Merhaba!
While studying at Goethe University, I started learning Turkish. In four semesters, I mainly focused on the basics. The classes were very theoretical, and while I gained a good understanding of grammar, I didn’t get much practice speaking.
I wanted to use Turkish in real life, so I began exploring new methods. For example, I tried language learning apps that go beyond traditional lessons. These apps helped me not only understand Turkish but also use it in everyday conversations.
In this article, I share my experiences with several Turkish learning apps. I looked at their lessons, features, courses, and ease of use
to see which ones worked best.
Before I review the apps, I want to share a few thoughts about the Turkish language—what makes it unique and the challenges and opportunities it offers for learners like you.
The Turkish Language at a Glance
Turkish is the official language of Turkey and Northern Cyprus and is spoken by about 75 million people. It builds words by adding parts to a base word, a process called agglutination, and uses vowel harmony, where vowels in a word match. The language uses a version of the Latin alphabet with a few extra letters.
Over time, Turkish has changed a lot. It evolved from older forms like Ottoman Turkish and Middle Turkic. In the 1920s, under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the language was simplified and modernized. As you learn Turkish, you will notice how suffixes change word meanings and how vowels match within words. This may seem challenging at first, but it offers you a fresh way to think about language.
Turkish also reflects the rich history and culture of its people. You will find old Ottoman words mixed with modern terms influenced by the West. Learning Turkish is not only about grammar and vocabulary—it’s a way to explore a new culture and history.
Key Features of Turkish
- No Noun Genders: Unlike German, Turkish does not use different genders for nouns. Instead, the pronoun “o” is used for he, she, or it. This means you must rely on the context of the conversation to understand who or what is being discussed. Practice your listening skills to catch these cues.
- Verb at the End: In Turkish, the verb always comes at the end of the sentence. Listen to the entire sentence to fully understand the meaning.
- Clear Patterns and Harmony: Turkish has a musical quality due to vowel harmony. The language follows clear rules and patterns, so once you learn them, it becomes much easier to master.
- Phonetic Structure: Turkish vowels are either soft (e, i, ö, ü) or hard (a, ı, o, u). If a word starts with a soft vowel, the following syllables usually match. You will see this pattern quickly as you practice.
Here are a few examples of Turkish sentences with their German translations:
- Turkish: Merhaba, nasılsın? - English: Hello, how are you?
- Turkish: Bugün güzel bir gün. - English: Today is a beautiful day
- Turkish: Kitap okumayı seviyorum. - English: I love reading books.
- Turkish: Havuç ve patates almalıyız. - English: We should buy carrots and potatoes.
- Turkish: Evimiz çok güzel manzaralı. - English: Our house has a very beautiful view.
How hard is it to learn Turkish?
The answer is both yes and no. Here are a few key points to remember:
- Most Turkish words come from Persian, Arabic, or French.
- Turkish is an agglutinative language, which means you build words by adding suffixes to a base word. Think of it like starting with a root and attaching pieces to change its meaning—a bit like in Japanese, Korean, or Finnish.
- The language is simple in many ways. There are no exceptions to the rules, no articles, and all verbs are regular. There’s no gender for nouns either.
- Turkish grammar is clear, logical, and consistent, almost as if it was designed by a computer.
By practicing regularly, you can quickly get a good grasp of Turkish structure and grammar.
My Review of Turkish Learning Apps
In my search for the most effective Turkish learning apps, I looked at several factors:
- The range and structure of the teaching materials
- The use of different learning methods
- Costs and subscription options
- User-friendliness
- How the content is presented
- User reviews
Top Recommendations:
- Babbel: I find Babbel helpful with clear lessons that cover Turkish grammar and pronunciation.
- Mondly: Mondly is great for building your vocabulary. It covers topics like family, geography, food, and even romantic phrases.
- Italki: Italki lets you practice reading, speaking, and writing through interactive lessons.
- Preply: Preply connects you with Turkish native speakers, making it easy to book lessons and practice conversation.
Recommended Apps:
- Memrise: The quality of lessons can vary. Some Turkish expressions don’t have strong audio or visual support for pronunciation. Also, verbs are usually shown in their basic form only, without details on how they change.
- LingQ: This app goes beyond reading and listening. It offers extra features and even lets you speak with native speakers over Skype.
- HelloTalk: With HelloTalk, you can learn Turkish by chatting directly with native speakers. You can send texts, voice messages, and even make voice or video calls, plus join group chats.
- Bluebird Languages: This app gives you access to over six million hours of learning material (about 630,000 audiobooks). However, some courses might feel expensive, and it has fewer interactive features.
- Mango Languages: Mango offers an immersive learning experience with a cultural focus. It may not go into detail on advanced grammar, though.
- FunEasyLearn: This app uses fun illustrations and an offline mode to keep learning playful. Keep in mind, it relies a lot on flashcards, which can get repetitive.
- Innovative Language Learning: This platform offers structured lessons with quality audio and video materials, along with cultural insights.
- Clozemaster: Learn vocabulary through real sentences and fun exercises. Note that it’s best if you already know some Turkish, as it focuses mainly on words and doesn’t work much on speaking or listening skills.
Less Recommended Apps:
- Duolingo: Some people question how well Duolingo works, even though it is free.
- Pimsleur: This app offers 30-minute listening lessons every day using repetition to help you learn. It is quite expensive and does not give detailed grammar or verb charts.
- Rosetta Stone: It uses a childlike method with pictures and sounds but does not clearly teach grammar.
- Drops: Drops has short, fun lessons with bright graphics. However, it does not include grammar or speaking practice, so you may not improve your conversation skills.
- Simply Learn Turkish: This app provides over 300 phrases with real pronunciation, which is useful for beginners or travelers. But it lacks a clear learning plan and interactive exercises, which can slow your progress.
10 Popular Apps for Learning Turkish: A Comparison and Review
I tried out some of the top apps for learning Turkish and looked at key factors like learning methods, cost, language features, and pros and cons. You can find more details about how I tested them further down in the article.
#1. Preply
Preply is a platform that helps you learn languages, school subjects, or even hobbies through one-on-one lessons with private tutors. It connects learners from all over the world with qualified teachers in many different areas. The platform offers flexible scheduling and personalized learning plans, so you can improve your skills in a way that suits you. For example, my first Turkish lesson cost only 15 EUR per hour, which I found very fair.
The app’s dashboard is clear and easy to use. You can select a tutor based on their expertise, hourly rates, and reviews from other learners. I appreciated being able to browse through teacher profiles and even watch preview videos, which helped me decide if their teaching style matched my learning needs.
When you start learning Turkish on Preply, you begin by entering your learning goals and current language level. The platform then shows you a list of qualified Turkish tutors, complete with profiles, teaching experience, ratings, and prices. Once you choose a tutor, you can book a trial lesson to see if you work well together.
Lessons take place through Preply’s video conferencing platform, which allows you to share learning materials and interact in real time. The system is flexible, so if you need to change tutors to keep your progress on track, you can do so easily.
#2. Babbel
Babbel is an online platform and app that makes learning new languages simple with short, interactive lessons. The courses are organized by topics and cover many everyday situations. Babbel tailors the learning experience for everyone from beginners to advanced users, focusing on pronunciation and practical language use.
The app is easy to use, and you can track your progress easily. I especially liked that the lessons were made by native speakers—it helped me learn the right accent and intonation. Learning Turkish with Babbel felt like more than just memorizing words; it was a way to connect with the culture.
When you start, Babbel assesses your language level and creates a learning path just for you. The lessons cover common scenarios and useful phrases using listening exercises, dialogues, vocabulary drills, and clear grammar explanations. The short, structured lessons let you learn at your own pace, and the speech recognition tool helps you improve your pronunciation.
Reviews from others also point to Babbel’s effective approach. I enjoyed being able to learn on my tablet or smartphone, so I could practice anytime and anywhere.
#3. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a language learning app that aims to help you quickly learn a new language through listening and speaking. The method uses repeated listening and gradually increasing challenges to improve your understanding and ability to communicate in real situations.
When learning Turkish with Pimsleur, you follow an audio-focused approach built on the principle of gradual interval recall. You start by listening to 30-minute lessons, where new words and phrases are introduced slowly and then repeated in more complex contexts. The method puts a strong emphasis on pronunciation, listening comprehension, and everyday conversation skills.
Through regular practice, often with question-and-answer sequences, you gradually build your language skills. Pimsleur strengthens your active language memory by encouraging you to speak your answers before the audio guide provides them, which effectively boosts both your speaking ability and overall understanding.
Many external reviews share my positive experience, praising Pimsleur’s unique approach to language learning. Although the method is mainly audio-based, I found it useful on both my smartphone and tablet.
However, there are a couple of downsides to consider:
- Pimsleur focuses mainly on listening and speaking, so it neglects reading and writing. This may be a drawback if you want to develop a full range of language skills.
- Unlike some other apps, it lacks playful elements that can make learning more fun and engaging.
- At around 15 EUR per month, the price is notably higher than many competitors.
#4. italki
italki is a global platform that connects you directly with language teachers via video call. With teachers available for over 100 languages, it offers personalized lessons, flexible scheduling, and a friendly community for cultural exchange.
I booked lessons that fit my needs and schedule, with prices ranging from 5 to 25 EUR per hour. The platform is easy to use, and I found it simple to choose the right teacher based on reviews and their expertise.
When you learn Turkish on italki, you can choose from many experienced teachers. Their profiles show their background, teaching style, and reviews from other students. Once you pick a teacher, you can book lessons that fit your schedule, all done via video call.
The lessons are made just for you, whether you’re a beginner, want to boost your conversation skills, or need help with exams. You can also schedule lessons at times that work best for you and connect with teachers from different cultures, helping you understand both the language and its culture better.
There’s a catch, though. With such a large community, the quality of teachers can be inconsistent. Some sessions were excellent, while others felt less structured and professional, and external reviews confirmed this.
Despite this downside, italki has become a regular tool for me, mainly because of its flexibility and the real, human connection it offers in a digital setting. Just be sure to choose your teacher carefully.
#5. Mondly
Mondly is a fun language learning app that lets you learn over 40 languages with daily tasks, playful challenges, and cool tech like Augmented Reality and chatbots. It focuses on real conversation skills, adjusts lessons to your needs, and uses speech recognition to help with your pronunciation.
What really stood out to me was the use of VR and AR. These features make learning lively and hands-on. Imagine stepping into a virtual room in Istanbul and chatting with a bot about everyday topics—that’s what Mondly offers. It shows how natural and easy learning a language can be.
Each lesson is like a small adventure that teaches you vocabulary, grammar, and even a bit of Turkish culture. The only downside is that the pricing can be a bit confusing, with several different plans. However, in my opinion, the quality and unique approach make it a good investment.
#6. Duolingo
At first, I loved the playful design and game-like feel of Duolingo. The app turns learning a new language into a fun game that keeps you motivated. Every lesson feels like a little puzzle to solve, and you can see your progress through level-ups and rewards.
Learning Turkish with Duolingo uses a clear, step-by-step approach with fun exercises and regular practice. The lessons cover everything from basic words to more complex grammar. Each lesson is split into short, easy parts so you can learn even when you’re short on time. Duolingo uses repetition and gradually ups the challenge to help you improve. Your progress is tracked with a points system and levels, which keep you going.
One great thing is that Duolingo is free at its basic level. There is also a premium version called Duolingo Plus, starting at 6.99 EUR per month, which gives you an ad-free experience, offline lessons, and more. I did notice that the app sometimes repeats too much, which might be a bit frustrating. Still, if you want to learn a new language on your own, Duolingo offers a fun and effective way to do it.
#7. Memrise
Memrise stands out because it combines science-based techniques with fun, game-like elements to create a unique learning experience. It uses memory tricks and real videos of native speakers so you can connect with both the language and the culture.
This approach helps you understand and remember more, making learning lively and real. Memrise adjusts to your pace with repetition tools that review vocabulary and phrases in a way that works for you.
When learning Turkish with Memrise, you get interactive lessons set in everyday contexts that naturally build your language skills. The app’s method helps you practice speaking, listening, and understanding in real-life situations.
The cost varies with different subscription plans, and an annual plan is around 59.99 EUR. This gives you full vocabulary training with an advanced review system to boost long-term memory.
One small downside is that focusing mostly on vocabulary might not be enough to develop complete language skills. It might be useful to combine Memrise with other learning tools. Still, if your goal is to expand your vocabulary, Memrise is a great tool.
#7. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone stands out with its immersive method. Instead of relying on translations or strict grammar rules, it helps you learn by matching pictures and sounds with words. This approach is similar to how children naturally pick up their first language. The app also uses speech recognition to help improve your pronunciation and offers courses in many languages.
When learning Turkish with Rosetta Stone, you dive right into the language without using translations. You learn by connecting images with words and sentences. Each lesson builds on the last, slowly expanding your vocabulary and skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
A yearly subscription costs about 179 EUR, with occasional discounts. For that price, you get clear, bite-sized lessons that fit easily into your daily routine.
Some users appreciate Rosetta Stone’s clear structure, while others find the price a bit high. In the end, it depends on your learning style whether you prefer this immersive method or a mix of different approaches.
#8. LingQ
LingQ is a language learning platform that follows a unique concept by immersing you in the target language through reading and listening to authentic material.
You can choose from a wide range of content or even import your own. The app lets you turn words or phrases into lessons, so you can save and review any new vocabulary. LingQ supports over 25 languages, including Turkish, and is designed for learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced.
When you learn Turkish with LingQ, you are exposed to a variety of authentic content—from podcasts and stories to interviews. The key is to learn a language with material that really interests you. As you read or listen, you mark new words and expressions as “LingQs,” which are stored in your personal vocabulary list. These saved words are available for later study and review, supported by various exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned.
The platform adapts to your individual progress, making your learning experience more personalized as you advance. LingQ uses immersion to help you develop a natural feel for the language and effectively build your Turkish skills.
Prices vary, starting with a free basic version and moving up to premium options. Premium plans, which offer features like unlimited LingQs, offline access, and detailed progress statistics, start at about 10€ per month.
My recommendations for learning languages effectively:
#9. HelloTalk
HelloTalk lets you learn and practice languages by connecting directly with native speakers. It supports over 150 languages using text, voice, and video messages. Instead of traditional lessons, the app is based on mutual learning—users help each other by sharing corrections, tips, and cultural insights.
The basic version is free, and you can upgrade to premium for extra features like unlimited translations and an ad-free experience. There are different plans available, whether you want a monthly, yearly, or lifetime subscription.
What makes HelloTalk unique is its focus on social learning. If you’re learning Turkish, you can chat directly with native speakers via text, voice messages, calls, or video chats. This real conversation practice helps you learn naturally, understand cultural nuances, and even make new friends. Plus, the app includes tools for translations, corrections, and transcriptions to support your learning.
#10. Mango Languages
Mango Languages is an online language learning platform that makes learning fun and practical by focusing on culture and conversation. You can choose from over 70 languages, including some rare ones, with lessons built around everyday conversations to help you speak naturally.
The lessons cover grammar, pronunciation, and cultural tips through dialogues, repeated listening, and interactive exercises.
When learning Turkish with Mango Languages, you’ll follow real-life dialogues that not only teach the language but also show you how people actually speak. Each lesson is designed to improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with simple exercises and interactive tools.
The platform also uses a memory technique to help you remember new words and phrases, and it has a speech tool to guide your pronunciation. With themed lessons, you can slowly build up your vocabulary and grammar at your own pace.
Prices vary based on your subscription, whether you want access to just one language or all of them. Mango Languages works well for individual learners and is also a good choice for schools, libraries, or other groups offering language learning.
#11. Simply Learn Turkish
When I first tried Simply Learn Turkish, I was impressed by how simple and practical it is. The app is perfect for travelers or beginners who just need a few key phrases. I loved that it offers over 300 Turkish phrases and words recorded by native speakers, which really helped me get the pronunciation right.
The app is clear and easy to use, with a phrasebook and flashcards that use spaced repetition—great for memorizing useful phrases. However, I did miss the more structured learning path found in larger courses. Instead, the app gives you lots of freedom, which can be fun but sometimes a bit overwhelming.
I also liked the handy features like quick search, saving favorite phrases, and the option to slow down the audio. After a while, though, the content felt a bit static since there’s no speech recognition or interactive exercises.
For me, Simply Learn Turkish is a great way to pick up the basics—especially if you need a few handy phrases for everyday use or travel. But if you want to learn Turkish more deeply, you might prefer a more comprehensive course.
#12. Drops
When I first started using the Drops app, I quickly noticed how different it is from other language apps. The bright, colorful graphics and fun style made learning Turkish something I looked forward to every day.
Drops focuses on vocabulary, offering over 2,000 words on topics like travel, food, and more. I loved the short lessons—just five minutes a day were enough to keep me engaged, even on busy days. The visuals helped each word stick in my memory, and the app is easy to use, making learning fun and stress-free. I used it because it was enjoyable, not because I had to.
Of course, Drops has its limits. It doesn’t include grammar or speaking exercises, so while my vocabulary grew, I didn’t really develop conversation skills. Also, many features in the free version are behind a paywall, which was sometimes a bit frustrating.
#13. Clozemaster
Clozemaster helps you build your vocabulary by filling in the blanks in real sentences. With support for 74 languages and 232 language pairs, it’s great for learning Turkish or even trying unusual combinations like German from French.
The focus on context makes it easier to understand and remember new words, which I really liked.
When I tried the Turkish course, it worked well for intermediate learners because real sentences help you see how words are used. However, beginners might feel a bit lost without basic explanations.
The game-like features, like leaderboards, points, and daily challenges, keep you motivated. Still, the exercises can get repetitive and the layout may feel cluttered over time. The option to create your own sentence collections is cool, but it’s more useful for teachers or advanced learners.
Clozemaster is mainly about building vocabulary. For me, it was a useful extra tool, but I wouldn’t rely on it alone.
#14. Innovative Language Learning
Innovative Language Learning mixes audio, video, and interactive lessons to make learning a new language fun and effective. I really liked the Turkish course because it has a clear, easy-to-follow structure. The lessons are grouped by difficulty—from beginner to advanced—so you always know what to expect.
I enjoyed the mix of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural tips. For example, some lessons covered Turkish customs and everyday phrases that I could start using right away.
The lessons are high quality, with professional audio and video. The line-by-line breakdown of dialogues made them very easy to understand. However, there’s a lot of content, which can be overwhelming for beginners who aren’t sure where to start.
The app is easy to navigate, and features like offline mode and syncing across devices are very handy. It does take a bit of time to explore everything, and while the free trial is helpful, you’ll need a subscription for full access, which some might find a bit expensive.
Overall, the app works well for structured learning and building a solid vocabulary, though it lacks live speaking exercises that could boost your conversation skills.
#15. FunEasyLearn
FunEasyLearn offers courses in 34 languages, including Turkish. The app uses games, bright visuals, and rewards like flowers and bees to make learning fun. When I first tried it, I noticed it looked very kid-friendly, but it’s enjoyable for adults too.
The Turkish course covers the alphabet, reading rules, 5,000 words, and 5,000 phrases. The lessons are organized by theme and difficulty, so you can learn at your own pace.
I really liked the hand-drawn illustrations and the clear recordings by native speakers. They made learning vocabulary more lively. However, over time, the exercises can feel a bit repetitive since the app relies mainly on flashcards.
The app is easy to use, and the offline mode was a big plus for me—I often used it on my way to work without needing Wi-Fi.
FunEasyLearn is free, but unlocking a premium subscription through in-app tasks took some time. The paid features might be worth it if you want a smoother experience.
Overall, FunEasyLearn is great for learning basic vocabulary and phrases in a fun way. However, it might not be the best option if you want to practice speaking or if you’re an advanced learner.
My Conclusion: The Perfect Language App Depends on You
After trying out many language apps, I learned that the best app really depends on your own learning style, what you like, and your budget.
For learning Turkish, these are my favorites:
- Babbel: Offers many exercises and a clear path to build a strong foundation.
- Mondly: Uses fun, interactive features that make learning enjoyable.
- Preply: Great for those who want personalized help and feedback.
- Mango Languages: Covers grammar, pronunciation, and culture with a mix of dialogues, listening tasks, and interactive activities.
In my experience, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to language apps. It’s important to try different options to find the one that best fits your own learning journey.
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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