Review of DuoLingo iOS App

In my continuing search for the best ways to learn German I recently discovered Duolingo. I will be reviewing the iOS App but should mention that DuoLingo also has a connected website with similar and expanded services.

DuoLingo iOS App skill tree
Image Courtesy of DuoLingo

In 2012 DuoLingo introduced its model for combining language learning with translating Web pages and documents into a variety of languages. The startup developed a free, “gamified” application that lets users acquire languages by progressing through a set of skill exercises, with awards to make the learning experience more engaging. This is something I enjoy is the combination of gaming and learning especially on my iPhone or iPod where I am usually only using it for shorter periods of time on the train or bus.

Embedded in the game mechanics are exercises that ask you to translate parts of documents and web pages. These translations underlie Duolingo’s crowdsourcing business model, which charges customers for the translations delivered by the language students. Duolingo compares translations from the pool of people using the service to derive more accuracy. For starters, the company is working with news organizations to employ the crowdsourced translation service. This unique setup means that Duolingo is offered without ads, hidden fees, or subscriptions—Duolingo is 100% free! I think it's an interesting business model but most importantly for the end-user it means we have a cool application that is continuing to be developed unlike many other apps I've reviewed.

DuoLingo translation "game"
Image Courtesy of DuoLingo

So what did I think? I must say I would recommend this app highly - it's fun to use, the graphics and design are better than most of the competitors in this field and it's also nice that it's connected to the website so i can play on both my iOS device and on my computer with the same account. There is also a lot of content here - I have paid over $5 for other apps with less content, so for the price it's definitely worth checking out. Regardless of price I still think it's one of the better iOS apps for complimenting your German learning process. I wouldn't say that it can be a stand-alone solution to learning German, but honestly I haven't found a product yet that can achieve that.

If you are curious go ahead and download the Duolingo iPhone app and check it out for yourself.