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What are the best apps/tools for learning languages? + Your experiences and struggles

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The last 2 or 3 years, I have been trying to learn more foreign languages besides English.

My go-to app is (not surprisingly) Duolingo.

I have also experience with Memrise, but it didn't feel like a good fit.

I find these apps to help learn vocabulary or for keeping up with a language I've previously learned in other ways (for example, from a language school or online lessons), but not necessarily for learning at a conversational level.

  • 1️⃣ Do you have experience/know of other tools or apps that are more effective alternatives?

  • 2️⃣ What do you personally miss about these language learning apps, or what are your biggest struggles in learning languages?

  • 3️⃣ What languages ​​are attractive to you to learn?

  • 4️⃣ The last but not least: Does it make sense to build another solution for language learning?

– For me personally, the biggest struggle is not knowing if my pronunciation is good enough, where I make mistakes in intonation, etc.

– I also miss reflecting on where I make mistakes most often – those should be the things I should practice most often.

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This Product Hunt discussion centers on the best language-learning apps and whether a new solution is needed. The consensus: apps like Duolingo and Memrise are great for vocabulary and streak-driven consistency, but they fall short on conversational skills, pronunciation feedback, and real-world practice.
Several commenters spotlighted stronger alternatives. emikes919 championed ANKI and spaced repetition—paired with high-frequency word lists—as the most efficient path to vocabulary, adding that true fluency demands immersion. In contrast, indukeys appreciates Duolingo’s streaks but prefers traditional, structured learning and suggests checking out Speak AI for pronunciation. Echoing the conversational gap, anthony_cai recommends tools like HelloTalk and Tandem for real interactions with native speakers, while kinkin argues the best learning happens with real people, not just gamified repetition.
There’s also a forward-looking angle: hanselh wonders if language-learning apps will evolve into engines for accurate, real-time translation—raising questions about the role of learning versus relying on AI.
Key takeaways for builders: prioritize accurate pronunciation and intonation feedback, error analytics to target weak spots, and frictionless access to authentic conversation. The community generally believes a new solution could make sense—if it bridges vocabulary SRS (like ANKI), immersive practice, and AI-powered speaking feedback without losing human connection.
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