The Comprehensive Duolingo Guide
Everything you need to know about Duolingo. How good is it, really? Which languages are available, and how do you cancel your subscription? Find those answers and more here in our Duolingo Guide.
Quick Summary: Duolingo is helpful for getting started if you’re curious about learning a new language. If you want to reach true proficiency long-term, though, Duolingo might leave you wanting more. We believe other language courses can be more effective.
Table of Contents: Duolingo Guide
Try Duolingo Risk-Free!
See for yourself – they offer non-limited free accounts that can be upgraded at any time, or just kept as is.
Duolingo Reviews
A GOOD APPROACH OR JUST POPULAR?
Our Detailed Duolingo Review
We’ve been testing Duolingo’s language programs for years, and our current feelings about the cute green owl are definitely mixed. In our in-depth experience report, we’ll tell you exactly who Duolingo is right for—and who might need more than what Duolingo currently provides.
Available Languages & Levels
ARE YOU FLUENT IN SPANISH?
Duolingo’s Available Languages
Right now, Duolingo offers fourty different languages to learn, plus mathemathics and music, if your native language is English. Curious about less commonly studied languages on Duolingo? We got all the details!
DIFFERENT PROFICIENCY LEVELS
What Fluency Level Can I Reach?
Some Duolingo languages are more developed than others. Languages like Spanish and French have the most content, while newer additions might be somewhat limited. Want more info?
Duolingo Pricing, Discounts & Cancellation
How Much Does Duolingo Cost?
Duolingo’s basic version is free. Who benefits from the paid Duolingo Super and Max plans, and how does pricing work exactly?
How Do I Cancel Duolingo?
Feel like Duolingo isn’t for you? No problem. We’ll walk you through canceling your subscription in just a few quick steps.
talkREAL Tip! Our discount overview shows the latest coupons and deals for all language courses. Duolingo is occasionally included —just click the button below to see if you can save some money right now.
Alternatives & Head-to-Head Comparisons
ARE OTHER LANGUAGE COURSES BETTER?
Alternatives to Duolingo
We keep saying it: “Everyone learns differently.” Maybe Duolingo just isn’t your style. If that’s the case, don’t worry—there are plenty of alternatives. Check them out here.
DIRECT COMPARISONS WITH OTHER COURSES
Duolingo vs …
If you’re debating between Duolingo and, say, Mosalingua, this is for you. We literally pit Duolingo head-to-head with the competition in “boxing match” comparisons.
Here are direct links to our course comparisons featuring Duolingo vs.: Babbel | Duolingo vs Babbel, Mondly | Duolingo vs Mondly, Mosalingua | Duolingo vs Mosalingua, Busuu | Duolingo vs Busuu, Rosetta Stone | Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone.
Try Duolingo Risk-Free!
See for yourself – they offer non-limited free accounts that can be upgraded at any time, or just kept as is.
About Duolingo
Duolingo is arguably one of the most recognized language-learning apps today. Since its launch in November 2011, over 500 million users have registered, with more than 72 million active each day—impressive figures, no doubt.
Origins and History
Founded in Pittsburgh, USA in 2011 by computer scientists Severin Hacker and Luis von Ahn, Duolingo went public about six months later in summer 2012. The founders’ mission was to offer free language learning to everyone. Today, Duolingo has offices worldwide, including in Berlin, Beijing, and New York.
Duolingo’s popularity undoubtedly has its roots in their free usability, especially since most competitors charge for access. Add in Duolingo’s unique advertising strategies and social media presence, and the green owl “Duo” has become an iconic mascot recognized far beyond the language-learning realm.
What Duolingo Offers
Originally, Duolingo focused on central-european language courses like Spanish, French, German and Italian. Now, over a decade later, you can learn over 40 languages, including lesser-taught options such as Scottish Gaelic, Zulu, or Hawaiian. Rising in popularity languages like Japanese, Russian, and Arabic are also on board.
In recent years, Duolingo has expanded beyond language programs by adding mathematics and music courses, turning it into a broader educational platform. It also frequently rolls out new features to its language courses, including AI integration that keeps lessons fresh and more interactive, daily, weekly and monthly challenges as well as the opportunity to compete with your friends.
Conclusion – Just Give It a Try
If you feel like giving Duolingo a spin, you can do so right here. You’ve got nothing to lose—the core features are free, and signing up doesn’t cost a thing. There is no time-limit either, you do not have to give up any of your payment information.
One last tip: if you’re interested in getting a Duolingo subscription, always purchase via the website instead of the app. That usually saves you money.
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