These language learning sites will help you learn any language! Not all are strictly language learning websites, per say, but all will help you learn your target language.
(I mention these and more on my resources page here on the blog, so make sure to check that out as well!)
(Feel free to take my usernames from the images and follow me on these sites, as well, if you would like! 🙂 )
#5: Memrise
I love this website (and app!) and think in terms of language learning sites, it’s great! However, as it serves one basic purpose (memorization) it is last on the list. This is very important, but just a small percentage of language learning.
However, I do think learning and memorizing new vocab should not be underestimated!
I write a whole post about why I love Memrise and how to use it best here!
One reason a site like Memrise can help, is the Pareto Principle. This states that on can theoretically understand 80% of a language by just learning the top 20% of words. I find this to be generally true. Undeniably though, it is a great starting point in learning a language!
Learning the most popular 20% of words will definitely set anyone on the right track for being able to understand novels, shows, movies, common phrases and idioms, etc.
Memrise is filled with vocab lists that can help you learn those top 20% lists in any language ASAP. If you cant find a list you like – just make your own! Memrise has great capability and uses spaced repetition (the best method!!) to help you learn.
Here is a great post on Plurilingualism about spaced repetition, but the main idea is that you study something again just before you are about to forget it. This refreshes the memory and trains your brain in a way. You keep increasing the time intervals and eventually the word is in your long-term memory!
Whether learning full phrases, sounds, words, or even provinces or city names of a country where your target language is spoken, Memrise can definitely help you along the way!
#4: Duolingo
Next up is a website and app that I am sure you have all heard of: Duolingo.
I actually never used to be a fan of Duolingo, however it has become much more useful now than in the past!
I am a big fan of the Duolingo stories, I like the leagues and achievements they added (I am quite competitive), and I like that they decreased some of the truly wacky sentences and have just a slightly above average amount now, haha.
In my opinion, Duolingo is best for those around the A1/A2 level until the upper B1 level. I think its a great resource to combine with another when you just start out. I do not think it is the very best for a true beginner (depends on the language though!), but I think as a support resource, it’s great!
It is user-friendly, yet challenging enough, the stories are amazing practice, and the leagues can really encourage you to work hard.
I think once a person is advanced enough in a language, though, there are more specific and in-depth resources that are better. At a certain point, the funny sentences in Duolingo and the basic knowledge (typically without too much context) just won’t cut it anymore.
I like to use Duolingo in conjunction with a language specific resource, when I begin a new language. I use it typically until I reach the mid to upper intermediate level (~B1/B2). Then I switch to more advanced resources.
However, at any level, if you make an effort to be active in your learning (Take notes! Repeat words out loud! Add the vocab to Memrise! Write your own Story! Use it in your daily life! Etc.), I think Duolingo can be a great resource!
#3: YouTube
This is one that is not exactly a language learning site, but it can be used as one.
As seen in the image above, there is my search for one of my biggest weaknesses: verb tenses in Spanish. We are learning about the subjunctive in my university class and I still don’t fully understand it (particularly when to use each of the several subjunctive forms), but watching videos on YouTube really helped me. At least enough to pass my tests each week! Haha
YouTube is filled to the absolute brim with amazing language YouTubers. Ones who talk about a specific language and teach it, ones who just give advice and tips in general, those who set up language notebooks, etc. YouTube is a serious goldmine for language learners and I feel like spot #3 here is very well deserved.
Click here to find a massive list of more than 400 language related YouTube channels in over 50 languages!
I personally like to use it to help me visualize and understand grammar concepts, but I also have a few YouTubers I like to watch just for motivation and encouragement seeing what they can achieve (e.g Ikenna).
Or, sometimes I just want to set up my language notebook for the month and enjoy watching someone else do it for some motivation, inspiration, or new ideas. I love Lindie Botes for this reason (and so many more, as well!!!).
All in all, anything that interests you, confuses you, astounds you, or inspires you can certainly be found on YouTube. I highly recommend keeping this in your language learning program!
#2: Italki
italki is one of my most loved language learning sites.
Click here to read all about it and find some great tips on using it best!
This resource is typically paid, though
Mostly, I use (and love)
This website allows you to find tutors in your TL (target language) and meet with them. You can find professional teachers (those with teaching degrees or certifications) or “community tutors” (those without a teaching degree or official certification).
The teachers all set their own prices, schedules, and plans. This customization allows you to find the best possible match!
Best of all: you don’t need to wait until you speak the language well (or at all!) to start! You can start right now, with any language you desire! Just make sure the teacher can also speak your native language or one you speak well (so you can still communicate somehow!) and you are good to go.
italki is, of course, beneficial to intermediate and advanced learners as well! You can use this recourse to really deep-dive into grammar, get extra speaking practice (especially with difficult vocab), and even to recreate or play out scenarios.
For example, if you know you will go to university in Germany, but are worried about your German (even if you speak it well), you can book a lesson to play out a scenario. You can pretend to register for uni, speak your opinion during a lecture, or talk with the visa office about your student visa, etc.
You can prepare for any specific situations easily via
All in all, I love
#1: Busuu
My personal favorite. Busuu. Boy do I love this website (and app)!!!
Read all about what makes Busuu so special and all of the great features they offer here.
I find it so simple, but so effective. In fact, I love everything about Busuu.
I have been using it for roughly 10 years and I have had the Pro version for about that long as well. I have never been so consistently happy for so long with any resource.
The only negative: I wish that they would offer more languages. So far, they offer just 13 languages.
Despite this though, I still love this site. I think the lessons are, most importantly, actually useful. I find I remember things well, there is good context, and the lessons are short enough that I can fit them in almost anytime.
When I read a book in Spanish, for example, I can genuinely see what I’m learn with Busuu and put it into even more context. As much as I enjoy Duolingo and several other language learning resources, the sentences and things you learn can sometimes be unusual and/or not in any type of context. This is not the case with Busuu.
All in all, if you have not tested out Busuu already, please do! I cannot recommend this website (and app) enough 🙂
These are my top 5 language learning sites. Do you agree with the list? Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite language learning website is!
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LOVE these suggestions! I’ve already signed up with Italki and will use the other resources as well. Thank you!
I’m glad you love them!! 🙂 Italki is amazing – I hope you find a great teacher and enjoy it!