I have used, and am using, a variety of language applications to learn a variety of languages. I have also studied language in a university (German) and have found that this app has a perfect medium. It is thorough yet clear and easy to use, it covers important aspects of conversation as well as grammar, and you can even receive completion certificates after being tested. The placement testing I also find is quite accurate at assigning an appropriate level at which to continue or begin learning. The structure is superb and the content is very useful (unlike Duolingo and some other apps). The app helps review weak words and strengthen them, as well as broaden vocabulary and encourage multi-faceted learning approaches (comprehension, reading, writing, speaking, etc). Another great component of the app is the ability to interact with other foreign speakers and in engage in tasks whereby other native speakers can comment or correct the completed task by the learner. This is a new component that is not seen in many other learning apps and is more direct than other language apps present at the moment. The app allows you to create a study plan and a goal which even tells you how long it will take you to reach your target level which I think is awesome motivation for those learning before they travel or visit friends/family overseas, etc. Overall, I highly recommend this app and it is worth the money if you get a nice discount upon arrival, I’m learning and touching up on 3 languages at rocket pace! MUST HAVE LANGUAGE APP! 5 stars!!! ~ P.S. Pleaaaaaaase make a Hungarian course! :)

Only offer a free trial on initial sign up so take it and try it to try all features (otherwise you’ll get stuck at lesson 2-3 like I did), but the content is great, the pacing is great. They don’t just let you tap on the translation like some other apps when you get stuck and they’ve already taught you it a few times which makes you actually learn it not just fall into the well I can just use this to fall back on. It has revision for words that it identifies you are struggling with (and you can make your own lists). The year subscription price includes access to all 12 languages unlike some other apps. They say the speakers in the app are native speakers and the French course I’m doing definitely seems so (which will be much better for my accent when speaking French) and the microphone seems accurate when picking up my pronunciation, including not always accepting what I’ve said until it concludes I’m more accurate in the way I’m emphasising certain vowels etc. I have nothing but positives to say about it. At least try the free trial, or even the free version for the first few lessons and decide for yourself.

Busuu is just duolingo in all but a few (very important) ways. It still advertises itself as a way to actually learn languages, even though it’s very much only for practice, it’s extremely monetised, locking content behind paywalls and ads, and it uses all the same techniques as duolingo to keep you on the platform as long as possible. The main differences are 1. The community focus, and 2. The courses. Most lessons you will have the option to upload your answer to the app for other’s to correct it. This is a massive improvement from duolingo, who literally removed their comment feature, in stead of a higher tier of subscription that lets you have worse, ai generated answers to your questions (for twice the price, of course). The courses are also much much better, seeming to be designed with learning in mind (rather than memes). There are only 14 courses, and some of them are quite short, giving duo the upper hand, but for any of these 14, i recommend busuu well above duo.Overall, busuu has the same problems with monetisation and addiction as duo (imo being worse in the monetisation aspect, as duo generally doesn’t actually stop nonpaying users from accessing certain content), and is much superior in it’s course design and community focus.4/5

I’ve used Duolingo, Drops, Memrise, Babbel and other language learning apps. None of them have been as effective and addicting as Busuu. Busuu is unique in that it’s community focussed- allowing its users to connect with each other, all sharing their advice, corrections and support. Yes, the app costs money, but if you’re serious about learning a language (and you have the funds), it’s a worthwhile investment. Honestly, just try out Busuu. Without paying, you can complete a few elementary lessons in your chosen language and check out the community features. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love getting feedback from others and returning the favour! I’ve learnt so much with this app in just two short days! Their German course is fantastic. The app uses algorithms to determine what vocabulary and grammar you are needing to practise. Other language learning apps don’t appear to do this so well. Anyways, thanks for reading my long rant. I definitely recommend this app to anyone wanting to learn a language, and of course the only reason I don’t give it five stars is because 1. It’s expensive. 2. It uses stock images and footage for the most part. Thanks and good luck on your learning journey!