Do you sometimes forget the words and grammar rules that you’ve learned? And it’s not like you forgot what you learned six months ago (which might be understandable, right)?
It’s words you learned yesterday, this morning, or an hour ago—even directly after an intense study session.
Poof. It’s gone.
I used to struggle with this all the time, especially when I was juggling multiple languages. I’d spend hours reviewing vocabulary only to realize that a day later, I couldn’t remember half of it.
That’s when I discovered the spaced repetition method (SRM) –
and it’s been a game changer for me. It’s a learning technique rooted in science that has completely transformed how I retain what I learn.
Now, instead of cramming or repeating words and rules 1,000 times (all at once!) and hoping things will stick, SRM has helped me retain words and phrases far more efficiently. Plus, it fits perfectly into my daily routine without feeling overwhelming.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what SRM is (you know, all the nitty gritty stuff), how it works, and why it’s so effective for language learners like us. Plus, I’ll recommend the best apps that use spaced repetition so you can start improving your language-learning journey today.
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What Is Spaced Repetition?
Spaced repetition is rooted in psychology and cognitive science. It relies on the idea that you better remember information you’ve learned when you review it at strategic, increasing intervals.
This study method helps keep the information fresh in your mind and for longer too since you’re repeating, reviewing, and recalling the new info regularly.
This makes sense, right?
We’ve all crammed—stayed up late or all night to study for a test or exam the next day (or even on the day!). And while it feels like that method was effective because you either passed or aced the test, do you still remember what you’ve learned? Days, weeks, months, or years later?
My bet is that you don’t.
In essence, all the information you crammed made it to your short-term memory and left when you no longer needed it.
So while cramming works, it isn’t an effective way to study languages (or any other subject)—because you need to remember the basics of a language even when you’re an advanced learner.
How Does the Spaced Repetition Method Work?
There are four main steps in SRM:
Initial Mastery: You start learning the material and get an initial understanding.
Spacing: Some time passes after you’ve first learned the material.
Retrieval: You have to actively retrieve the information from your memory when you study or review it again.
Repetition: You repeat the process, relearning the material at regular intervals. However, each time you review the material, more time has passed.
Here’s an example of spaced repetition with gradually increasing learning/review intervals in practice:
Monday, 1 October—I learn 5-7 new Turkish words/phrases.
Tuesday, 2 October—I review the words I’d learned the day before.
Friday, 6 October—Review the vocabulary.
Monday, 8 October—I review what I’ve learned.
Monday, 15 October—Two weeks after I first learned the vocab, it’s time for a review.
Monday, 22 October—21 days have passed since my first introduction to the material, so I revise the vocabulary items.
Thursday, 1 November—I have to retrieve the words and phrases from my memory again.
… And so it continues, with the intervals growing in length.
As you remember a word or phrase better—and the more comfortable you are with the learning material—the less frequently you need to review it.
And that is where language-learning apps and their personalized spaced repetition algorithms come in. The more times you get a word or phrase or sentence incorrect, the more times the app will ask you to complete an exercise with that material.
The History Behind the Spaced Repetition Method
The spaced repetition method was first introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century.
While studying memory and how we forget, Ebbinghaus developed the concept of the “forgetting curve,” which shows how quickly we lose information over time if it’s not revisited.
Through his experiments, he discovered that by reviewing material at spaced intervals, we can reinforce our memory and significantly improve retention.
Over the years, this insight evolved into what we now know as SRM—a technique that uses strategic review intervals to boost long-term memory.
By spacing out study sessions, SRM helps prevent forgetting and makes learning more efficient, which is why it’s widely used today in language-learning apps and educational tools. For example, a 2019 study found that students remembered what they learned better when they used spaced repetition flashcards.
Unlocking the Benefits of SRM in Language Learning
Since I started using spaced repetition, I’ve noticed several benefits in my own language-learning routine, and I think you’ll appreciate them too:
Improved Long-Term Retention
Instead of cramming vocabulary or grammar and forgetting it a few days later, SRM schedules reviews at the optimal times.
This approach really helps me hold onto what I’ve learned, especially when it comes to tough-to-remember phrases.
Efficient Learning
SRM focuses on the areas where I need the most help. I no longer waste time reviewing things I already know well.
Instead, I can focus on the trickier bits, like irregular verbs in Italian or new Turkish vocabulary.
Increased Confidence
As I review content at just the right intervals, I feel more confident when speaking or writing in my target language.
I know the material is sticking, and I’m not constantly second-guessing myself.
Vocabulary retention
By using SRM, I can better remember and retrieve new words and phrases, which is essential for building fluency.
Improved long-term memory
SRM shifts information from short-term to long-term memory, so I can recall vocabulary and grammar rules months or even years later.
Efficiency
Instead of reviewing everything at once, SRM allows me to focus only on the material that’s at risk of being forgotten. This optimizes study sessions.
Reduced study time
SRM is a time-saver, cutting down on the need for repetitive cramming.
Real-Life Case Study: A SRM Success Story
I came across an inspiring story of Gabriel Wyner, author of “Fluent Forever,” who used spaced repetition to go from knowing no Italian to speaking it fluently in just three months.
Gabriel tailored his study routine using SRM flashcards, particularly focusing on pronunciation and tough grammar rules.
Stories like his show just how powerful spaced repetition can be if you’re dedicated.
Spaced Repetition in Action: The 4 Best Apps to Try
I’ve tried quite a few language-learning apps, and some do an excellent job incorporating spaced repetition.
Here are my top picks:
1. Memrise
Memrise is a language-learning platform that emphasizes fun and context-based learning. Its courses are interactive, using videos of native speakers to immerse you in real-world conversations.
How Memrise Uses SRM
Memrise integrates SRM into its vocabulary learning process.
The app presents new words and phrases in short, bite-sized lessons, then prompts users to review them at gradually spaced intervals. This constant revisiting, with increasing time gaps between reviews, ensures that the vocabulary sticks.
Memrise Languages
Memrise offers courses in over 20 languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese, and Arabic.
Cost of Memrise Subscriptions
Memrise offers a free version with basic features, while Memrise Pro costs around US$28 per month or roughly US$130 per year, offering extra features like advanced review tools.
There’s also the unlimited, lifetime option at about US$200.
2. Babbel
Babbel is a popular language-learning app that offers structured lessons designed by 150+ language experts. The focus is on real-life conversations, helping learners quickly build useful language skills.
How Babbel Uses SRM
Babbel uses SRM principles in its review sessions. After each lesson, Babbel schedules vocabulary review sessions at spaced intervals based on your performance.
The app tracks your progress and ensures that you review words or grammar points just as you’re about to forget them.
Babbel Languages
Babbel supports 15 languages, including Spanish, German, Italian, and Indonesian (read more: “Which Languages Can You Learn on Babbel?”).
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Cost of Babbel Subscriptions
Babbel requires a subscription (read more “How Much Does Babbel Cost?”). Expect to pay:
US$9.95 per month for Babbel Self-Study
A one-off US$599 for the Lifetime Self-Study plan
US$149 per month for the private classes (which includes group lessons) on Babbel Live
US$99 for only online group classes on Babbel Live
3. Quizlet
Quizlet is known for its flashcards. And while it’s widely used across various subjects, it’s also an excellent tool for language learners.
It offers a range of study modes, including spaced repetition, to reinforce learning.
How Quizlet Uses SRM
Quizlet’s Learn Mode incorporates spaced repetition. It adapts to how well you know the material, spacing out reviews based on your performance with the flashcards.
If you get a vocab term wrong, the app will review it with you more frequently, while correct answers are reviewed less often.
Quizlet Languages
Quizlet doesn’t offer full language courses but allows users to create and study flashcards for any language. This makes it versatile for vocabulary learning in nearly any language.
Cost of Quizlet Subscriptions
Quizlet offers a free basic version, with Quizlet Plus available for US$35.99 per year, providing additional features like offline access and personalized study paths.
4. Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most well-known language-learning apps, designed for casual learners who want to make language practice a part of their daily routine.
With game-like lessons, it makes learning fun and accessible.
How Duolingo Uses SRM
Duolingo uses SRM in its practice exercises. The app tracks which words and phrases you’ve learned, prompting you to review them at spaced intervals.
Lessons are structured to reinforce words and grammar points just before you forget them, keeping your memory fresh.
Duolingo Languages
Duolingo offers over 40 languages, including popular options like Spanish, French, and German, as well as less common languages like Welsh and Navajo.
The app also has fictional language courses in Klingon and High Valyrian.
Cost of Duolingo
Duolingo is free, but this, of course, comes with ads and limited features. The app has two subscription plans:
Super Duolingo, which costs US$12.99 per month while the family plan goes for US$9.99 per month
Duolingo Max costs US$30 per month
My Best Tips to Using Spaced Repetition Effectively
Incorporating SRM into your language learning isn’t complicated, but it does work best with a little planning and consistency.
Be Consistent
Make SRM part of your daily routine. Even just 10-15 minutes of regular review can make all the difference.
I usually fit my review sessions in while having my morning coffee or during breaks in my day. Consistency really is key.
Use Multiple Methods
While SRM is fantastic for reinforcing memory, pairing it with other learning methods really helps.
For me, I combine it with language immersion—watching TV shows in my target language or listening to native podcasts. That way, I see the vocabulary and grammar in real-life contexts, which strengthens retention even further.
Personalize Your Intervals
Not all words or grammar points are equally challenging, so don’t be afraid to tweak your learning intervals.
Apps like Quizlet or Memrise help automate these intervals, but I’ve found that adjusting them manually, especially for tricky vocab, helps me focus on what I struggle with most. This works well with handmade flashcards.
Don’t Overdo It
Too much repetition can feel overwhelming. I’ve learned to trust the app’s algorithm and take breaks when needed. Let SRM do its job by spacing your reviews appropriately.
Tailor Your Study Sessions
If I’m having trouble with specific areas like verb conjugations or vocabulary, I create custom study plans. Apps that use SRM, like Babbel and Memrise, allow me to focus on these weak spots, making my study sessions more efficient and targeted.
The Final Takeaway: How SRM Can Supercharge Your Language Learning
If you’re serious about learning a language and becoming a polyglot — or if, like me, you’ve struggled to retain vocabulary in the past—spaced repetition is a must.
By scheduling reviews at optimal intervals, SRM helps you move language skills from your short-term to long-term memory, making it easier to build fluency.
So why not give it a try?
With apps like Memrise, Babbel, Quizlet, and Duolingo incorporating SRM into their courses, you can start mastering your target language in no time.
Ready to take your language learning to the next level?
Dive into spaced repetition today!
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