The Ultimate Busuu Guide
Everything you need to know about Busuu. How effective is it? Which languages are offered? How can you cancel? You’ll find answers to all these questions and more right here.
Quick Verdict: Busuu is a solid choice for getting started, and its wonderfully integrated community is a unique selling point. If you like a more traditional language-learning approach, you’ll find exactly that here – and you can even explore some features for free!
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Table of Contents: Busuu Guide
Busuu Reviews
CAN THIS COURSE WIN US OVER?
Busuu Put to the Test
Busuu stands for a classic, lesson-based approach with an international community of native speakers and fellow learners. You can even study for free at first. What does Busuu do well, and where is there room for improvement? Check it out:
Available Languages and Proficiency Levels
SPANISH, ARABIC, JAPANESE & MORE
Busuu’s Available Languages
Right now, Busuu offers 14 languages in total if you select English as your interface language. The basics are definitely covered, and there are a few unexpected languages as well. Want to see if your target language is included? Here’s where you can find out:
DIFFERENT PROFICIENCY LEVELS
Which Proficiency Level Can I Achieve?
Busuu’s course depth can vary from one language to another. The most extensive resources are for English and Spanish, whereas newer additions (like Korean) are still being built out. Want to learn more? Check here:
Busuu Prices, Discounts, and Cancellation
How Much Does Busuu Cost?
Busuu is free in its basic version. Who should consider upgrading to Busuu Premium, and how is the pricing structured?
How Do I Cancel Busuu?
Busuu isn’t your cup of tea? No problem. We explain how to end your subscription in just a few easy steps.
talkREAL Tip! Our discount overview always features the latest coupons and deals for language courses. Sometimes Busuu is included. Just click the button below and you could save a good chunk of money.
Alternatives and Direct Comparisons
COULD OTHER LANGUAGE COURSES BE BETTER?
Alternatives to Busuu
Everyone learns differently! That has always been our motto, which is why Busuu might not be the perfect fit for you. Luckily, there are strong alternatives out there. You can find them here:
HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISONS
Busuu vs. …
…other language courses. If you’re wondering whether Busuu or a competitor (like Babbel) is the better choice, this is where you’ll find answers. In our “Boxing Matches,” we compare Busuu directly to the competition.
And here are direct links to our head-to-head comparisons. Busuu vs. …
Babbel | Mondly | Mosalingua | Duolingo | Rosetta Stone
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About Busuu
Busuu has been publicly accessible since 2008. From the start, it’s been all about free language learning with a creative concept and a vibrant community. There’s even a story behind the brand name:
Origin and Name
Busuu was founded in Spain by language enthusiasts Bernhard Niesner and Adrian Hilti, and in 2008 it became publicly available (initially as a beta version). By 2009, it was fully operational with both free and subscription-based options.
The name “Busuu” actually comes from a language spoken in Cameroon. Unfortunately, that language is on the verge of dying out. However, on Busuu’s website you can watch some videos of people speaking Busuu as their native language. Definitely worth a look!
What Busuu Offers
Originally, Busuu focused primarily on English and Spanish courses. These days, you can learn up to 14 languages, including some less commonly studied options in like Korean or Dutch, plus more specialized content (like business courses).
One of Busuu’s greatest assets is its wonderfully integrated community aspect: You’re encouraged to connect with other learners and native speakers, and during your lessons, you’ll receive open-ended tasks that are corrected by real users rather than just an algorithm. We haven’t seen another platform integrate community features quite like this. After extensive testing, we can say it’s a true standout feature!
Conclusion – Give It a Try
If you’ve gotten curious and want to see what Busuu is like, you can do so right here. You’ve got nothing to lose – many of the features are free, including registration and general usage.
One last tip: If you plan on purchasing a Busuu subscription, always do it through the website, not the app. That usually saves you some money.
Image credits: © Busuu & talkREAL UG