Are you looking for the best app to learn German?
Let us help you out!
With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel a bit confused.
After all, all apps claim to be the most effective.
Therefore, we’ve rounded up the 10 best apps to learn German.
We will show you their main features and highlights, so you can make an informed decision.
If you want to learn how to speak German properly, you’ll need a reliable, well-structured learning source.
But we’re sure you’ll find something to your liking on this list!
10 Best Apps To Learn German
1. Rocket German
Let’s start with one of the most popular language-learning platforms: Rocket Languages.
Many people believe that Rocket German is the best app for learning German.
So, what the hype is all about?
Rocket German Features
With the Rocket German app, you’ll work on all main language skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
So, the app combines audio tracks, interactive exercises, flashcards, and other useful study tools.
There are also quizzes to test your knowledge, and a Benchmark tool to check your current skill level.
The Saved Vocab function is also quite useful.
And the Rocket record feature will allow you to work on your pronunciation.
You’ll be earning points and there’s an in-built leaderboard, but the app is not too gamified.
In a nutshell, Rocket German is well-structured, efficient, and thorough, and you’ll learn how to speak German without getting distracted by unnecessary features.
Content and Benefits
There are three levels of German, taking you from beginner to advanced.
Lessons are also divided into Interactive Audio, Language & Culture, and the Survival Kit section.
Interactive Audio lessons include short, casual dialogues. You’ll get all the breakdowns, line-by-line, so you don’t have to worry about not understanding everything.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll learn how to talk about yourself, order food, talk about popular topics, and so on.
Furthermore, Language & Culture lessons will show you how the German language works. And they will provide you with useful cultural insights.
And the Survival Kit lessons will teach you all the essential phrases and terminology.
There’s also an interesting Travelogue section that will take you on a virtual tour through Germany.
As you can see, Rocket German is quite versatile, and it covers all important skills, topics, and elements of the German language.
Who is Rocket German Best For?
Rocket German is arguably the best app to learn German for people searching for structured, linear German lessons.
It’s suitable for beginners and intermediate learners who want to take their skills to the next level. Read our full Rocket Languages review.
Start your free trial of Rocket Languages German here!
2. Mondly
The Mondly app offers a unique and immersive learning experience.
It’s hands down one of the most innovative apps to learn German on the market.
Mondly Features
Mondly currently offers four apps to learn German: Mondly, Mondly VR, Mondly VR, and Mondly Kids.
Yes, that means you can learn German in virtual reality!
But even if you choose a standard version, you’ll learn German in a very engaging and effective way.
The app combines dialogues, game-like exercises, and visual cues.
You’ll work on your pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, and listening.
And the German Chatbot will listen to you and respond as a real native person would. That’s a great way of strengthening conversational skills, especially if you download Mondly VR.
Mondly uses fine speech recognition software to help you perfect your pronunciation.
Without a doubt, Mondly is an all-in-one deal. And if you like game-like apps and immersive learning, even better.
Content and Benefits
Mondly German lessons are organized thematically, and you can pick a topic to learn words and phrases related to the topic.
Lessons are rather short and concise. You can even learn 5 minutes per day and still make progress.
Mondly is designed to help you stay on track. And you can even use it on the go.
Moreover, Mondly features conversation exercises created to help you prepare for real-life situations.
As a beginner, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself, get around the city, rent a hotel, and so on.
And if you’re an intermediate learner, you can work on expanding your vocabulary and talking about more complex topics.
Also, you’ll learn German through common phrases, not individual words. And that’s definitely an effective method.
Who is Mondly Best For?
Mondly is the best app to learn German for anyone searching for an immersive learning experience.
The app is practical, innovative, and versatile.
3. Babbel
Babbel is a popular and eye-catching language learning app.
And Babbel definitely offers one of the best German learning programs.
But does it have what you’re looking for?
Babbel Features
First of all, Babbel can curate content based on your level, goals, and time commitment. So, before starting with your lessons, the app will ask you a couple of questions.
You’ll then have access to a variety of lessons. Babbel combines videos, podcasts, games, and exercises to teach you German.
You’ll learn how to read, write, and correctly speak German.
And as Babbel creators say: 10 minutes a day is all it takes.
You can also get a Babbel Live subscription and have access to live virtual German classes with a qualified, native teacher.
It all depends on your goals and preferences.
Either way, the Babbel app won’t let you down.
Content and Benefits
In short, Babbel promises to teach you this: to get talking in your first lesson, build a learning habit, and speak with confidence in real-life situations.
Babbel will help you expand your vocabulary and build solid conversational skills.
But it will also provide you with cultural and grammar notes.
Lessons are divided into different levels (Beginner I, Beginner II, Pre-intermediate, Independent…)
There are also separate grammar lessons, courses focused on a specific skill, and Countries and Traditions lessons.
Words and Sentences lessons also cover a variety of topics, from academic fields to lifestyle and rockstars.
Also, Babbel has an active Youtube channel, blog, and social media, so you can feel involved and connected.
Who is Babbel Best For?
Babbel is a reliable and effective german app suitable for learners of all levels. Read our full Babbel review.
4. Fluenz
If you’re looking for guided video lessons, you should check out Fluenz.
The app provides German lessons focused on speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension.
And it’s ideal for native English speakers.
Fluenz Features
In a nutshell, Fluenz offers video tutorials with explanations and exercises directly related to the new material.
It’s an effective and engaging method that will undoubtedly help you internalize everything you’ve learned.
In a way, Fluenz tries to simulate a real classroom environment.
You’ll learn how to talk about popular topics and get around Germany.
And you’ll practical vocabulary useful for everyday situations.
All things considered, Fluenz is a great app for anyone searching for a rather standard way of learning all the fundamentals of the German language.
Content and Benefits
With the Fluenz app, you’ll get enough material to build a solid foundation.
Lessons are divided into five levels.
If you’re just starting out, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself, describe things, make a hotel reservation, and so on.
As you progress, you’ll delve deeper into more complex topics.
All levels are focused on real-life situations.
That said, Fluenz is a very useful app, and you won’t waste time on unnecessary vocabulary or grammar rules.
Who is Fluenz Best For?
Fluenz is a good learning tool for learners of all levels.
It’s video-based so it’s ideal for visual learners and anyone searching for an app that resembles a virtual German school.
5. Pimsleur
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to learn German, you should check out Pimsleur.
It’s a popular language-learning platform based on audio tracks and spaced repetition recall.
It’s highly effective and practical.
Pimsleur Features
The main part of the Pimsleur app for learning German is 30-minute core lessons.
They are based on real-life conversations, and their content depends on your level. There are currently five Premium packages (Levels) to choose from.
And as the app is based on the spaced-repetition recall, you’ll be repeating words and phrases at specific time intervals.
The app also uses digital flashcards and quick match and speed round games.
There’s also Speak Easy practice that allows you to role-play while reviewing your conversations’ written transcripts.
With Pimsleur, you can make progress with only 30 minutes a day. The app deliberately doesn’t provide you with a lot of information at the same time.
On other hand, Pimsleur promises to teach you German in 30 days.
For example, in the first 10 lessons, you’ll learn all the basics. In the next 10 lessons, you’ll build on what you’ve learned, and in the final 10 lessons, you’ll be speaking German at an intermediate level.
But if you want to learn at your own pace, that’s also fine. You can go fast or go slow – it’s up to you.
Content and Benefits
Pimsleur’s content depends on your level.
But each package (level) contains approximately 15 hours of lesson time.
You’ll listen to native speakers so you’ll be able to learn correct German pronunciation.
And as Pimsleur creators also believe in the power of organic learning, every new word is introduced to you within context.
Besides core and audio lessons, you’ll have reading and listening practice, as well as challenges and engaging games.
You’ll also get the so-called light bulb moments to connect culture and history to your language learning.
Moreover, you can easily sync progress across all your devices.
And you can learn in hands-free mode! This is a huge advantage for people who want to learn on the go.
Who is Pimsleur Best For?
Pimsleur is a great app to learn German for anyone who wants to brush up on their German comprehension skills.
It’s ideal for people who want to learn on the go, as well as all aural and verbal learners. Read our full Pimsleur review.
6. GermanPod101
Another fantastic German app ideal for aural learners is GermanPod 101.
The app offers podcast-style lessons and useful study tools.
GermanPod101 Features
GermanPod101 delivers its content through audio lessons as well as video clips.
Lessons are based on real-life conversations, so you’ll learn practical vocabulary and hear all the new words in their natural use.
Line-by-line Audio and Vocabulary features will allow you to repeat specific parts of the dialogue.
And the learning path feature will help you navigate your lessons and have more structure in your learning process.
The app also has slideshows, word lists, and flashcards.
And if you choose the Premium Plus version, you can have personalized guidance. With this option, you can get corrections, direct feedback, and suggestions from a German teacher via private messenger.
Content and Benefits
With the GermanPod101 app, you’ll learn German by listening to podcast-style lessons.
Teachers slow down and explain every word and phrase.
It’s a brilliant app for aural learners. And you’ll undoubtedly strengthen your communication skills.
Although the app will introduce you to grammar as well, the grammar section isn’t very thorough.
So, it’s great for anyone who wants to learn how to speak German without delving deeper into German grammar.
And you can also download all the lessons (MP3 and PDF), which is definitely a big plus.
Another benefit is the platform’s free content on Youtube. There are frequent live lessons; for example, German-speaking and listening practice is live streaming on their channel as we write.
Who is GermanPod101 Best For?
GermanPod101 is the best app to learn German for aural learners and students who want to strengthen their communication skills.
It’s also great for people who want to learn German without getting into in-depth grammar.
7. Duolingo
You probably know about Duolingo.
It’s arguably one of the most popular apps to learn German or any other language, for that matter.
Duolingo Features
The Duolingo app is free, but if you want to use it offline and have some extra features, you can pay for Duolingo Plus.
It’s based on translation and repetition, but it also offers podcasts, flashcards, games, and exercises.
Duolingo Stories is another way of getting to know the German language.
It seems like Duolingo keeps updating its content and possibilities to keep up with other popular language learning apps.
But when it comes to its core, it’s easy to understand why Duolingo became so popular in the first place.
Lessons are very short and easy, so you can learn a new language without feeling stressed or overwhelmed. And it’s very user-friendly, simple, and practical.
Content and Benefits
Duolingo offers bite-sized German lessons that will teach you all the basics.
The app uses smart technology to try to create lessons appropriate for your level and pace.
And it has in-built leaderboards, achievement badges, and other features to keep you hungry for more.
One of the biggest benefits is definitely gamification because it’s used in the best way possible.
The platform also has an active blog and social media, which is another benefit.
All things considered, Duolingo perhaps won’t get you fluent, but it’s certainly a great tool to help you on your German learning journey.
Who is Duolingo Best For?
Duolingo German is a nice learning tool for anyone looking for a simple and effective learning resource.
It works great as an additional learning source. Read our full Duolingo review.
8. Der Die Das
Der Die Das could also be a perfect additional learning resource.
This free German learning app will help you master the articles of German nouns.
Der Die Das Features
Everyone who is learning German knows that mastering German articles can be a bit tricky.
German articles are used similarly to English articles, but they are declined differently depending on the gender and number of the noun.
And the Der Die Das app will help you understand and practice the articles.
It will teach you handy rules and guidelines, as well as provide you with useful practice and games.
The app contains a dictionary with more than 17,000 nouns. Therefore, the search function is pretty useful – you can type the first few characters of a noun and see the article immediately.
Content and Benefits
As we’ve already mentioned, the Der Die Das app is focused on German articles.
The only way to master German articles is by practice. The more you practice, the more logical these articles will seem.
And eventually, you’ll realize that using the correct article will feel quite natural.
Therefore, it’s an ideal German language app for anyone who wants extra practice.
The app is also free to download unless you want an ad-free version of the app.
Who is Der Die Das Best For?
Der Die Das is an ideal German language app for anyone who wants to master German articles.
It’s a very practical and useful additional learning resource.
9. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone developed an award-winning mobile app that can get you to speak German right away.
It’s one of the most popular language-learning platforms out there.
But how does it actually work?
Rosetta Stone Features
Rosetta Stone offers two options: a self-study course and a self-study course + coaching.
And the Rosetta Stone Unlimited is a new version of the course that gives users access to all 24 languages.
But if you want to focus on German, you choose a 3-month subscription.
With the Rosetta Stone app, you’ll learn a lot in 3 months. This kind of program gets you to speak right away.
This app doesn’t offer translations and grammar explanations right away – you’ll make your own conclusions instead. For example, you’ll match certain words with corresponding images.
And the app’s speech recognition software will provide you with instant feedback on your pronunciation.
Content and Benefits
With the Rosetta Stone German app, you’ll take lessons in German. So, you’ll pick up on new words, vocabulary, and grammar through context and visual cues.
In a way, Rosetta Stone is based on intuitive learning. And that kind of method is very immersive and effective.
You’ll learn the German alphabet, pronunciation of German words, basic grammar rules, and so on.
Lessons don’t feel overwhelming, and they allow you to learn at your own pace.
On the other hand, they are thorough and well-rounded.
The app has an Audio Companion feature for when you want to take a break from the screen, which is a nice benefit.
You can also download lessons to your smartphone to continue learning offline.
Who is Rosetta Stone Best For?
Rosetta Stone is the best app to learn German for anyone looking for a well-structured, effective German app.
It’s ideal for people who like intuitive learning. Read our full Rosetta Stone review.
10. Drops
With the Drops app, you can learn German in just 5 minutes a day.
It’s a simple and fun app that will help you expand your vocabulary.
Drops Features
In short, Drops is focused on German words.
It’s a beautifully illustrated app that will provide you with new words each day.
The app uses visual representations, audio tracks, reviews, and quizzes to help you internalize every new word.
It provides instant feedback, and at the end of each lesson, you’ll get detailed statistics on your progress.
And you can use Drops’ Premium listening test feature to test your listening comprehension.
So, although the app has an emphasis on vocabulary, it offers several other features that can come in handy.
Content and Benefits
Drops create memorable visual associations with new words, so you can learn quickly and effectively.
The app has more than 100 well-curated German word lists that you can customize to fit your learning needs. In other words, you can choose what you want to learn.
And with the Drops’ Travel Talk category, you’ll tackle German grammar as well.
All in all, Drops is very useful and convenient.
It perhaps isn’t a versatile, well-rounded app that will help you become fluent, but it could work great as an additional learning resource.
Who is Drops Best For?
Drops is a great choice for German learners looking for an extra learning tool.
It’s ideal for beginners who want to expand their vocabulary.
How to Choose the Best App to Learn German?
Now, how are you supposed to determine which is the best German learning app?
Well, if you know what you’re looking for, everything will seem much easier.
For example, what type of learner are you? Do you like to listen to podcasts or do you learn better if you see visual representations?
The thing is, every app is created with a specific learner in mind. And some of them try to deliver content in different formats, which is ideal for people who prefer versatility.
Also, some apps promise to teach you German incredibly quickly. These kinds of apps probably won’t teach you in-depth grammar.
So, it all depends on your goals and expectations. If you’re planning a trip to Germany and you want to learn how to get around more easily, these quick and effective apps would be a good option.
But if you want to become a fluent speaker, you need a German app with a thorough, well-structured curriculum. And you need to be patient.
Also, pronunciation is important in learning German. Some words can be quite tricky to read, so both speaking and writing exercises would be very useful.
Another thing every best German-language app should have is a good design.
You might think that it doesn’t matter if the app is eye-catching. Well, it’s not only about looking aesthetically good. Good design should make an app look neat, practical, and user-friendly.
Finally, it’s necessary to do a little research (like you’re doing now) before downloading an app. Check other users’ reviews and find the real results.
On the other hand, almost every app on our list offers a free trial. Some trial versions don’t let you see all the functions though, but they will give you a good idea of how everything works.
What Are the Benefits of Using an App to Learn German?
German has a reputation of being difficult, but it’s actually not that hard to learn. You just need to have a good learning resource.
With a high-quality German learning app, you’ll be able to say nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeit no time.
Don’t worry, the German word for food intolerance is challenging even for German natives.
Yes, the German language has some ridiculously long words, but you won’t have to learn them anytime soon.
And best learn German apps will really make things easier, even when it comes to the pronunciation of complicated words.
These apps use smart technology and modern learning methods, which is one of their greatest advantages.
Moreover, they are extremely convenient. You can learn whenever and wherever you are. And with some hands-free apps, you can even learn while you’re driving to work or traveling.
Besides saving time, learning apps will probably save you a lot of money. Most of them are very affordable (compared to traditional language classes or private tutors), and some of them are completely free.
In other words, learning German has never been easier. And you should take advantage of that.
German is a very useful language, and acquiring even basic German skills can bring you new opportunities.
After all, Germany is an economic powerhouse and an epicenter of innovation.
It’s also a go-to language in academia, so speaking German can help you both in your career and education.
And last but not least, learning any foreign language can only sharpen your mind and enrich your life.
Final Thoughts
We hope our best German app reviews helped you in making the right decision.
If you’re still not sure which app is the best for you, you can always mix it up a little and use multiple apps.
That’s also one of the benefits of using an app to learn German – you can do whatever you want! You can combine apps, learn at your own pace, and choose the material you want to learn.
And when you have the freedom to focus on your interests and goals, learning a new language instantly becomes easier and more meaningful.
In the end, all of these apps will help you understand and immerse yourself into the German language and culture, and that kind of experience is always valuable and rewarding.
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