2015-02-22

Moving to a new place, especially a country, is very hard. It becomes even harder if you are not familiar with the local language. Thankfully there are language learning apps for Android which will not only aid you in effective communication but also hone you in the target language as well.

The apps are remarkably designed and if you work hard, you can become proficient in any language you desire. I personally have learned to speak Spanish quite fluently, despite never needing to use it anywhere.

If you are into globe trotting, it is highly recommended that you take language learning apps for Android with you too. It is always better to be prepared to ask where the washroom is than get a citation for public indecency.

Note: The best language learning apps for Android were tested on a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone and Asus MemoPad 7 HD. The apps sometimes require the use of internet. The apps performed fine on the smartphone as well as the tablet.

1. Duolingo – Free



The King of Lingo

This app is not only the best in the language learning apps for Android list but also my all-time favorite apps. Duolingo is the app which I personally recommend to everyone as it is extremely innovative and effective.

The interface is remarkable and the app never hinders the user with needless menus and options. Simply select the language you want to learn and the app will do the rest for you. There are even two difficulty levels for both beginners and those who are somewhat familiar with the language. I can write a full article about this amazingly beautiful app which has truly won my heart.

Features:

Intuitive and innovative way to learn.

Makes learning like a mini game.

Supports Spanish, French, Italian, Irish, Dutch, English and many more.

Notable Feature:

Duolingo is the best app in the language learning apps for Android because of its amazing features but also because it has no ads whatsoever. The app is truly free in the most positive sense.



2. Learn Languages – Free with In-app Purchases



Deep Knowledge

Learn Languages is made by Rosetta Stone. The app has an intuitive interface and is a good competitor to the number one app in the best language learning apps for Android list.

The only downside is that the app forces you into landscape mode (hold the phone horizontally) for use. While this is not a big deal, I always like having an option. The language apps for Android also comes with in-app purchases which is the only reason it can’t be number one.

In-app Purchases: $129.99 – $199.99 per item

Features:

Amazing speech recognition technology.

Can automatically sync across all your devices.

Courses are divided into manageable categories.

Notable Feature:

While Duolingo is a great app for learning a handful of languages, Rosetta Stone takes it a step further. The app supports around 23 languages and all come with full course content.

3. Learn 50 Languages – Free with In-app Purchases

Pictures are Nice

Learn 50 Languages says it all doesn’t it? This app is number three thanks to its sheer number of languages offered. The interface could be a little bit more interesting; don’t get me wrong it is still good. But kids will have a hard time feeling involved in some of the exercises.

The picture association is very well executed and will truly engage anyone. The app provides you 100 lessons about basic vocabulary, but there is a catch, only 30 are available for free.

In-app Purchases: $1.00 – $9.99 per item

Features:

Serviceable but a little dab interface.

Corresponds to Common European Framework.

You can even download the audio.

Notable Feature:

Has great context based exercises which helps you get familiarized with common situations. This means you will know what to say to the doctor in French instead of pointing and crying.

4. Tourist Language – Free

Travel With Ease

This app knows you are going to be traveling in a few weeks to some exotic place and wants you to know how to speak some basic phrases. The app is not like fully loaded language learning apps for Android but it does help you in learning a new language.

The urgency of learning a language can be stressful but Tourist language makes use of intuitive design and great utility to fill in your communication blanks. Want to ask someone where is the nearest hotel? You can do that with this app.

Features:

Useful translated phrases.

Supports around 15 languages.

Text to speech functionality is available.

Notable Feature:

The developers are highly active and cater to the feedback sent by users. For example the next update will bring support for Arabic and Korean languages. This is rarely seen in a free app.

5. Memrise – Free with In-app Purchases

Community Driven

Memrise is one of the best language learning apps for Android thanks to its budding community. The app can help you learn over 180 languages, this is the most by any of the language learning apps for Android.

The app supports around 300,000 edited and community created courses which aid you in your journey to learn new language. The Android language app can also train you for SATs, GMAT, TOEFL and many other standardized tests.

In-app Purchases: $0.99 – $59.00 per item

Features:

A great looking and highly user friendly interface.

Learn about a country before visiting.

Pub quiz trivia are a nice touch.

Notable Feature:

Memrise is more of an educational app than a language one but it does allow you to learn basic things. It is a great app for those who are looking to travel.

6. Learn Languages – Free with In-app Purchases

Listen Closely

With this Android language app you can learn German, Italian, Polish, Russian Japanese and a lot more. The app is simple to use and presents you with basic language building exercise.

The interface is nothing to speak off on smartphones but switch on a tablet and it secondly makes a lot of sense. One of the best things about this Android language app is that it listens to you when you speak and detects the words.

In-app Purchases: $0.99 – $93.44 per item

Features:

Over 150 topics to learn from.

Good quality courses based on CEFR.

Can get language feedback from native speakers.

Notable Feature:

The app allows you to submit your practice exercises to the community of native speakers who will help you hone your skills even further. It’s a great feature but can become incredible if the community picks less popular languages as well.

7. Babbel – Free with In-app Purchases

Landscape Learning

Babbel is one of those apps that is connected to everything. This app can be synced to a smartphone, a tablet, a PC or even a MacBook. The app is designed well and presents clear and precise instructions.

The Android language app doesn’t hold your hands too much either, this makes it a little harder to get into initially. But once you get the hang of the app, it is a very effective tool. The app looks better on tablets for some reason.

In-app Purchases: $12.95 – $83.40 per item

Features:

A tablet oriented interface.

Associate words with pictures.

Fill in the blanks are a great way to learn.

Notable Feature:

The app can tailor learning goals according to your personal plans. It’s a great way to stay motivated and achieve what you are striving for.

8. Mango Languages – Free

Clever Interface

This is a relatively new app in the business but it comes with one of the most original designs. The app makes an adorable language learning experience which can satisfy the learner inside you. There are over 60 foreign language courses which you can take along with 17 English ones.

All of the course will be taught in your native language which makes them extremely easier to follow. Each lesson combines communication, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and culture. This is a sweet flavored educational app. So why is it so far down the list? Because the app has some ridiculous terms for signing up, it’s as if it doesn’t want you to gain access.

Features:

Fun to look at and follow.

A lot of languages are covered.

Biblical Hebrew is supported which is a surprise.

Notable Feature:

The app comes with elaborate English lessons in the language of your choice. This makes it easy to learn and speak English.

9. Lingua – Free

Share Your Findings

Now you don’t need to get expensive text books just to learn a new language. Get Lingua on your smartphone and study Spanish, German, Hebrew, Italian, Russian, Arabic and many more languages on the go.

This Android language app has an OK interface which is very easy to use. The app wants you to share everything in Facebook though and after a while it stops being cute and becomes downright annoying. The overall experience will be a pleasant one.

Features:

A unique take on language learning.

See the words in real articles.

Add words with the help of smart dictionary.

Notable Feature:

You can create flash cards which include audio as well as images.

10. Google Translate – Free

Easy Way Out

Google Translate was featured in our best translator apps for Android list and it is getting a cameo here too. While it is not a true Android language app, it still can help you in learning one.

The app has a simple and easy to use interface and with a few clicks you can translate any language into your native one. Simple phrases are translated highly accurately and you can even listen to them with a push of a button.

Features:

Translate around 90 languages.

Snap a picture and translate it.

Use your handwriting and then know the translation.

Notable Feature:

Simply talk to the app and it will translate it into another language. It is a highly underrated feature which deserves a spotlight of its own. It works well even if you have an accent.

Conclusion:

Long story short (as it should be), these are the apps which will definitely help you in learning new a language. Most of the time I’m not sure about the results of an app list but I’m pretty sure if you are willing to learn, these apps have much to offer.

I’m learning French these days; I admit I’m having difficulty pronouncing the words correctly but the apps are there to guide me which is a great help. Now go learn what Joy of Android means in Polish. Adieu mon ami!

The post 10 Best Language Learning Apps for Android to Gain Fluency appeared first on JoyofAndroid.com.

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