For a few years now, online applications have been giving users the opportunity to learn new languages on their devices. Here are three options that are useful if you are planning on going abroad for a trip – or if you are stuck at home, bored, under lockdown.

1. Babbel: the pioneer

Founded in 2007 in Germany, the Berlin-based startup lets users learn up to 14 languages from seven display languages – Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Italian and German – through various media and on various themes such as local culture or travel.

Babbel lets users learn at their own pace. The app has different pricing options, with a monthly, quarterly, six-month or annual subscription available. It has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on the Apple App Store with excellent reviews.

2. Duolingo: keeping it fun

Duolingo has become the most popular language-learning app on the market. With fun lessons in the form of games, the platform offers a free way to learn 35 different languages. A paid subscription unlocks more advanced lessons.

The lessons are progressive, with each one building on the previous. Access to the next lesson depends on users achieving a number of correct answers.

If you don’t use the application for a while, it will make you repeat certain lessons to make sure you have not forgotten anything. The reviews are also excellent, with 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

3. Memrise: the real-world solution

When learning a language, there’s a risk that you will struggle to use it in real-world situations. Memrise has solved this problem by using content filled with actual phrases that people might say.

Through different media, the app lets users learn a slew of languages from native speakers, speaking in real-life situations. It is highly rated by users, with 4.6 stars on Apple’s App Store.