Feel like mastering a world language that’s spoken in the world’s fourth most populated country?
How about learning Indonesian?
Indonesian is a colorful language that’s fairly easy to master, especially if you use the right learning tools like language apps, media, and some excellent language learning strategies.
As someone who’s learned many different languages on my own, I know the value of good language learning tools, which is exactly what apps are.
Let’s discover the best language apps for learning Indonesian.
An Overview of the Indonesian Language
Indonesian is the official language of the Malay-Polynesian countries, with this language in its modern form being the language of choice to communicate with the peoples of the Malay archipelago and the Micronesian countries.
The Indonesian language has absorbed many cultural influences, from Arabic writing and Dutch vocabulary to Portuguese phrases and many more cultural peculiarities. Indonesian is also found in many forms, including Javanese and a more Malay type of Indonesian.
Main Features of Indonesian
When speaking Indonesian, you will notice a few unique features that will help you decide whether this is the language to learn for you.
Limited stress of syllables, with words pronounced phonetically.
Words are constructed by a base word with the addition of prefixes and suffixes. To get a plural, simply repeat the word.
Grammar is quite straightforward with limited tenses and no grammatical gender like German or French.
Word order is fairly easy, with simple sentences structured as the subject is followed by the predicate. In more complex sentences, the subject and predicate are followed by a definition.
Indonesian is spoken by many diverse population groups, which is why it has a huge number of loan words from languages like Dutch, Arabic, Portuguese, French, and Greek (to name a few).
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Is It Easy to Learn Indonesian?
Pronouncing Indonesian is fairly easy, except for a few nasal consonants, which are still easier to tackle than learning French. Written Indonesian is based on the Latin alphabet, and the words can be articulated phonetically, which makes for easier learning.
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Common Expressions in Indonesian to Start Your Learning Journey
If you are learning Indonesian to help you get along on your upcoming holiday, you can rely on a few basic words and phrases like these:
Yes – “ya” (which has Dutch origin)
No – “tidak”
Sorry – “maaf” or “permisi”
Help me – “tolong saya”
Thank you – “terima kasih”
My Experience with Indonesian Language-Learning Apps
Language learning apps are part of the tools you can use to help you master a language like Indonesian, especially if you don’t have access to native Indonesian speakers to help you.
I find these apps to be the best out there, and here’s why.
Highly Recommended Apps
Babbel: Babbel has been on the market a long time, perfecting their learning approach. The focus is on helpful language, making it ideal for tourists to learn or those starting in Indonesian.
Mondly: Embrace technology and learn Indonesian with artificial reality and virtual reality scenarios to help you practice the language as you learn it.
italki: If you still prefer human tutors and teachers, then italki is a great place to find a suitable Indonesian tutor for you.
Recommended but Average Apps
FunEasyLearn: The colorful images and gamified features of this app is a great way to learn Indonesian, especially for kids and teens.
Lingualeo: Learn Indonesian with immersive tactics and sources like TV shows, podcasts, and games on Lingualeo.
HelloTalk: If you’d love to learn from an Indonesian native speaker, but you’d rather exchange teaching your native language to them, then HelloTalk is perfect as you can help each other learn.
LingQ: A great learning resource is LingQ, which has a library of resources to help you listen to, speak, and read Indonesian like a pro.
Less Recommended Apps
Duolingo: Learn for free with Duolingo’s gamified features, short lessons, and challenges to keep you motivated.
- Drops: Make the most to help you remember Indonesian with Drops. The mnemonic devices of the app helps you recall words, phrases, and comprehend better.
Pimsleur: Get a more detailed lesson on basic Indonesian with Pimsleur, but set aside at least 30 minutes for the lesson and notes.
10 Tested Apps for Learning Indonesian
As a polyglot, I’m always interested in language-learning apps to help me review and improve my language skills. I’ve tested many platforms, and here are the best of the best if you want to start learning Indonesian.
To identify the best apps, I looked at the teaching approaches, how much you can learn, subscription prices, and overall strengths and weaknesses so you can find the right app for you.
Here are 10 of my favorite apps for learning Indonesian:
1. Babbel
Babbel’s teaching method focuses on developing your communication skills through the use of natural, spoken sentences. You can use Babbel to learn and review Indonesian, whether you are a beginner or pre-intermediate language learner. However, if you’re at an advanced level, the app doesn’t offer enough content and challenge to improve your skills much more.
Start with the A1 course, take a placement test, or focus on specific topics in Indonesian.
Key Features
Learn 2,000+ useful words and sentences for daily situations.
Use the interactive lessons and/or live lessons to learn Indonesian.
Get valuable language tips and short explanations about grammar in each lesson.
Costs
Complete the first lesson of each level or topic for free, and if you like Babbel, subscribe:
- Babbel Self-Study at US$13.95 per month.
- Babbel Live at US$99.00 per month.
2. Mondly
Mondly uses the latest technology to make learning, immersive, interesting, and fun. Complete the interactive lessons, talk to an AI chatbot, and learn via augmented reality and virtual reality lessons. elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Native speakers recorded the audio, so you’re exposed to authentic Indonesian, helping you perfect your pronunciation and intonation.
Key Features
- Daily lessons keep the learning material fresh.
- Practical examples, dialog, and language context helps you learn so you can use what you learned in real-life situations.
- Choose from 40+ topics, ensuring you won’t get bored as you learn.
Costs
Complete the Hello lessons in Indonesian and learn new vocab with the Daily Lessons for free on Mondly. You need Mondly Premium to access all the lessons:
- Monthly plan costs US$9.99.
- Yearly plan costs US$47.99.
3. Pimsleur
Pimsleur has a unique teaching approach with its 30-minute audio lessons that focuses on developing your understanding of the langage, pronunciation, and communication skills. There are also interactive lessons and games with flashcards to reinforce the target vocabulary.
The language courses on Pimsleur are grouped into levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, making the app suitable for all language levels. However, Pimsleur currently only has one level of Indonesian.
Key Features
- Uses a proven method of regular repetition to help you better remember and recall the target language.
- Develop all your language skills.
- Can learn online or offline.
Costs
Here’s how much the 3 subscriptions for Pimsleur cost:
- Pimsleur All Access costs US$20.95 per month (learn all Pimsleur languages).
- Pimsleur Premium costs US$150 per level (learn one language only).
- Pimsleur Audio Only costs US$119.95 for 16 hours or one level (learn one language only).
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4. Duolingo
The biggest benefit of learning a new language like Indonesian with Duolingo is that you can learn for free. That’s right – you don’t have to pay a cent and you don’t even have to create a profile or share personal details if you prefer not to.
Of course, there are ads after each lesson and a few other limitations, but you can complete all 3 Sections with 30+ units’ worth of lessons.
Key Features
- Playful learning experience with compact interactive lessons, a Practice Hub, League challenges, and quests to keep you motivated.
- Practice and develop your reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills.
- User-friendly design that’s suitable for the whole family.
Costs
You can learn Indonesian for free on Duolingo, but you won’t have access to all the features.
Duolingo has 2 subscription options:
- Super Duolingo costs US$7.99 per month or US$47.99 per year.
- Duolingo Max costs around US$30 per month.
5. Drops
With Drops, you can learn new Indonesian vocabulary with easy 5-minute lessons every day. The app uses mnemonic associations, fun visual representations, and word games to help you remember the 2,000+ vocabulary.
Like Duolingo, you’ll feel motivated to continue learning since Drops sends you reminders and you’ll want to maintain your learning streak.
Key Features
- Focuses on developing your listening and speaking skills.
- Easy-to-use app.
- Learn active vocabulary so you can start practicing every day.
Costs
Drops has a freemium version, but learning is limited.
Here are the costs of Drops Premium:
- Monthly plan costs US$13.00 per month.
- Yearly plan costs US$89.99 per year.
- Lifetime access costs US$159.99.
6. Lingualeo
Lingualeo primarily focuses on teaching you Indonesian vocabulary and you’ll develop your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. The app teaches you via:
Training, comprising interactive lessons and games.
The Jungle, where you learn Indonesian via subtitles and authentic material like books, podcasts, and movies.
Dictionary, where you access thematic vocab sets, a progress tracker, and a dictionary.
Key Features
- Individual learning plan based on your goals, interests, and proficiency level.
- More than 500,000 language materials.
- Learning made fun with games, rewards, and competitions.
Costs
Lingualeo has a limited freemium version, but you can sign up for Premium to get a personalized learning program and access to grammar courses and more.
The cost of Lingualeo’s Premium subscription is:
- Monthly: US$10
- Annually: US$90
- 24 months: US$100
7. italki
Interaction with natives is a must to truly learn and master a new language. If you don’t know any Indonesians, you can take personalized lessons with Indonesian tutors and teachers on italki.
Use the feedback system where you can view the tutor’s profile, ratings, reviews, cost, and schedule to find the perfect fit.
Key Features
- Use the italki app or website for lessons.
- Custom lessons so you can learn at your pace and what you need to focus on.
- Develop all the language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening with the help of a tutor.
Costs
How much you pay depends on the tutor or teacher you choose. The price of a lesson on italki ranges from US$4 to US$80+ per hour.
8. HelloTalk
HelloTalk offers a language exchange platform where you help a person learn English or Spanish, for example, in exchange for learning Indonesian from them. If formal lessons aren’t your thing, HelloTalk is ideal for authentic conversations and help when you’re learning a new language.
Besides mastering Indonesian, you’ll also learn about the culture and lifestyle firsthand from native speakers.
Key Features
- Features, such as the pronunciation, translation, and corrections tools, to help you communicate better.
- Ideal to prepare you for interaction when you travel.
- Communicate via voice or video call, text, voice messages, voice rooms, or live streams.
Costs
Some features on HelloTalk are free, but to take advantage of everything the app has to offer, you should subscribe:
- VIP plan costs US$12.99 per month or US$79.99 per year.
- Lifetime membership costs US$149.99.
9. FunEasyLearn
FunEasyLearn offers a fun way to learn Indonesian. You’ll learn by playing games and earning rewards, and it’s often when we are engaged and have fun that we learn the most.
You’ll learn and practice Indonesian words and phrases, and the app helps you improve your pronunciation and the other language skills you need to master Indonesian.
Key Features
- Huge selection of source languages.
- Pretty images to help you remember the vocab.
- Course is tailored to your age group and abilities.
Costs
You can learn Indonesian for free on FunEasyLearn, but you won’t have access to all the learning features.
If you like the platform and how it teaches, you can subscribe. A premium subscription for:
- Indonesian only costs US$61.99 for a year.
- All 34 FunEasyLearn languages costs US$125.99 for 12 months
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10. LingQ
Indonesian is one of the 40+ languages you can learn on LingQ. Via immersive learning with authentic material, you’ll easily pick up Indonesian. The app has audio lessons and flashcard quizzes, but you can also import content, such as YouTube videos, BBC news articles, and more, to create your own lessons.
While you can learn solo, you can also engage with the LingQ community for support and encouragement.
Key Features
- Monitor your language learning progress, set goals, and get feedback on how well you’re doing.
- Feel motivated by the rewards, challenges, and leaderboard features.
- Lessons are adapted to your proficiency level.
Costs
LingQ has a limited freemium version, but to use all the features, choose a subscription option:
- Premium subscription at US$9.99 per month for the 12-month plan.
- Premium Plus at US$36.99 per month for the 12-month plan.
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My Final Thoughts About the Best Apps to Learn Indonesian
Ultimately, I find that learning apps are only as useful as the benefit they offer you in learning Indonesian. Each app has their own unique features, and no single app will effectively teach you Indonesian on its own.
I recommend you immerse yourself in the language you are learning, so dive into Indonesian podcasts, recipes, newspapers, and podcasts. Learn a little each day, appreciate the nuances of the diverse culture, and you’ll soon be speaking confidently.
Happy language learning!
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
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