create a language journal to track progress and jot down new words or grammar rules.
• Annotate by hand on your books (if you’re ok with that).
• Make physical flashcards.
• Write short essays or diary entries in your target language.

As you get more comfortable with the new language you can increase the complexity of your writing. For example, I chose to write this blog in English (not my first language) as a way to exercise a more formal writing style and deepen my understanding of it. Also, publishing what I write forces me to organize my thoughts, refine my vocabulary, and pay extra attention to proper grammar and spelling.

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The real magic happens when you combine these tools into a cohesive learning strategy:

1. Use apps to establish a daily routine.
2. Supplement vocabulary with flashcards.
3. Practice speaking with a tutor or a partner.
4. Immerse yourself with movies and audiobooks.
5. Stay motivated with the help of a community.

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There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to language learning,  The right language tools depend entirely on personal lifestyle and preferences. Test different approaches and adjust your strategies according to your goals and routines until you’re comfortable and satisfied with the results.

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Ready to start learning? Check out the presented tools to see which ones align best with your interests.

Stay curious, stay inspired,