Do you want to learn German? But have you always been a bit intimidated by lengthy German words like streichholzschachtel (a matchbox)? Well, fear no more. Learning German is as easy as signing up to a few dedicated language apps, making time, and enjoying some games, videos, and podcasts.
I’ve been learning languages for many years, and the immersive learning approach of this method is perfectly suited to mastering German. Making some German friends (or marrying a German) is another excellent way to learn the language in a fun and engaging way.
Ultimately, finding an engaging and motivating way to learn German will help you through the rough spots when you feel like your tongue has become a pretzel.
That’s where apps come in, and these are the best for learning German.
My Experience with German Language-Learning Apps
I learned to speak German at a language school, and I became fluent thanks to my daily interactions in German with friends. Later, I studied at the Goethe institute in Germany, and since the best way to pick up a language is to experience it first hand, I quickly mastered the language.
But with new technology, including apps, audio lessons, and other media, come new ways to learn. I’ve been a keen user of language apps for many years, and while I first tried out apps to brush up the languages like Italian that I haven’t used in a while, I definitely love the possibilities these offer to learn.
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Highly Recommended Apps
- Rocket Languages: The concise, dedicated approach to lessons is ideal for speedy but accurate German mastery. The audio lessons are great for on-the-go learning.
- Babbel: The clean interface with minimal distractions and a focus on conversational learning is perfect for someone who wants to learn German for travel or business purposes.
Lingopie: Language learning can be fun with the entertainment approach of Lingopie. Watch your favorite shows, follow celebrities, and discover German in an almost effortless way.
- Mondly: If you’ve got the equipment and don’t mind the higher subscription, the AR and VR learning on offer by Mondly is perfect for learning German.
Recommended but Average Apps
- DW Learn German: Master German from the A to C-levels with DW Learn German. The lessons are authentic and free.
Pimsleur: The Pimsleur offers five levels of German via audio lessons, which are ideal for on-the-go learning.
- italki: In addition to the basic German learning, the italki German tutors are perfect for addressing any German learning barriers you may have.
- Yabla: Use Yabla’s immersive learning environment to help you really experience German.
- Chatterbug: Chatterbug is great for improving conversational skills with its mix of live and interactive learning.
- MosaLingua: MosaLingua is a flashcard-based app that uses spaced repetition to help you learn key words and phrases in German.
- Hilokal: Hilokal is a language exchange app that helps intermediate learners build confidence through real conversational practice.
Excited to learn more about learning languages? Find my articles listed below:
Less Recommended Apps
- Lingvist: Self-structure your German lessons to focus on the parts of German you need to learn first, such as travel-related content.
- Duolingo: If you have only a few minutes a day, then the gamified Duolingo German lessons are sure to keep you motivated.
- PORO – German Vocabulary: Ideal for building a strong German vocabulary offering over 6,000 words with visuals and native speaker audio.
- Udemy: Udemy is great for self-motivated learners who prefer to study languages at their own speed.
15 Tested Apps for Learning German
I’ve tried and tested the best language-learning platforms to help my eldest son learn German.
Here are the best finds according to how each teaches German, key features, and how much a subscription costs.
1. Rocket Languages - The Best Overall App for Learning German
Rocket Languages, created in 2004, aims to address common problems language learners face to make it easy to learn a new tongue. The platform is a popular choice for Deloitte, Pentel, and The Cheesecake Factory.
While the app is ideal for auditory students, everyone can benefit. Lessons comprise an audio lesson with practical vocabulary, pronunciation tips, and grammar explanations and reinforcement activities that help cement what you’ve learned so you can remember and recall it much easier.
Some audio lessons are 15 minutes long, but most are 30 minutes, so you’ll need to invest more time learning German with Rocket Languages than with other apps.
German is one of the 14 language courses that Rocket Languages offers.
Top Features
- State-of-the-art voice recognition software to practice pronunciation.
- Exposure to audio lessons recorded by natives.
- Personalized activities to practice problematic vocabulary.
Costs
Rocket Languages has a 5-day free trial so you can check out the app. Thereafter, you can subscribe, and one subscription gives you access to learn one language.
There’s a one-time or 6-month payment plan for every language course, and these are divided into levels.
The once-off payment costs for Rocket German are:
Level 1 (beginner to intermediate) at US$149.95.
Levels 1 & 2 (beginner to advanced) at US$299.90.
Levels 1, 2 & 3 (beginner to advanced) at US$449.85.
Or pay US$75 per month for 6 months for Levels 1-3 of Rocket German.
2. Babbel - The Best for Interactive, Conversation-Focused Lessons
Babbel, created in 2007 (but it only launched in 2008), is another great choice to learn German, one of the 14 language courses the app offers.
Learn German via the minimalist, user-friendly interface that focuses on active vocabulary and getting you to a basic conversational level within 3 weeks. You’ll learn vocab and phrases and practice your pronunciation for the first part of the interactive lessons, and then the lessons end with a conversation where you need to practice and complete sections.
There are also extra resources, such as the Speaking of Berlin podcast, Babbel Magazine, Toucan – the web extension, live classes, and videos.
Top Features
- Complete a lesson in 5-15 minutes.
- Review feature so you can practice the target vocabulary until it’s made its way to your memory palace.
- Optional live classes for interaction with a German teacher/tutor and other students.
Costs
Test Babbel for free, or subscribe:
Babbel Self-Study at US$13.95 per month.
Babbel Live at US$99.00 per month.
Each of Babbel’s subscriptions give you access to learn only one language, except the US$599.99 Lifetime plan.
3. Pimsleur - The Best for Audio Students
Dr. Paul Pimsleur created the Pimsleur method to learn languages in the early 1960s, and the technique is so effective that it’s still in use today. You can learn 50 languages on the Pimsleur app or website that follows Dr. Pimsleur’s method.
While the learning method is best for auditory language learners, I’ve found it to be a great immersive way to learn while I’m busy with chores or commuting to meetings. I like that I can listen to the lesson again and/or complete the challenges, games, and digital flashcard lessons to help reinforce what I’ve learned.
The app has loads of lessons, with 30 lessons per level. So if you complete all 5 levels of Pimsleur’s German course, you’ll be busy for at least 150 days.
Top Features
- Online or offline learning since you can download or stream the audio lessons.
- Improve your speaking, listening, and reading skills.
- Variety of exercises to improve your memory of German.
Costs
Choose 1 of 3 Pimsleur subscription options:
- Pimsleur All Access costs US$20.95 per month (learn German and the other 49 Pimsleur languages).
- Pimsleur Premium costs US$575 for a complete course (with 5 levels) or US$150 per level (can only learn German).
- Pimsleur Audio Only for only German costs US$550 for the complete course or US$119.95 for 16 hours (one level).
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4. Lingopie - The Best for Netflix-Style Learning
Created in 2018, Lingopie is called “the Netflix of languages” when it comes to learning a new language. The platform teaches 9 languages, including German.
You learn via TV shows and movies, exposing you to authentic German media. While you listen to spoken German, you can also set the subtitles to English (for example) or German, which gives you translation, listening, and/or reading practice.
Or learn via audiobooks, podcasts, or music videos in the target language.
I like that I can click on a German word or phrase for an instant translation, helping with note-taking. You can also review the vocab and grammar rules after the show.
Top Features
- 1,000+ hours of media to help you learn German.
- Live group classes to help you practice and learn.
- Practice German with word games, flashcards, and more features.
Costs
Lingopie offers a 7-day trial. If you like this immersive way of learning German, subscribe:
3-month plan for 1 language at a once-off US$36.
Yearly plan for all 9 languages at a once-off US$144.
Lifetime Subscription at US$663 for all languages.
5. Mondly - The Best for Variety Learning
Mondly, created in 2014, offers a variety of ways in which you can learn German and the other 40+ languages on offer. The main Mondly app mostly offers interactive exercises, vocabulary builders, and conversation practice that develops and improves your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
There’s also the Mondly VR and AR apps that enable immersive learning via virtual reality and augmented reality. And if your kiddies want to learn German (like my one son), then Mondly Kids is a great option for age-appropriate learning.
Top Features
- 40+ topics to choose from, and there’s business-related topics, too.
- Choose from 32 source languages (you don’t have to speak only English to learn German on Mondly).
- Learn the target language faster because you learn German phrases in context.
Costs
Mondly has a very limited free version. Do the lessons in the Hello topics, one chatbot conversation lesson, and the new daily lessons.
Otherwise, subscribe:
Monthly plan costs US$9.99.
Yearly plan costs US$47.99.
Lifetime Access costs US$1,999.99.
6. italki - The Best for Tutor/Teacher-Supported Learning
italki was created in 2006, and it’s a great option if you want to learn German with a tutor or teacher. In general, you can learn 150+ languages and choose between 20,000 teachers and tutors.
With a choice of ±500 German tutors, you’re sure to find the right person who matches your learning style.
Top Features
- Choose between one-on-one lessons or topic-focused group or single classes.
- Favorite tutors and easily book future lessons.
- Get personalized feedback so you can improve quicker.
Costs
Pay per class or lesson on italki. Trial lessons cost less than a tutor’s regular classes, but that’s a great way to see if you like the teacher before committing at full price.
Generally, lessons cost between US$4 and US$80 (or more) per hour.
7. Lingvist - The Best for German Vocabulary
Lingvist was created in 2013, and you can learn German and another 50+ languages on the app. The platform has vocab decks categorized into topics, so you can choose what vocabulary you need and want to learn first.
More than 80% of the vocabulary comes from real-life scenarios, and you learn the words in context with the example sentence and basic grammar info. Your Lingvist learning experience is tailored to you, thanks to the use of AI and adaptive technology.
Top Features
- Learn German vocabulary in 10-minute compact lessons.
- Create your own vocab decks to learn the words and phrases you need.
- Offers listening and speaking practice.
Costs
Lingvist has a 14-day free trial if you opt for the annual subscription option.
The annual plan costs US$79.99 per year, or you can choose the US$9.99 monthly plan.
8. DW Learn German - The Best for All Levels
Deutsche Welle’s German language course is ideal, whether you are a complete newbie or highly proficient.
The course is categorized into A1-A2 (basic user), B1-B2 (independent user), and C1-C2 (proficient user) levels so you can start or continue your German-learning journey at the right pace. You can also take a placement test.
The site offers vocabulary and grammar overviews in addition to the other course content.
I like that the platform really teaches. You aren’t thrown into little quizzes that test more than teaches (often with irrelevant scores). Instead, you get an overview of the DW German lesson, and you can pause the video to take notes or practice a specific section.
Top Features
- Learn via videos, audios, and interactive tasks.
- Short lessons, making it easy to complete one or a few every day.
- User-friendly interface.
Costs
No cost!
9. Yabla - The Best for Immersive Learning
Yabla was created in 2001, and the app teaches 6 languages, including German. You learn via a library of authentic videos and original content.
Yabla’s Smart Subtitle technology helps you grasp German vocab and grammar and improve your listening skills with its one-click dictionary definitions, subtitle toggling, and other features.
Top Features
- Access to 3,000+ German videos, dictionaries, vocab review and learning games, listening comprehension and speaking practice, and more.
- Leaderboard to keep you motivated and engaged.
- Lessons on Culture, Expressions, Grammar, Idioms, Phrases, and Vocabulary for extra practice.
Costs
Yabla has demo videos you can watch to get a feel for how you’ll learn German.
You can also try out Yabla with its 15-day free trial, or pay US$12.95 per month.
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10. Duolingo - The Best for Free, Fun Learning
Duolingo was created in 2012 and the language-learning app has 42 language courses, including German. The app is a very popular option because of its gamified approach to learning (that’s grounded in science and research), colorful and easy-to-use interface, and the mascot owl, Duo, and other animated characters that cheer you on and help you learn.
You mostly learn via interactive lessons on Duolingo, and each of these comprises various exercises that develop and improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
While you don’t easily miss a German lesson on Duolingo, the app is highly addictive. You may think doing tons of lessons a day equal learning faster and a quick, easy road to language fluency, but your brain can only absorb a certain amount of new language at a time.
Top Features
- 5-minute, bite-sized lessons and a Practice Hub.
- A structured language course.
- Start learning German as a newbie, skip units, or complete a placement test.
Costs
What I love about Duolingo is that you can complete the German language course at no cost.
Duolingo has 2 main subscription options to access premium features:
- Super Duolingo at US$7.99 per month or US$47.99 per year. There’s also a family plan for US$71.99.
- Duolingo Max is limited to 6 countries and costs ±US$30 per month.
11. Chatterbug - The Best for Improving Conversational Skills
Chatterbug combines live lessons with native speakers and interactive video streams to teach languages like German, French, and Spanish. I tested the German course, which covers grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation comprehensively. The lessons adjust to your skill level, and the quizzes highlight areas that need improvement.
Interacting with native speakers in live sessions was particularly beneficial for enhancing my speaking and listening skills. However, the app focuses less on writing, which might not suit those looking to improve in that area. The mobile version lacks live lessons, which limits its use on the go.
While Chatterbug is somewhat expensive, the live interaction justifies the cost if you’re focusing on verbal skills. It’s important to check if Chatterbug supports the language you want to learn, as options are limited.
Top Features
Interactive Video Streams: Tailored live sessions in Spanish, German, French, or English suit all learning levels.
Engaging Quizzes and Polls: Interactive quizzes during and after streams help identify and improve weak areas.
Supportive Community: Connect with over 100,000 learners for real-time interaction and support.
Costs
- Lite Plan: $23.00 per month for 1 live lesson.
- Casual Plan: $85.00 per month for 4 live lessons.
- Serious Plan: $160.00 per month for 8 live lessons.
- Ultimate Plan: $450.00 per month for 31 live lessons.
Additionally, Chatterbug offers a 14-day free trial, which includes access to all features and one free live lesson.
12. MosaLingua - The Best for Using Flashcards
MosaLingua is an easy-to-use app that teaches you important words and phrases in languages like German using flashcards and spaced repetition. When I tried it out, I was impressed with how the app organizes its 3,500 flashcards and the audio from native speakers helped me pronounce words correctly. However, it mainly focuses on vocabulary, so if you’re looking to dive deep into grammar or improve your speaking skills, it might not be enough.
The app is straightforward, and I liked that I could make my own flashcards. The ability to use the app offline was a big plus for me, especially when traveling. On the downside, doing the same flashcard exercises can get a bit repetitive, and more advanced learners might find the content too simple.
MosaLingua is really good for beginners or intermediate learners who want to expand their vocabulary, but not so much if you’re looking for comprehensive language training or interactive speaking practice. If you’re focusing on vocabulary, this app could be worth a look.
Top Features
- Efficient Vocabulary Retention: The SRS system is a game-changer for long-term memory.
- Time-Saving Lessons: You can learn in bite-sized chunks, making it perfect if you have a busy schedule
- Multimedia Learning: With audio recordings, videos, and other multimedia tools, MosaLingua caters to different learning styles
Costs
A monthly subscription costs US$9.99 per month
A yearly plan is often discounted by 40%, costing you US$5.99 per month (at a one-off US$71.88)
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13. Hilokal - The Best for Building Speaking Confidence
Hilokal is an app that lets you chat live with native speakers and other learners, which is a great way to practice languages like you’re in real conversations. It focuses on using language in everyday situations rather than through structured lessons, which I found to be a fun approach. You can join group chats, learning circles, or even lead your own discussions.
The German course on Hilokal doesn’t follow a traditional format; it’s all about engaging in live talks to boost your speaking and listening skills. I hopped into several chatrooms and they were really useful for learning common expressions and working on my pronunciation.
One downside is that there’s no set curriculum, so while I picked up everyday phrases, I didn’t feel like I was progressing in a structured manner. The app itself is easy to use, though the ads in the free version can get annoying. I appreciated being able to join chat sessions when they suited my schedule, but sometimes it was hard to find active users in my time zone.
Top Features
- AI Tutor – Get real-time feedback on speaking, writing, and listening in 26 languages.
- Smart Tools – Track progress with transcripts, heat maps, and word analysis.
- Live Practice – Join chat rooms, games, and language exchange sessions.
Costs
- Premium Basic
- Monthly: $5.00
- 6 Months: $24.99
- 1 Year: $39.99
- Premium Plus
- Monthly: $10.99
- 6 Months: $41.99
- 1 Year: $64.99
14. PORO - German Vocabulary - The Best Tool for Enhancing Vocabulary
PORO – German Vocabulary is a simple app focused on helping you learn over 6,000 German words through visuals and native speaker audio. If building your vocabulary is your main goal, this app does the job without adding complex grammar rules or cultural lessons.
The course is organized by topic, so you can choose what to learn—whether it’s travel phrases, everyday expressions, or specific categories. I liked the flexibility, but with so many words, it can be overwhelming for beginners to know where to start. The app’s visuals helped me connect words with meanings, and hearing native pronunciation made a big difference in learning how to say them correctly.
The quizzes kept things interactive and made it easier to review, though after a while, the exercises felt a bit repetitive. On the plus side, the app is easy to use and works offline, which made it handy for learning on the go.
Top Features
- Large Vocabulary Collection: Learn over 6,000 German words, covering all levels from beginner to advanced.
- Visual & Audio Learning: Each word comes with a picture and native speaker pronunciation to improve recall and speaking skills.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: Simple navigation makes it easy to find and study words without any hassle.
Costs
PORO – German Vocabulary is free to download but offers in-app purchases for extra features. Users can choose from different pricing options based on their learning needs.
- Silver Package – $4.99 (one-time purchase)
- Gold Package – $12.99 (one-time purchase)
- Platinum Package – $24.99 (one-time purchase)
- Monthly Subscription – $7.99 per month
- Annual Subscription – $59.99 per year
These plans provide access to additional learning materials and premium features to enhance the language learning experience.
15. Udemy
Udemy has courses on almost everything, including learning German. There are plenty of options, like “Complete German Course for Beginners,” so you can find one that fits your level. I’ve used Udemy for language learning and liked the flexibility of studying at my own pace.
The German courses I tried were well-organized, covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Some even included cultural insights, which made learning more engaging. The lessons were clear, and the quizzes helped reinforce what I learned. However, since different instructors create the courses, the quality can vary, so checking reviews before choosing one is important.
The app itself is easy to use, and I liked that once you buy a course, you get lifetime access. This makes it great for reviewing lessons anytime. Features like subtitles and downloadable materials add convenience, but there’s little focus on real-time speaking practice.
Udemy is great for self-motivated learners who want structure without a fixed schedule. It’s affordable when on sale, but with so many courses available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming.
Top Features
- Learn Anytime, Anywhere – Download courses for offline learning, watch on big screens with AirPlay or Chromecast, and study at your own pace with lifetime access.
- Interactive Learning Tools – Take quizzes, add bookmarks, write notes, and ask instructors questions to reinforce what you learn.
- Diverse Course Library – Choose from thousands of courses across multiple fields, available in over 75 languages, taught by real-world experts.
Costs
- Individual Course Prices: Courses typically range from $9.99 to $199.99 USD. However, many courses often go on sale, allowing for significant discounts.
- Personal Plan Subscription:
- Monthly: $20.00 USD
- Annual: $190.00 USD
- A 7-day free trial is available for new users.
Interested to know more details about LL apps? Read my reviews listed below:
My Final Thoughts About the Best Apps to Learn German
Language apps are ideal for those who want to learn a new language, like my son learning German, or if you already speak a language but want to polish up that rusty pronunciation or leaky grammar use.
I know from personal experience that apps are just a type of resource, and it’s important to focus on truly immersive learning.
Use as much exposure to the language you are learning, and my son has seen mommy’s approach to learning and reviewing Italian and Turkish, so he’s already found a favorite YouTube channel with German content that he follows, which improves his interaction with the language.
He enjoys the gamified approach of apps like Duolingo, but he’s also a serious learner, and when he’s not busy practicing with Daniel, his German dad, he’s exploring Rocket languages’ German lessons.
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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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