18 free language apps that are really fun to use

Language learning apps can be not only helpful but incredibly entertaining and fun. With our current ability to use language tools while on the move, we are experiencing the golden age of language applications.

Although they will not replace real human interactions, language learning applications are an invaluable resource for learning the basics of a new language or translating words in real-time.

Hundreds of language learning apps are launched every week and it can be confusing to tell the difference between what is useful and what is not. To save you time, we have selected the 18 best language learning apps that you should try and experiment yourself.

18 free language learning apps that are incredibly useful

Language Teaching Course

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language tools. It is the ideal solution for beginners who wish to learn a new foreign language. The site's fun approach to learning facilitates learning vocabulary, grammar and simple words.

2. Busuu

Busuu offers a similar language learning experience in which you mix conversation, listening, writing and reading activities. This helps you to gain a basic understanding of your target language.

3. Babbel

Babbel is an inexpensive and fun tool that uses algorithms to personalize your language learning experience.

4. Multilingual Internet

Internet Polyglot is a mix of different games that will activate different parts of your brain. They include typing games, picture games, word searches, guessing games, and so on.

Language memorization tools

5. Ankiweb

Anki has been around for a while. It is an electronic flashcard tool that makes it easy to memorize sentences and words in a foreign language.

6. Memrise

Memrise is one of the main platforms for memorizing everything. It is mainly focused on language learning, but you can also use it to memorize the vocabulary of your SAT exam, your biology exam, and so on.

7. small cards

Tinycards is an application launched by Duolingo. It's a free and fun flashcard app to take away. You can choose from thousands of topics created for you or create your own decks.

8. Quizlet

Quizlet offers free quizzes that help you learn just about anything. "Flashcards" is one of their most popular features, but you can also pass tests, play games or create your own quizzes to share with your friends.

Speaking Language & Conversation

9. RYPE

Rype is a monthly subscription site that puts you in touch with fully approved professional language teachers for one-tenth of the price of a great language school. Lessons last as little as 30 minutes and you can program them at any time of the day and any day of the week. For those who wish to speak fluently a foreign language, Rype is worth the detour.

Typing

10. MyLanguageExchange

MyLanguageExchange is a community where you can connect with like-minded language learners and eventually find people to help you practice your speaking skills. You can filter by language, location and type of communication that you prefer, including SMS, phone calls or in person.

Language Games

11. Mindsnacks

Mindsnacks offers fun puzzle games that you can play to activate your mind while learning a foreign language. Two birds with a stone!

12. FluentPanda

FluentPanda offers fun and very rich lessons, designed to help the underprivileged to learn English. Now, the FluentPanda app offers lessons in many other popular languages.

13. Stumbleupon

Stumbleupon is a discovery platform for great content. With hundreds of topics and languages to discover, you can always find interesting and unique content for your target language.

Language translation tools

14. Google Translate

Google Translate is an essential resource for translating basic words and phrases. This may not be perfect, but Google Translate is constantly improving its translation algorithms.

15. Bab.la

Bab.la is not limited to translation (currently available in more than 28 languages). They offer a community forum, vocabulary lists, and games for language learners.

16. SpanishDict

Spanishdict offers Spanish translation and learning activities. If you are learning Spanish, use SpanishDict as a dictionary because it provides a number of detailed definitions as well as concrete examples you can relate to.

17. Linguee

Linguee began offering translations in German, and now offers translations in many popular languages. Their mobile application allows you to translate foreign words on the move and hassle-free.

18. Gengo

Gengo is a human-based translation service offering fast turnaround times. Although the algorithms may be useful for translation, they are not yet perfect. This is where a site like Gengo can fill the gaps. This is especially useful if you need large-scale translations into foreign languages.