Nick Schäferhoff
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The 29 Best Apps for Learning German in 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]
The best apps for learning German don’t just throw words and rules at you and hope that you remember them.
They turn German learning into an engaging experience.
I’ve been studying German for years, and I’ve tested too many apps to count.
Here’s my list of the best of the best apps for learning German whether you’re a serious student, a casual learner or a Germany-bound traveler.
Contents
- 1. Best for Immersive Learners: Rosetta Stone
- 2. Best for Audiovisual Learners: FluentU
- 3. Best Flashcard App: Memrise
- 4. Best All-in-One App: Busuu
- 5. Best for Serious Learners: Babbel
- 6. Best for Busy Learners: Duolingo
- 7. Best Vocabulary Builder: Drops
- 8. Best for Young Learners: Learn German by MindSnacks
- 9. Best App for the Basics: Wie Geht’s German
- 10. Best for Pronunciation: Learn German by Bravolol
- 11. Best for Self-study: Anki
- 12. Best App for Learning Tenses: Brainscape
- 13. Best for Learning Articles: Der Die Das
- 14. Best for Speaking Practice: Seedlang
- 15. Best for Reading Practice: German Listen and Read
- 16. Best for German Review: DW Learn German
- 17. Best Dictionary: dict.cc
- 18. Best Audio Course: Pimsleur
- 19. Best Tutor Support: italki
- 20. Most Content: Rocket German
- 21. Best App for All Learning Levels: GermanPod101
- 22. Best Classroom-Style Learning App: Fluenz
- 23. Best for Conversational Skills: HelloTalk
- 24. Best Test-Prep App: AccelaStudy
- 25. Best for Intermediate to Advanced Speaking Skills: Speechling
- 26. Best for Staying Culturally Informed: Der Tagesspiegel
- 27. Best for Grammar Training: Grammatisch
- 28. Best for Meeting German-speakers: Couchsurfing
- 29. Best for German Music: Spotify
1. Best for Immersive Learners: Rosetta Stone
Summary: Immersive learning program that teaches German through photos in an intuitive way.
Price: $$ subscription, free trial available $$ subscription, free trial available
A special characteristic of the Rosetta Stone teaching method is its very immersive approach: the software uses images, text, sound and video to teach the new language without any translation.
In the mobile app, you’ll learn new words and phrases through images and hear them pronounced by native speakers. Rosetta Stone also features speech recognition functionality to teach you correct pronunciation.
Apart from the digital material, Rosetta Stone offers a platform where you can schedule lessons with live tutors to practice your German with native speakers. This is a nice bonus feature for those who don’t merely want to practice on their own.
See our full review of Rosetta Stone.
Pros:
- Focuses on the essentials of German language communication
- Clean and polished interface
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer much grammar instruction
- Expensive
2. Best for Audiovisual Learners: FluentU
Summary: Video-based learning platform that uses authentic media clips to teach German, equipped with interactive subtitles, flashcards and quizzes.
Price: $$ subscription, free trial available
FluentU is one of the best websites and apps for learning German the way native speakers really use it. FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
Watch authentic media to simultaneously immerse yourself in the German language and build an understanding of the German culture.
By using real-life videos, the content is kept fresh and current. Topics cover a lot of ground as you can see here:
Vocabulary and phrases are learned with the help of interactive subtitles and full transcripts.
Hovering over or tapping on any word in the subtitles will automatically pause the video and instantly display its meaning. Interesting words you don’t know yet can be added to a to-learn list for later.
For every lesson, a list of vocabulary is provided for easy reference and bolstered with plenty of examples of how each word is used in a sentence.
Your existing knowledge is tested with the help of adaptive quizzes in which words are learned in context.
To keep things fresh, FluentU keeps track of the words you’re learning and recommends further lessons and videos based on what you've already studied.
This way, you have a truly personalized learning experience.
Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or practice anytime, anywhere on the mobile app for iOS and Android.
Pros:
- Uses authentic German media for immersive learning
- Teaches German language in context
Cons:
- Not all features are available offline
- Not tailored for casual learners who prefer game-like features
3. Best Flashcard App: Memrise
Summary: Flashcard app that uses mnemonics to reinforce vocabulary.
Price: Free (limited access), $ premium subscription
Memrise’s goal is to get you to tap into this and anchor knowledge in your brain through multiple connections. To achieve this, words are served up with images and/or put into (often ridiculously funny) context to make them less “forgettable.”
To learn bitte (please), you’ll be shown the picture of a person eating a chocolate bar. A second person is asking “Can I have a bitte, please?” Because “bite” and bitte differ by only one letter, this simple sentence will function as a trigger for both the word’s spelling and meaning.
You can read the article on learning German with mnemonics for details on why and how this works.
The Memrise team has also been focusing on using real people to introduce each word and phrase.
Lessons introduce new words with a video of a real German speaker saying it. You’re then asked to interact with it in a few different ways at increasing intervals of time. For example, you might hear the word and pick it from a list, type it out or answer a multiple-choice question about it.
See our full review of Memrise.
Pros:
- Interesting vocabulary-encoding method
- Videos are engaging
Cons:
- Limited grammar instruction
- Needs to be supplemented with other resources
4. Best All-in-One App: Busuu
Summary: A comprehensive app that covers vocabulary and grammar, as well as reading and writing practice.
Price: Free (limited access), $ premium subscription
The community aspect of Busuu makes it highly worth checking out for those who like to connect with people while pursuing their interests. It even hosts its own video chat platform.
The app’s courses are based on the CEFR framework and cover all areas of language acquisition (reading, writing, speaking, listening). To do that, lessons in Busuu are made up of the following elements:
- Learning key vocabulary pronounced by native speakers
- Lesson dialogues including newly learned words and phrases
- Writing practice with optional editing by other members
- Speaking practice sessions with others from the community
- Recording phrases indicated on the screen
- Lesson review
Downloading the app and getting a standard account are free of charge. Additional features are available if you get a pro account via subscription.
See our full review of Busuu.
Pros:
- Strong community-based features
- Very user-friendly
Cons:
- Exercises can feel tedious
- Could get unreliable feedback from the community
5. Best for Serious Learners: Babbel
Summary: German course that utilizes audio, images and text, as well as lessons with dialogue for a practical approach.
Price: Free (limited access), $$ premium subscription
When you first use Babbel, you’re asked to identify what level of learner you are, and then you’re immediately thrown into the first course.
The app teaches vocabulary and phrases through a mix of audio recordings, images and text. You’re then prompted to match English words to their German equivalents and write out what you just learned.
Each lesson also contains a dialogue where you have to fill in the blanks. The app can even do speech recognition to help practice your pronunciation.
Babbel includes one free lesson. To unlock more, you have to subscribe with monthly payments.
I’d recommend it for those who merely want to practice German without too much frill around the edges. Take it for a spin here!
See our full review of Babbel.
Pros:
- Simple, interactive exercises
- Includes tidbits of information concerning grammar and more “natural” German
Cons:
- Lessons can get repetitive
- Not much material for advanced learners
6. Best for Busy Learners: Duolingo
Summary: A snappy German learning app that builds vocabulary and sentence structure through game-like quizzes and challenges.
Price: Free, $ premium version
Boasting over 500 million users, Duolingo is clearly a very popular choice for language learners. Its bite-sized and straightforward learning system makes it a great fit for those who want to seamlessly pop in and out of their language studies as their schedule allows.
Duolingo lessons are short but sweet. Lesson modules are presented in a “tree” based on level and topic, and you’re expected to complete them in a certain order. However, you can “test out” certain modules if you can pass their short assessments.
You’ll be asked to take standard multiple-choice questions, practice speaking aloud or translate phrases.
To ensure you don’t rush your learning, there’s also a “hearts” system. When you deplete all hearts due to making mistakes, you’re expected to go back and review the material to regain them.
See our full review of Duolingo.
Pros:
- Uncomplicated and quick language lessons
- Good for learning basic vocabulary (up to A1 or A2 German level)
Cons:
- Repetitive exercises
- Doesn’t teach grammar or sentence construction
7. Best Vocabulary Builder: Drops
Summary: A game app that uses German words as drag-and-drop answers to improve vocabulary retention.
Price: Free (limited access), $ premium version
Drops is a great option for the learner who wants to get a sufficient dose of the German language without being overwhelmed. For five minutes a day, the app teaches you the essentials of German vocabulary in a fun and immersive way.
The design is rather minimalist and visually appealing. When teaching words, Drops uses text, images and audio to ease them into your brain. The sessions themselves are game-like in nature, requiring you to drag-and-drop answers and tap away on your screen.
Vocabulary is categorized into different topics, touching upon matters such as food, colors, family members, nationalities and so forth.
See our full review of Drops.
Pros:
- Short five-minute daily lessons
- Minimalist, intuitive design
Cons:
- Low variety in exercises
- Lesson cap can be too limiting for some learners
8. Best for Young Learners: Learn German by MindSnacks
Summary: A game app that includes nine different games to help you learn German words and phrases.
Price: Free (limited access), $ premium version
MindSnacks lets you practice your German with the help of nine colorful, different games.
Each game is centered around a certain theme, like family, food or school. Beforehand, you’re given a list of vocabulary to practice which includes excellent sound recordings. The games then work as a test to further solidify your knowledge.
For example, in one game called “Swell,” an English word flashes on your screen with two choices given for the German equivalent. In the background is water with a cute fish in it, and the water is slowly draining, functioning as a timer. You need to select the correct answer before it runs out and the fish meets its unfortunate demise.
MindSnacks’ look is done so well that the entire app sometimes feels a bit like it’s mainly a game that only teaches German on the side.
Pros:
- Graphics and exercise format encourage memorization
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Free version is limited (access to one lesson out of 50)
- Only available on iOS
9. Best App for the Basics: Wie Geht’s German
Summary: App with basic German phrases and words for everyday situations and travel.
Price: Free (limited access), $ premium version
The main goal of this app is to teach learners basic phrases for all kinds of daily situations. Content is divided by skill level and topic. You can also learn useful German phrases for travel, business or health, or peruse the grammar section.
There are lessons on even more particular topics, such as the numbers 20 to 100 and German greetings. The correct pronunciation of vocabulary is demonstrated by native speakers. There are some gamification elements like quizzes and playing a round of hangman.
The app itself is free, as are the first four lessons of the beginner course. After that, you’re prompted to buy access to additional lessons, which include higher-level content and vocabulary related to travel and business situations.
Pros:
- Works well as a simple phrasebook resource
- Good for absolute beginners and travelers who are just dipping their toes in German language
Cons:
- Free version only provides beginner course (which is sparse)
- Only available on iOS
10. Best for Pronunciation: Learn German by Bravolol
Summary: App with German words and phrases with a recording feature to practice pronunciation.
Price: Free (limited access), $ premium version
Bravolol focuses on teaching many useful German words and phrases for different life situations.
The app’s content is ordered by theme: greetings, eating, health, shopping, hobbies and much more. Each phrase has accompanying audio recordings by native speakers, which also give you the option to slow down if the audio is zooming by too quickly for you.
The app has one cool feature worth noting: The ability to record your own voice and hear it in comparison to the original. This allows you to work on the nuances of your pronunciation.
Pros:
- Helpful in learning essential phrases
- Useful voice recording feature
Cons:
- Content mostly focuses on beginner learners
- Little to no grammar instruction
11. Best for Self-study: Anki
Summary: A simple flashcard app in which you can download premade decks or create your own.
Price: Free for computer and Android, $$ iOS app
Anki is an excellent flashcard tool for learning German vocabulary through SRS (spaced repetition system). Flashcards can be enhanced with images, sound files and even HTML.
The content for Anki is user-generated, and the created decks sometimes contain thousands of words, often accompanied by high-quality audio pronunciations and images. You can find nearly anything you need, from top textbook-based word lists to flashcards with translations in other languages like Russian and Japanese.
During studying, learners are asked to rate the ease of recall for each card. This determines the interval after which they’ll be served up again. Signing up for a (free) account on the website allows you to sync learned cards between different devices to avoid studying the same material over and over again.
See our full review of Anki.
Pros:
- Access to plenty of content (which can be updated over time)
- Enables user to create their own flashcards
Cons:
- Not very user-friendly
- Limited to flashcards
12. Best App for Learning Tenses: Brainscape
Summary: A flashcard app with eight decks for practicing German tenses.
Price: Free (limited access), $ premium subscription
If there’s one thing that German learners struggle with, it’s German inflections. Verbs and articles change a lot within sentences according to case, number and gender. If you have a hard time figuring out how to correctly form verbs across the different tenses, this is the app for you.
What you get is basically a collection of flashcards divided into eight decks, one for each of the German tenses:
- Present Tense
- Simple Past Tense
- Present Perfect Tense
- Past Perfect Tense
- Future Tense
- Future Perfect Tense
- Subjunctive I
- Subjunctive II
Brainscape also lets you add your own flashcards, which you can even share with friends and fellow learners for a remote study sesh. One of the best things about the app is that it provides ongoing feedback, stats and visualization tools to help you track your progress. Seeing how well you’re doing is a major motivational tool!
Pros:
- Focuses on one of the more complex aspects of German
- Adjusts difficulty (based on user feedback) to encourage challenge
Cons:
- Primarily focuses on German verbs and little else
- Limited in content and exercise types
13. Best for Learning Articles: Der Die Das
Summary: A dictionary app that shows you the correct article to use for each word.
Price: Free
The aptly-named Der Die Das lets you look up a German word and see its correct article—no fuss or fluster. It also explains guidelines for “predicting” which article goes with a certain word. These helpful tips can aid you in the moments when you can’t depend on a nifty app to guess if a noun is masculine, feminine or neuter.
Another helpful feature would be a dictionary that defines roughly 17,000 nouns. You can even compile consistently problematic nouns into a list for later review.
For focused review, the app offers a simple “guess the article” game for a selection of random nouns.
Pros:
- Addresses one of the more frustrating aspects of the German language
- Unfettered interface
Cons:
- Dictionary feature doesn’t include English translations
- Limited in scope
14. Best for Speaking Practice: Seedlang
Summary: Video-based German learning app in which you listen to native speakers and repeat to practice speaking.
Price: Free
Seedlang focuses on improving your German speaking and listening skills.
You’ll be learning with videos featuring native speakers and scripted narratives, but you won’t just be watching the clips—you’ll be repeating what’s being said, right after you hear the speaker talk.
Every sentence has its own video, with optional translations. What results is a series of “video clip flashcards” that teaches German step by step. You then repeat the German you hear or translate an English phrase into German.
If you’re ever stuck, there’s a relevant “I’m stuck” button that lets you click on the word troubling you for an instant translation.
After you submit your spoken attempt, you can then compare it to the original audio and see exactly where you might have made a flub. Seedlang provides a full breakdown of each word down to its grammar.
Pros:
- Provides some grammar instruction
- Enjoyable and engaging format and content
Cons:
- May not suit non-visual learners
- No generated feedback for recordings
15. Best for Reading Practice: German Listen and Read
Summary: App with German stories organized by level with adjustable audio.
Price: Free
Also known as Deutsch Hören & Lesen, this app lets you learn German through a series of written and narrated stories. The content is organized by level so that you can access the stories that suit your current skills. The stories cover a variety of topics but primarily focus on mundane scenarios native to Germany.
You can both read the text and listen to the narration, with the option to slow down the audio so you can follow along more comfortably. After every story, you’ll get a short five-question quiz to test your understanding.
The developers release new stories weekly, so even if you bust through all the current content, you can simply wait for more!
Pros:
- Good for practicing German listening and reading skills
- Audio features (including a slow-down option) are helpful additions
Cons:
- Stories are entirely in German (with no instant translation function)
- Only available on Android
16. Best for German Review: DW Learn German
Summary: A German lesson app that teaches vocabulary and conversational skills.
Price: Free
The major German broadcaster Deutsche Welle also has its own learning app following the CEFR standards. The content level ranges from beginner to intermediate, but learners of any level can find this app a useful and straightforward resource for both learning and review purposes.
First, you’re advised to take a placement test that gauges your current German skill level. You can then pick the right course and start learning with fun interactive exercises and videos. The lessons primarily train you in conversational skills and vocabulary you’d encounter in daily scenarios, with frequent assessments to make sure you understand the content.
DW also offers additional courses and materials for extra learning, including podcasts and downloadable PDFs, that you can access on the main website.
Pros:
- Content is organized by level
- Additional video learning series
Cons:
- Some questions are presented entirely in German (can be challenging for beginners)
- Advanced content may still feel a bit too easy
17. Best Dictionary: dict.cc
Summary: Dictionary app with extensive examples and translations.
Price: Free, $ premium version
No language learning journey is complete without a reliable dictionary. While dict.cc is offered for other languages, it’s primarily known as a comprehensive English-German dictionary with both a website version and an app version.
dict.cc is special in that it addresses a lot of the unique needs you’d have as a German language learner. Once you look up a word (either in German or English), you get a whole list that shows the word side-by-side with its translations in different contexts. The German version is also supplied with its appropriate gender pronoun.
You can also look up common English or German phrases. It’s a quick way for you to learn both formal and casual expressions that you can use right away in conversation, or at least give you a better understanding of the way the language works.
Pros:
- Comprehensive explanations for vocabulary
- Can teach phrases and expressions alongside specific words
Cons:
- Premium version doesn’t offer much
- Basic free version would benefit from more learner-tailored features
18. Best Audio Course: Pimsleur
Summary: An audio course that helps beginners develop their listening and speaking skills.
Price: $ subscription, free trial available
Don’t let the nature of seemingly cheesy audio tapes sway you. Pimsleur has been around for 50 years and has a great reputation in the language learning community.
The course is simple: 30 minutes a day of audio lessons that teach you all the necessary vocabulary and phrases you need to start learning.
The program boasts that it teaches language the same way you learned it as a child, by listening to native speakers. This helps boost a natural speaking cadence and pronunciation.
See our full review of Pimsleur.
Pros:
- Great for learners on the go
- Targets German listening and speaking skills
Cons:
- Could benefit from more visual content
- Doesn’t teach reading or writing
19. Best Tutor Support: italki
Summary: Video courses and classes with live teachers and tutor support.
Price: $ subscription
This app connects you with native teachers from all over the world sharing their languages, dialects and cultures. You can choose who you want to learn from, so the price depends on each different teacher.
The lessons can be tailored to your needs, so if you want to learn conversational German for travel, if you need to speak German for business or if you want to pass a specific test, you can find the help you need.
They also have Language Challenges to help keep you motivated and learning prompts to keep you entertained, which will make your studies feel useful and relevant.
See our full review of italki.
Pros:
- Presence of tutor and community can spur motivation
- More personalized and flexible learning
Cons:
- Process of booking tutors and lessons can be cumbersome
- Prices and teacher quality can vary
20. Most Content: Rocket German
Summary: A comprehensive full German course in an app with high-quality content.
Price: $$ subscription
Rocket German covers nearly everything: speaking, vocabulary, listening, grammar and useful phrases. The app has an enormous amount of content to choose from depending on what level you choose, making the price tag feel more worth it.
The app has distinct levels, modules and sections to keep you organized and on track with clear grammar explanations, interactive audio and a “survival kit” that covers basic phrases and expressions for getting around in daily life.
Paying once for the course gives you lifetime access to all the content.
See our full review of Rocket Languages.
Pros:
- Plenty of content and learning material in different formats (text and audio)
- Flexibility in choosing lessons that work with your schedule
Cons:
- Expensive
- Exercises can get repetitive
21. Best App for All Learning Levels: GermanPod101
Summary: A podcast-style app with content for all learning levels.
Pricing: Free, $ for premium content
The LanguagePod101 series provides podcast-style lessons that allow you to learn German on the go, by listening to well-formed content with clear goals.
The most common lessons have a dialogue in which you listen to two or more people speaking German, and then each word and grammar point is broken down by the hosts. The app also has word lists, flashcards and slideshows to help you train your vocabulary after you listen to the lessons.
The Premium PLUS subscription offers one-on-one guidance from your own personal teacher to give you feedback and help answer questions.
See our full review of GermanPod101.
Pros:
- Hosts are fun to listen to
- Particularly useful for listening and speaking skills
Cons:
- Content may be too easy for advanced learners
- Exercises are a bit lacking in variety
22. Best Classroom-Style Learning App: Fluenz
Summary: A comprehensive app with helpful analysis of grammar, quiz games and writing practice.
Pricing: $$ subscription
Fluenz is an app that covers everything you need to learn German, with plenty of detailed explanations. Its most useful features are the in-depth grammar breakdowns and the writing feature.
The app’s videos have a classroom-style feel because a teacher meticulously describes everything from sentence construction to pronunciation. It boasts that instead of intuitive-style learning, adult language learners need a detailed analysis of German grammar and vocabulary to excel.
Their “workouts” feature has game-like practice drills including matching games, speaking training, photo descriptions and writing practice.
Pros:
- Good focus on German grammar
- Useful writing feature that can clarify weaknesses in sentence construction
Cons:
- Explanations can be too technical for some learners
- Expensive subscription
23. Best for Conversational Skills: HelloTalk
Summary: A language exchange app with unique features that help with pronunciation and grammar correction.
Pricing: Free
HelloTalk is a language exchange app with users that speak over 100 languages for you to practice. The idea is that you connect with native speakers of the language you are learning and chat with them about the language, or anything else you like.
Since the app is powered by volunteers, there is no structured course or lessons. The app’s standout features are a grammar correction function, which automatically reviews your grammar in German before you even send a message and a text-to-voice recognition function that allows you to practice your pronunciation.
You can even record yourself and ask for feedback from native speakers, or schedule one-on-one lessons through audio or video chats with language experts to help you with any questions you might have.
See our full review of HelloTalk.
Pros:
- Allows interaction with real speakers
- Useful grammar correction feature
Cons:
- No actual German lessons
- Strongly centered on learner’s own motivation
24. Best Test-Prep App: AccelaStudy
Summary: Spaced repetition app that has curated content and allows students to create their own.
Pricing: Free, $ premium subscription
Accela is best for students who are studying for specific German language tests, like the DSH, the TestDaF and the Goethe Institut examinations. The app works best for those that want to make their own study sets for learning specific vocabulary and grammar content.
It also has curated lists that are vetted for accuracy and cover many different languages. Each language has over 2,200 useful terms with professional translations, categorized in 65+ subject areas.
There is also audio for every item that is recorded by native speakers. Quiz-like exercises are also available, including one that utilizes spaced repetition. There is new content released regularly so you can always find something fresh to learn.
Pros:
- Simple interface and input system
- Ability to create specific study sets
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey subscription
- Only available on iOS
25. Best for Intermediate to Advanced Speaking Skills: Speechling
Summary: An app that uses audio and a recording feature to help you perfect your speaking skills.
Pricing: Free, $ premium subscription
The program has you listen to native speakers with high-quality audio and then record yourself repeating the sentences. For more advanced speakers, you can answer questions in your own words instead of repeating the sentences. When you send your recording to the app, you get professional feedback to help with your pronunciation and intonation skills.
Though the main focus is on speaking, the app also has some quizzes and flashcards to help improve your vocabulary skills.
Pros:
- Useful feedback feature
- Audio recordings are easy to listen to
Cons:
- Not suited for beginner learners
- Doesn’t provide much instruction on vocabulary, grammar or sentence structure
26. Best for Staying Culturally Informed: Der Tagesspiegel
Summary: A newspaper app that lets you stay current on matters in and out of Germany.
Pricing: Free, $$ plus version
Der Tagesspiegel is a popular German-language newspaper, and it has its own app to let you catch the news whenever, wherever. The interface presents articles in a straightforward, no-frills manner, making it very accessible.
Though it’s not necessarily tailored for learners, it’s still a great authentic resource for upper-level learners to practice their reading skills. You can quickly learn plenty of vocabulary related to different topics. It’s also an easy way to stay up-to-date and informed on current matters in Germany.
For a price, you can access “e-papers” that compile a day’s worth of articles (including from prior dates). Additionally, a “Plus” version is available that lets you skirt past ads and get access to more posts.
Pros:
- Clean and accessible interface
- Great for German reading practice and learning bits of German culture
Cons:
- Lack of bonus features to make reading experience more interactive
- Not learner-tailored, works best for learners with quite advanced German knowledge
27. Best for Grammar Training: Grammatisch
Summary: A simple app centered on practicing German grammar topics.
Pricing: Free, $ plus subscription
As you can tell from its name, Grammatisch is solely focused on teaching core German grammar topics, from plural nouns to declensions.
All the lessons are categorized into different levels (beginner, intermediate or advanced). Each one includes a brief overview of the topic, which may include lists or tables of examples. You can then take a series of quick fill-in-the-blank exercises that test your knowledge.
Because of its straightforward format, it works very well as a grammar practice resource for daily review. For a price, you can access the plus version to gain access to more exercises.
Pros:
- Works well as a complement to other German learning apps
- Organized and straightforward format
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey plus version
- Exercises can feel a little “barebones” and would benefit from more interactivity
28. Best for Meeting German-speakers: Couchsurfing
Summary: An app for finding free accommodation and a great way to meet local people
Pricing: Free, $$ subscription for most features
Couchsurfing is aimed at travelers looking for cheap (free) accommodation and an experience that can’t be found in a hotel room.
Just as the name implies, it pairs hosts with travelers (surfers) looking for a couch to crash on for a night or two. It’s quickly becoming very popular, with over 12 million members worldwide.
For those traveling in Germany, this app is great for meeting locals that are open-minded and willing to show an foreigners around their city. This results in a deeper experience while traveling, and allows surfers the opportunity to see a place through the eyes of a local.
In addition to an awesome experience, Couchsurfing provides an amazing opportunity to work on your conversational skills with a native speaker.
Pros:
- Great way to meet German-speaking locals
- Instant messaging and host rating features
Cons:
- Quite a few features are behind a paywall
- Somewhat pricey
29. Best for German Music: Spotify
Summary: An app with one of the largest music collections in the world
Pricing: Free, $$ premium version
With a vast library, many German artists can be found on Spotify. Whether you’re into pop music or rap, German music has something for you and is a fantastic learning tool for any level.
There are plenty of new, useful phrases that can be picked up from music that aren’t found in your textbook. Slang, idioms and other colloquial expressions are inherent in any song, and paired with music and a catchy chorus, the phrases are super easy to remember!
You can even take it a step further and look up the lyrics to your favorite song (often times available directly through Spotify) to test your listening skills.
Spotify users can also build custom playlists to suit any listening preference, so be sure to check out what German music playlists are already available.
Pros:
- Tailored playlists make it easy to find new music
- Huge variety of music genres and artists featured
Cons:
- Limited features with free account
- Premium subscription can add up over time
We bet that no matter your learning style, there’s a perfect German learning app (or apps!) in here for you. Just download and start learning!
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