{"id":95,"date":"2025-03-10T18:05:37","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T17:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/?p=95"},"modified":"2025-03-20T12:04:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T11:04:28","slug":"duolingo-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/duolingo-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Duolingo Review &#8211; After 2 years of using the app, my result is&#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"font-size:8px\">Cover image: \u00a9 talkREAL.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-white-background-color has-background\"><a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/course-guides\/duolingo\/\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"45077\">Everyone\u2019s heard of the Duolingo language-learning app<\/a>. But if you explore online discussions, you\u2019ll notice a wide range of opinions: many adore it, while others reject it completely. So what\u2019s the reality? We spent weeks evaluating Duolingo and are here to share our detailed Duolingo review\u2014 and it came with quite a few surprises!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);font-size:18px\"><summary>Table of Contents<\/summary>\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-overview-duolingo-test\">Overview: Duolingo Review<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-duolingo-experience-what-was-checked\">Duolingo Experience: What Did We Check For?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-range-and-features-what-does-duolingo-offer-2025\">Range &amp; Features: What Does Duolingo Offer in 2025?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-user-friendliness-how-easy-is-duolingo\">User-Friendliness: How Easy Is Duolingo to Use?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-teaching-approach-how-successful-is-duolingo\">Teaching Approach: How Successful Is Duolingo in 2025?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-target-audience-who-is-duolingo-for\">Target Audience: Who Is Duolingo For?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-value-for-money-is-duolingo-worth-it\">Value for Money: Is Duolingo Worth It in 2025?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-alternatives-better-than-duolingo\">Alternatives: Are There Better Options Than Duolingo?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts-duolingo-test\">Conclusion: Duolingo Falls Short in Our 2025 Test<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-overview-duolingo-test\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\">Overview: Duolingo Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-white-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-advantages\">Advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Very easy to use &amp; beginner-friendly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appealing design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High motivation &amp; gamification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lots of free features with no time limit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-disadvantages\">Disadvantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Teaching approach has some weaknesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No grammar explanations in the app<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annoying ads, all the time (free version)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basically a game app with some language elements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-quick-summary-great-interface-weak-teaching\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Quick Summary: Fantastic Interface With a Rather Weak Teaching Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">\u201cDuolingo\u2019s straightforward activities, user-friendly interface, and cute mascot once made it a decent choice for beginners,\u201d was our earlier verdict. These days, Duolingo feels more like a gaming app that includes a language angle. Piling on gamification elements isn\u2019t enough to create a solid language-learning tool. However Duolingo knows how to move with recent developments of technology, now implementing AI-features into their courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">If you want to deeply master a language, Duolingo probably won\u2019t satisfy you long-term. Its teaching approach still falls behind some stronger alternatives like <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/mondly-review\">Mondly<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/rocket-languages-review\">Rocket Languages<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/course-guides\/mosalingua\/\/\">Mosalingua<\/a>, and the multitude of ads between lessons are definitely a downside for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-m wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/duolingo-alternatives\/\"><strong>Duolingo Alternatives<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">A cute mascot alone doesn\u2019t sway me, <a href=\"\/en\/best-language-programs\/\">not when better language courses exist<\/a>. Yet there is no denying that Duolingo has mastered gamification, offering daily challenges, competing with friends and weekly ranks that you can climb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Below, you\u2019ll find our detailed review. It reflects four weeks of consistent testing and learning with Duolingo. For additional information, check out our comprehensive <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/course-guides\/duolingo\/\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"45077\">Duolingo Guide<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-link-color-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-neve-link-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-m wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background\"><strong>\ud83e\udc73  Duolingo In-Depth Review  \ud83e\udc73<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Duolingo is often considered an ideal choice for beginners. After all, millions of users can\u2019t be wrong, can they? Just how good is Duolingo really, and who\u2019s it best suited for? Find out here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"358\" height=\"358\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Review-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"Duolingo Logo Icon\" class=\"wp-image-184\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Logo\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-link-color-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-neve-link-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-duolingo-experience-what-was-checked\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>Duolingo Experience:<\/strong> What Did We Check For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Duolingo\" rel=\"noopener\">With about 80 million users<\/a> (as of 2025), Duolingo is undoubtedly one of the best-known language apps out there. Featuring its cute mascot, Duo, meant to keep users motivated, plus mostly beginner-friendly tasks, they aim to broaden that user base even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">I have known of Duolingo for a while but had never used it to learn a completely new language. That changed for this Duolingo review: I started picking up Spanish with it.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:cover {\"url\":\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/talkREAL-Blog-Sprachkurs-Rabatte-Cover.jpg\",\"id\":34076,\"alt\":\"Frau und Mann freuen sich \u00fcber Sprachkurs-Rabatte\",\"dimRatio\":70,\"overlayColor\":\"nv-dark-bg\",\"isUserOverlayColor\":true,\"minHeight\":400,\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter\"><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-34076\" alt=\"Frau und Mann freuen sich \u00fcber Sprachkurs-Rabatte\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/talkREAL-Blog-Sprachkurs-Rabatte-Cover.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" style=\"position: absolute; z-index: -10; margin-left: -25em; filter: brightness(70%);\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-nv-dark-bg-background-color has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":32}},\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\" id=\"h-welcome-to-neve-this-is-a-hero-section\" style=\"font-size:32px; padding-top: 1.25em;\"><strong>\u2012 Language Course Discounts \u2012<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":23}},\"textColor\":\"white\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:23px\">Find the best <strong>discounts and exclusive coupons<\/strong> for top <br>language courses here!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"25px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:buttons {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\",\"orientation\":\"horizontal\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button {\"className\":\"is-style-primary\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/blog\/discounts-language-programs\/\"><strong>See All Discounts<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"25px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\"><strong>+ + + Limited-Time Deals +++ Some Offers Expiring Soon +++ Don\u2019t Miss Out! + + +<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:cover -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"15px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">I tested the app on an Android phone and also tried it in a browser. There\u2019s also an iOS version. For optimal comparison I used both the standard version and the paid premium version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-range-and-features-what-does-duolingo-offer-2025\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>Range &amp; Features:<\/strong> What Does Duolingo Offer in 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Which languages does Duolingo let its users learn? And which standout features set Duolingo apart from other language apps in this Duolingo test?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-which-languages-can-you-learn\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Which Languages Can You Learn?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">If you\u2019re fluent in English, you\u2019ll find over 40 total languages, including more \u201cunusual\u201d options like Welsh, Swahili, or Latin. You can also tackle languages with unique writing systems\u2014think Japanese, Russian or Turkish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Since last year, Duolingo has broadened its course spectrum even further, so you can now also study mathematics and music. Here is a little preview of available languages:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Languages.jpg\" alt=\"Some of the available language Courses\" class=\"wp-image-187\" style=\"width:710px;height:auto\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Kurswahl2\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Language selection for English speakers &#8211; there is more!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Each course consists of multiple small vocabulary units focusing on different themes, with difficulty, used vocabulary and grammar-lessons gradually increasing. Super users can also pick up on personalized lessons that focus on different learning styles, such as listening practice, speaking or vocabulary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-special-features-and-weird-backtracks\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Special Features &#8211; and Strange Backtracks &#8211; In Our Duolingo Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Beyond the standard language course, Duolingo offers other useful features designed to make your language progress smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">For ongoing motivation, there\u2019s a leaderboard that updates regularly, letting you compare your performance against others or your own past results. You\u2019ll also see encouragement from Duo the Mascot, which gives this software a more personal feel than many other courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">However, this feature used to be better: in the past, you could spend Duolingo\u2019s in-app currency on outfits for Duo, but that\u2019s now gone. It also makes you question the point of that currency.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"15px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:cover {\"url\":\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/talkREAL-Sprachkurse-Testubersicht-800.jpg\",\"id\":28719,\"dimRatio\":50,\"focalPoint\":{\"x\":0,\"y\":0.47},\"minHeight\":400,\"customGradient\":\"linear-gradient(90deg,rgb(80,71,63) 50%,rgb(232,232,232) 100%)\",\"isDark\":false,\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter is-light\" style=\"min-height:400px\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgb(80,71,63) 50%,rgb(232,232,232) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-28719\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/talkREAL-Sprachkurse-Testubersicht-800.jpg\" style=\"object-position:0% 47%; position: absolute; z-index: -10; margin-left: -25em; filter: brightness(70%);\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"0% 47%\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":32}},\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\" id=\"h-welcome-to-neve-this-is-a-hero-section\" style=\"font-size:32px; padding-top: 2em;\"><strong>\u2012 The Best Language Course of 2025 \u2012<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":23}},\"textColor\":\"white\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:23px\">We\u2019ve tested dozens of language courses\u2026<br>But only ONE takes the #1 spot!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"20px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:buttons {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button {\"className\":\"is-style-primary\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/blog\/mondly-review\/\"><strong>Show Me the Best Course<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:cover -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"15px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Duolingo had also provided a discussion forum where users could share insights or ask native speakers for help. This was removed in late 2022 for basic users, and has now been shut down completely. It\u2019s unfortunate\u2014and the rationale isn\u2019t exactly clear, as these communities offered valuable peer support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">A few other once-helpful features have disappeared too: for instance, there used to be a free dictionary where you could quickly look up vocabulary, as well as a table-style overview of words you\u2019d learned. Both are gone. We do however really love the new daily, weekly and monthly challenges, along with the option to connect with and compete against friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Meanwhile, the premium plan \u201cDuolingo Super\u201d includes additional perks such as listening and speaking exercises. We\u2019ll touch on that more in \u201cValue for Money: Is Duolingo Worth It?\u201d below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-user-friendliness-how-easy-is-duolingo\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>User-Friendliness:<\/strong> How Easy Is Duolingo to Use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Simple navigation and quick, intuitive controls make for a pleasant learning experience. Does Duolingo measure up in that regard?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-interface-champion\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Duolingos Interface: Absolutely Unmatched!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Duolingo\u2019s biggest standout is its gorgeous design with so much attention to detail. Some people may find it a bit too playful or childish, but there\u2019s no denying it\u2019s intricate and lovingly crafted\u2014unlike some competing software. Yes, 17minute Languages, we are talking about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Every lesson and in-between sequence comes with adorable illustrations, though not always super logically applied. Sometimes you\u2019ll see random avatars delivering a sentence in a speech bubble rather than a picture of the object you\u2019re actually learning, like an apple for \u201cI\u2019m eating an apple.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Path.png\" alt=\"The study path in the app\" class=\"wp-image-192\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Startseite\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Home screen after logging in: The learning path<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Although a lovely look can make learning more enjoyable, it doesn\u2019t necessarily improve your actual progress. Still, Duolingo invests heavily in aesthetics\u2014possibly at the expense of teaching quality?<span style=\"height: 213.6px;\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-app-vs-web\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Duolingo Test: App vs. Web<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Duolingo is available via a web browser and on all common smartphone systems such as iOS and Android. Both mobile and browser versions share nearly identical features.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Score.png\" alt=\"Status after completing a lesson\" class=\"wp-image-195\" style=\"width:694px;height:auto\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Motivation\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mascot Duo motivates you and keeps track of your stats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Both platforms rely on the same core courses and sync your progress, so you can seamlessly switch between mobile and browser. Since the app also requires internet, there\u2019s not much difference in speed or data usage. Offline learning is not an option as of right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-summary-duolingos-interface-check\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Summary: Duolingo\u2019s Interface Spotlight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/best-language-programs\/\">We test dozens of language courses<\/a>, and almost none match Duolingo\u2019s clear, well-planned setup. The interface is thoughtfully designed and easy to understand from the get-go.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:cover {\"url\":\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/talkREAL-Blog-Sprachkurs-Rabatte-Cover.jpg\",\"id\":34076,\"alt\":\"Frau und Mann freuen sich \u00fcber Sprachkurs-Rabatte\",\"dimRatio\":70,\"overlayColor\":\"nv-dark-bg\",\"isUserOverlayColor\":true,\"minHeight\":400,\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter\"><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-34076\" alt=\"Frau und Mann freuen sich \u00fcber Sprachkurs-Rabatte\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/talkREAL-Blog-Sprachkurs-Rabatte-Cover.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" style=\"position: absolute; z-index: -10; margin-left: -25em; filter: brightness(70%);\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-nv-dark-bg-background-color has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":32}},\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\" id=\"h-welcome-to-neve-this-is-a-hero-section\" style=\"font-size:32px; padding-top: 1.25em;\"><strong>\u2012 Language Course Discounts \u2012<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":23}},\"textColor\":\"white\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:23px\">Find the best <strong>discounts and exclusive coupons<\/strong> for top <br>language courses here!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"25px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:buttons {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\",\"orientation\":\"horizontal\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button {\"className\":\"is-style-primary\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/blog\/discounts-language-programs\/\"><strong>See All Discounts<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"25px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\"><strong>+ + + Limited-Time Deals +++ Some Offers Expiring Soon +++ Don\u2019t Miss Out! + + +<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:cover -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"15px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">The mobile and web versions both have the same features, so either one works for daily practice. Because the app requires an internet connection anyway, there\u2019s not a significant difference in speed or data usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Note that the free version includes regular ads between lessons. While they\u2019re short, they can interrupt your study flow &#8211; another downside. Of course, the Super and Max versions do not have this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-teaching-approach-how-successful-is-duolingo\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>Teaching Approach:<\/strong> How Successful Is Duolingo in 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">While a neat interface and attractive design are definitely perks, it\u2019s the teaching concept that really matters. How effectively does Duolingo present its content, and what types of tasks support that learning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-thrown-into-deep-end\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Straight into the Deep End<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Each lesson revolves around particular themes, all following the same pattern. It usually includes a handful of short units featuring new vocabulary (like animals, transport, plural forms, or prepositions). A unit has various tasks, such as: fill-in-the-blank, translations, pronunciation practice, and listening comprehension. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Exercise1.png\" alt=\"Exercise type: Translation\" class=\"wp-image-197\" style=\"width:748px;height:auto\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Uebung5\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A classic translation exercise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Usually, you can click each word in a sentence for a quick definition\u2014which is essential since there\u2019s no dedicated \u201cstudy\u201d phase before you\u2019re tested. It\u2019s basically sink-or-swim, learning by making mistakes or guessing. Annoying at first, but it makes sense in later lessons as it can be used to learn from context &#8211; very brain-friendly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-varied-exercises-few-explanations\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Various Exercises, Few Explanations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Exercises are fairly diverse and not too difficult. Sometimes they\u2019re almost too easy and get dull\u2014particularly with cognates like \u201cHotel,\u201d which barely feels like learning. Another downside for some is the near-complete lack of grammatical explanations. Others enjoy the natural context-based learning process &#8211; it comes down to your personal preference. We would certainly enjoy the option to see a comprehensive explanation, if need be.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Exercise2.png\" alt=\"Illustrated exercise in Duolingos Spanish course\" class=\"wp-image-201\" style=\"width:754px;height:auto\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Uebung4\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cute illustrations help you learn from context<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Experts still debate whether you learn better\/faster by \u201cfiguring out\u201d grammar or by direct instruction. It cn\u00e1n be tricky though, especially for languages with specific grammar or a different alphabet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Technically, it\u2019s possible to learn a language without explicit grammar or vocab memorization\u2014just look at our <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/portal.talkreal.org\/\">transREAL method<\/a> &#8211; but Duolingo\u2019s reliance on \u201cbest-guess translations\u201d is inconsistent with that approach. It sometimes leaves you more puzzled than proficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-more-game-than-challenge\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Game, Challenge or Study Course?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Previously, each lesson gave you three \u201clives,\u201d and mistakes caused you to lose one until you had to restart the entire lesson. Now it\u2019s changed: each lesson simply requires you to finish a set number of tasks. The quantity of mistakes no longer matters for the individual lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">But you do still have a broader limit on \u201chearts\u201d outside of the lesson itself. If you finish, say, five lessons with multiple errors, you might have to wait or watch ads to continue\u2014unless you use the premium plan, which completely removes this limitation. Make as many mistakes as you want!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Exercise3.png\" alt=\"Listening exercise\" class=\"wp-image-203\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Uebung3\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Listening practice &#8211; you can go slow or at normal speed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">The original \u201cchallenge\u201d vibe now mostly comes from \u201cGems\u201d earned for completing lessons\u2014these \u201cdiamonds\u201d are meant to motivate you and can be exchanged for extra hearts (no waiting). In the past, you could use them for fun add-ons, like clothes for the mascot, but that\u2019s gone now. You an however buy boosters for XP (used to compete in ranks) as well as advantages for the weekly challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Another issue with Duolingo\u2019s teaching approach: It depends heavily on reusing the exact same examples repeatedly. You memorize certain words in set sentences, which then get re-used in tests. In short, you\u2019re just memorizing a single context, not truly learning flexible usage.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Exercise4.png\" alt=\"Practicing new vocabulary\" class=\"wp-image-207\" style=\"width:760px;height:auto\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Uebung2\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A simple exercise to learn new vocabulary &#8211; but it`s cute! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">As a result, you\u2019re just memorizing one scenario and aren\u2019t taught how to adapt vocabulary in real-life usage. Even worse, for free users advanced lessons rarely revisit earlier vocab. The result, as I found in this Duolingo review, is that less-common words disappear from your memory, preventing a robust vocabulary base from forming. Super and Max users get practice lessons that specifically target their weak spots, which is a huge plus compared to the free version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background\" id=\"h-developments-duolingo-max\">Provider Developments: Duolingo Max &amp; Dropped Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">Duolingo had, albeit on a separate site, a community feature for years. Users were extremely active there, both among themselves and with the development team, reporting small bugs and suggesting improvements. Now, that\u2019s been removed in favor of a new feature: <strong>Duolingo Max<\/strong>. It uses OpenAI\u2019s technology (famous for <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/chatgpt\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"38384\">ChatGPT<\/a>) for AI-based learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">Currently, it offers two main tools. First, \u201cExplain my answer\u201d gives you a short breakdown of why your answer was correct or incorrect\u2014basically dissecting the sentence to clarify word forms and expressions. But we used to get that for free in the old forums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">Alternatively, you can have a \u201cvideo call\u201d with Duolingo character Lily, simulating a real-life conversation scenario. You train your listening and speaking skills, with Lily adjusting to your level. Feedback comes afterward, so the chat flow isn\u2019t broken. This is Duolingo\u2019s step into <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/ai-language-tutors\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"47835\">AI tutoring\u2014a major trend<\/a> in modern online language learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">Right now, Duolingo Max is available for Spanish, and French, with more options and languages already in development. But it\u2019s pricey: while Duolingo Super is around \u20ac6.49 monthly (and even under \u20ac2 per person in a family subscription), Duolingo Max comes in at about \u20ac14 per month on an annual plan- over two times the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">We appreciate seeing them keep up with recent times, but Duolingo Max is too expensive for what\u2019s on offer, especially with competing AI solutions that are cheaper and further along in development. We\u2019re curious to see Duolingo\u2019s next moves though!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-summary-duolingos-teaching-approach-check\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Summary: Duolingo\u2019s Teaching Approach Under Evaluation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Although <strong>Duolingo<\/strong> does well in other areas, its teaching approach simply isn\u2019t strong enough yet. Sure, it\u2019s a fun starter for total beginners, but \u201cthe best way to learn a language\u201d (Duolingo\u2019s own claim) it is not. However: Recently they have picked up speed with regular updates, more gamification, new kinds of exercises and AI-implementation leave us hopeful for the future. Keep it up, Duolingo!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-target-audience-who-is-duolingo-for\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>Target Audience:<\/strong> Who Is Duolingo For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">We\u2019ve looked at Duolingo\u2019s features in detail &#8211; who is their target audience and who do we recommend it to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-beginner-friendly-but-limited\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Beginner-Friendly\u2014but Not Much More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">We recommend Duolingo mostly for newcomers. Beyond that, the content can be a little too basic. The software tries to train all language skills\u2014reading, listening, writing, speaking. That offers a good start and basic understanding of the desired target language.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"15px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:cover {\"url\":\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/talkREAL-Sprachkurse-Testubersicht-800.jpg\",\"id\":28719,\"dimRatio\":50,\"focalPoint\":{\"x\":0,\"y\":0.47},\"minHeight\":400,\"customGradient\":\"linear-gradient(90deg,rgb(80,71,63) 50%,rgb(232,232,232) 100%)\",\"isDark\":false,\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter is-light\" style=\"min-height:400px\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgb(80,71,63) 50%,rgb(232,232,232) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-28719\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/talkREAL-Sprachkurse-Testubersicht-800.jpg\" style=\"object-position:0% 47%; position: absolute; z-index: -10; margin-left: -25em; filter: brightness(70%);\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"0% 47%\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":32}},\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\" id=\"h-welcome-to-neve-this-is-a-hero-section\" style=\"font-size:32px; padding-top: 2em;\"><strong>\u2012 The Best Language Course of 2025 \u2012<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":23}},\"textColor\":\"white\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:23px\">We\u2019ve tested dozens of language courses\u2026<br>But only ONE takes the #1 spot!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"20px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:buttons {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button {\"className\":\"is-style-primary\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/blog\/mondly-review\/\"><strong>Show Me the Best Course<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:cover -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"15px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">That makes Duolingo better for a visual or auditory learner, not so much social or communicative learners. <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/busuu-review\">Busuu<\/a> for example is stronger in those areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-value-for-money-is-duolingo-worth-it\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>Value for Money:<\/strong> Is Duolingo Worth It in 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">The paid premium plan, Duolingo Super, promises up to four times faster progress than the free version. But what does Super actually offer, how much does it cost, and is it worth the price? Let\u2019s break down the <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/duolingo-costs\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"35036\">Duolingo costs<\/a>&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-extra-features-duolingo-super\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Extra Features with Duolingo Super<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Paying for the upgrade brings four key benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A personalized training system that revisits commonly missed words<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exercises for speaking and listening comprehension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlimited \u201chearts\u201d (learn as much as you want without pausing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No ads between lessons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-overview-purchase-options\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\">Overview of Purchase Options&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Duolingo lets you try the premium plan for 14 days at no charge, but if you don\u2019t cancel in time, you\u2019ll roll into a paid subscription. You can choose from three main plans: two for individuals plus a new family plan for 2\u20136 users.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tR-Blog-Duolingo-Super.jpg\" alt=\"Perks of subscribing to Duolingo\" class=\"wp-image-213\" style=\"width:819px;height:auto\" title=\"talkREAl-Blog-Duolingo-Test-Plus\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Duolingo Super perks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><strong>1-month plan:<\/strong> $12.99 monthly (single user)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><strong>12-month plan:<\/strong> $6.99 monthly (single user)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><strong>12-month plan:<\/strong> $119.99 total, so $9.99 monthly (family, 2\u20136 users)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">Duolingo Max starts at around $19.99 monthly for a family plan, again up to 6 users. Prices for one should be around $14.99 for a yearly subscription and $30 for a monthly one &#8211; however its really hard for us to confirm, as checking Duolingos prices is insanely annoying. There is no way to check for pricing without signing in or creating an account and going through screens over screens over screens. How about easy access to your pricing, Duolingo? On top of that, if you already have a subscription (like we do) and they change their costs, there is virtually no way to check without creating another account or cancelling the subscription. So annoying and not at all user-friendly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background\" id=\"h-conclusion-duolingo-super-worth-it\">Is the Price Justified?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">To answer this, it helps to see what else is out there. So you don\u2019t have to scour the internet for each language course, we\u2019ve created a handy overview: <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/language-apps-price-comparison\/\">the top and most popular courses at a glance<\/a>. We\u2019ll also share tips on how to get the most for your money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-nv-text-dark-bg-background-color has-background\">Speaking of saving: Learning a new language doesn\u2019t have to be expensive. <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/language-course-coupons\/\">Check out the latest coupons and discounts<\/a> so you can start your language adventure on a budget. It\u2019s worth a look, especially since there are other innovative providers out there. Don\u2019t miss out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-conclusion-duolingo-super\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\"><strong>So &#8211; Is Paid Duolingo Worth It?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Depending on your study workflow, it can be useful, especially since you are avoiding all those advertisements between each lesson. The personalized quizzes are a great motivator, and the additional listening and speaking exercises make good premium perks. However, Duolingo Max seems overpriced for what it offers, especially compared to other, way more developed AI courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">The monthly plan also feels quite expensive for the level you get. The annual plan is more worthwhile for dedicated learners, and the family plan is a solid deal &#8211; up to six people for under \u20ac2 a month each!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/go\/duolingo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Check the Duolingo Offer<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">So our recommendation: Use the free trial first to see whether a Duolingo subscription makes sense for you. Just remember to <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/duolingo-cancellation\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"44017\">cancel in time<\/a> if needed; otherwise it might be a pricey mistake. Keep in mind, though, that the premium plan doesn\u2019t fix <em>all<\/em> the teaching flaws\u2014so you might consider <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/best-language-programs\/\">trying stronger alternatives<\/a> anyway&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-alternatives-better-than-duolingo\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>Alternatives:<\/strong> Are There Better Options Than Duolingo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Duolingo used to be considered the top online language solution. Now, you might wonder if it\u2019s been overtaken by newer, better courses. Here are two <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/duolingo-alternatives\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"38579\">Duolingo alternatives<\/a> that we think outperform it.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:cover {\"url\":\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/talkREAL-Blog-Sprachkurs-Rabatte-Cover.jpg\",\"id\":34076,\"alt\":\"Frau und Mann freuen sich \u00fcber Sprachkurs-Rabatte\",\"dimRatio\":70,\"overlayColor\":\"nv-dark-bg\",\"isUserOverlayColor\":true,\"minHeight\":400,\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter\"><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-34076\" alt=\"Frau und Mann freuen sich \u00fcber Sprachkurs-Rabatte\" src=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/talkREAL-Blog-Sprachkurs-Rabatte-Cover.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" style=\"position: absolute; z-index: -10; margin-left: -25em; filter: brightness(70%);\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-nv-dark-bg-background-color has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":32}},\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\" id=\"h-welcome-to-neve-this-is-a-hero-section\" style=\"font-size:32px; padding-top: 1.25em;\"><strong>\u2012 Language Course Discounts \u2012<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"fontSize\":23}},\"textColor\":\"white\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:23px\">Find the best <strong>discounts and exclusive coupons<\/strong> for top <br>language courses here!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"25px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:buttons {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\",\"orientation\":\"horizontal\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button {\"className\":\"is-style-primary\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/blog\/discounts-language-programs\/\"><strong>See All Discounts<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"25px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"textColor\":\"nv-text-dark-bg\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-text-dark-bg-color has-text-color\"><strong>+ + + Limited-Time Deals +++ Some Offers Expiring Soon +++ Don\u2019t Miss Out! + + +<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:cover -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"15px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-birlingo-didactics-better\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\"><strong>Rocket Languages \u2013 A Strong Teaching Approach Using the Birkenbihl Method<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/sprachkurs\/birlingo\/?nyt=1\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"45677\">Rocket Languages<\/a> is pretty much the first app to truly embrace the <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/birkenbihl\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"40540\">Birkenbihl Method<\/a> for language learning. We\u2019ve always liked the technique, and the app cleverly adapts it for mobile use. We were seriously impressed during our Rocket Languages test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/go\/rocket-languages\">Try Rocket Languages<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/rocket-languages-review\">Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">With a money-back guarantee and a fair trial option, Rocket Languages is a top recommendation\u2014if you like a different learning concept. The one-time purchase unlocks all languages and courses for life, with no ads to break your focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-mondly-the-motivation-star\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\"><strong>Mondly \u2013 The Motivator<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/course-guides\/mondly\/\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"44995\">Mondly<\/a> has skyrocketed to fame among <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/best-language-learning-app\/\">language apps<\/a>, racking up award after award. It took our top spot for \u201cmotivation,\u201d because I still enjoy using Mondly\u2014even though we had stopped using Duolingo, <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/blog\/drops-test\/?nyt=1\">Drops<\/a>, and others!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/go\/mondly\">Check Out Mondly<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/blog\/mondly-review\">See Our Detailed Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Throw in Mondly\u2019s terrific price-performance ratio, and you have a standout alternative to Duolingo\u2014especially if you grab the lifetime deal unlocking all languages forever. Plus, you\u2019ll get free access to <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/mondly-kids-review\">Mondly Kids<\/a>, so your entire family can enjoy studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\"><strong>talkREAL Tip:<\/strong> Check out our expanded <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/course-guides\/duolingo\/\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"45077\">Duolingo Guide<\/a> for more <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/?s=duolingo+vs.\">direct comparisons between Duolingo and other courses<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-duolingo-test\" style=\"background-color:#b1f2bf\"><strong>Conclusion: Duolingo Falls Short in Our 2025 Test<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f3cb99\"><strong>\u2013 Suitable for beginners, but there are better teaching approaches elsewhere \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">\u201cDuolingo isn\u2019t really a language-learning program anymore; it\u2019s a game program that happens to include foreign languages,\u201d commented our reader Horst Bekmann. We couldn\u2019t have put it better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Yes, Duolingo can be fun for a quick, casual session, and beginners willcertainly learn the basics. But a cute owl and endless gamification elements don\u2019t make a high-quality language course\u2014especially when the content is stil lacking in some parts. Though it also has its advantages &#8211; depending on what you are looking for in an app or online course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Purely in teaching terms, better options exist. Our real-world observations confirm that. In all the time we\u2019ve <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.talkreal.org\">supported learners at talkREAL<\/a>, we\u2019ve never met anyone who truly mastered a language with Duolingo alone. On the other hand, we\u2019ve seen success stories with <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/mondly-review\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"25124\">Mondly<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/gymglish-review\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"36449\">Gymglish<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/mosalingua-review\">Mosalingua<\/a>, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/blog\/duolingo-alternatives\/\"><strong>Find Better Alternatives<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-background-color has-background\">Yes, we\u2019ve been criticized before for our negative Duolingo test. Maybe other reviewers should spend a few weeks, as we do, fully immersed in the app, and they might see why we\u2019re unimpressed. We\u2019ll keep posting honest reviews, whether it\u2019s a small startup or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2021\/07\/28\/language-learning-app-duolingo-pops-35percent-in-public-debut-on-the-nasdaq.html\" rel=\"noopener\">billion-dollar company<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.34%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background\" id=\"h-\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Teaching Approach:<br><strong>6.0 \/ 10<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.34%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Usability:<br><strong>9.0 \/ 10<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Value for Money:<br><strong>7.0 \/ 10<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-nv-c-2-background-color has-background\" id=\"h-\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Overall Rating: <strong>7.3 \/ 10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:80px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p>&#8220;`<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone\u2019s heard of the Duolingo language-learning app. But if you explore online discussions, you\u2019ll notice a wide range of opinions: many adore it, while others reject it completely. So what\u2019s the reality? We spent weeks evaluating Duolingo and are here to share our detailed Duolingo review\u2014 and it came with quite a few surprises!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":108,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,31],"tags":[62,57,61,58,63,59,60],"class_list":["post-95","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-language-courses-online-course","category-language-courses-smartphone-apps","tag-ai-learning","tag-duolingo","tag-duolingo-app","tag-duolingo-course","tag-free-courses","tag-online-course","tag-smartphone-apps"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=95"}],"version-history":[{"count":65,"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":746,"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95\/revisions\/746"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=95"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=95"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talkreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=95"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}