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.

Top 5 iOS Apps in 2012 for learning German

As we reach the end of the year it's a good time to review the best iOS applications that will help us learn German. I spend a lot of time downloading just about every German language iOS App I can get my hands on and I wanted to share with you what I've found and spare you from wasting your time with the many horrible Apps out there. 

Go ahead and use the comments below to give me your own favorites and point me towards anything you think i've overlooked. If you look at my older lists you'll see that not everything has changed, this is mostly because there is not a lot of strong development in this field. Hopefully this will change and in 2013 we will see some strong new contenders.

5. TripLingo - German
This app is a bit more geared towards travelers compared to language learners. But it wins big points for it's very polished graphics and cool unique features. For example I really like the feature that allows you to see the normal translation or the formal or the very casual "slang" translation of the same comment. The way they do it is really cool too. This may not be the best way to learn but it's a nice compliment to the learning process and fun to use. It also has some gaming aspects with regard to the progress, which I think makes learning more fun. The basics are free and then you have to pay for the pro version, but I think the full price 'Tourist Package' is too high and that hurt this one's overall ranking. 

Price: Free (lite version) $9.99 (full German 'Tourist Package')

4. Babbel - German
Babbel has a cool website and they also have a nice iOS app. I hope they keep developing it because it could use a bit more polish - but again, for the cost of nothing you can't really complain. Overall it's a cool and not bad looking application with lots of useful content. 

Price: FREE

3. iStart German!
This title continues to stand strong with a combination of polished graphics and design and a really deep amount of content. I'm still working my way thru the courses but I really enjoy the pacing of 10 new words at a time. This application has it's own teaching style and I highly recommend checking it out. My main criticism is that they haven't updated the App in a long time, I suppose it's not necessary because I haven't found bugs but I just wish they would continue to add content - I would be willing to pay extra for it. But the full version is well worth the cost. 

Price: Free (lite version) $1.99 (full version)

2. WordUP - German
WordUP is an all-in-one type of app - it has a phrase book, study lists, recording abilities, playlists, flashcards and quiz's. All of this in a nicely designed package is what puts this high on my list for 2012. One of my favorite features are the Flashcards, a common feature in many apps but WordUP really gets it right - and allows you to customize the experience and to take short or longer practice sessions. The Quiz's are also fun and have an Easy, Medium and Hard option. All in all this is a solid app that will actually aid your learning abilities and it's perfect for short 5 minute breaks and also hour plus trips on the train or bus. I highly recommend this one. 

Price: Free (lite version), $4.99 (full version)

1. DuoLingo - German
I wouldn't consider this a game but it does have a "gamified" approach with badges and points given as you progress thru the courses. The graphics are polished and easily some of the best I've seen in this field. The amount of content is quite massive and all of this for Free, I couldn't help putting this at the top of my list for 2012. Anyone who is learning German should download this one first. 

Price: FREE