Learning a new language? I’ve been there, and I know it’s not always easy to remember all those new words and phrases. But guess what? There’s help out there, and it’s right at your fingertips.
After exploring countless language apps and seeing what they offer, I’ve found the ones that truly stand out. These are the best apps for language retention that can make learning a new language effective and much easier.
The easiest pick for this is the Ling app, a gamified language-learning app that makes learning stick! But today, I will introduce you to the six best apps that can help you retain the language you’re learning. Live classes, fun games, lifelike conversations – you name it, they’ve got it.
The Struggles Of Language Retention
We all know someone who studied a language in high school or college and can now barely get by with basic phrases. Some people were even truly proficient in a language and lived abroad for several years, but now can’t honestly say they speak it.
That’s what language retention is all about: maintaining proficiency in a language over time. It has to do with remembering the language and being able to communicate in it. But it’s not just recalling vocabulary; there’s also grammar structures, pronunciation, and the many nuances of language learning.
Most of the time, the struggle with language retention has to do with remaining fluent in your target language after you’ve finished studying or when you’re no longer using it every day. For instance, if you lived as a digital nomad in Vietnam for years, but have long since left the country, it can be quite hard to keep your Vietnamese skills on point.
And that’s when apps for language retention can be life-savers. Sometimes, all it takes to keep your hard-earned fluency is regular exposure to the language. These apps can give you that and so much more.
The Science Behind Language Retention
Science-backed recommendations for language retention usually highlight active engagement. What’s that? It’s interacting with the language, but not just passively listening or reading. It’s all about writing and speaking in your target language, that is, actively using it.
Consistent practice is also essential. Most people who took a language in college and eventually forgot it will tell you they simply stopped practicing. Same with people who lived abroad. They no longer needed to use the language, so they stopped. And I don’t have to tell you that’s a huge mistake. Constant practice, and not just studying but using the language in real-life environments, can make all the difference when it comes to retention.
Finally, scientists also tend to recommend contextual learning. That’s when you learn vocabulary in context, as opposed to memorizing long lists. When you learn words and see how they’re used in real sentences, or even better, in real conversations, you’re much more likely to remember them.
So, now that you know a bit more about language retention and have some science-backed recommendations, it’s time to see the best apps for language retention. After all, you didn’t work this hard to master your target language just to forget it in a couple of years!
6 Apps For Language Retention You Can Try Today
Below are the top apps for language retention. Each has something unique to offer, catering to different needs and preferences. We’ll start with the best language app, then we’ll work our way down until you can make your pick.
1. Ling: Best App For Retention Through Engaging Fun Learning
First, let’s explore the Ling app, a stand-out in language learning. Specializing in Southeast Asian and European languages, the Ling app takes a unique approach by offering quick, bite-sized lessons that are fun and effective.
With courses crafted in collaboration with native speakers, the Ling app aims to make you a well-rounded language learner. They also make sure you keep those skills in the long run!
Whether you’re learning Vietnamese, Serbian, Thai, or any of the 60+ languages offered, the Ling app’s contextual vocabulary learning, grammar tips, and pronunciation feedback prepare you for real-world conversations.
Plus, it’s great for those who were fluent in a language but need to reactivate or polish their skills, as lessons are clearly categorized, allowing you to pick what you need to reinforce. Moreover, features like flashcards and the review section work wonders for recalling what you already know.
Want some proof? Dive into our unbiased Ling app review and find out why it’s one of the best apps for language retention you’ll need to consider.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Why Our App Is Built For Serious Learners
- Fun and Engaging: Ling’s lessons feel like games, making language learning enjoyable and producing proven results that stand the test of time.
- Context-Based Vocabulary: Ling knows how essential learning vocabulary in context can be for language retention. As such, it teaches you new words and phrases via real-world examples. It even includes dialogues to see how the vocabulary you’ve learned is used in a conversation.
- Habitual Learning: Track your progress and build a learning streak. Ling makes language learning a daily habit that sticks, making sure you don’t forget anything because you stopped practicing.
- Active Learning: With the Ling app, you don’t just listen to words and phrases. Its interactive exercises make you rearrange words to form sentences, repeat words and phrases, match words with their meaning, fill in the blanks in dialogues, and more. All to make sure you’re actively using the language.
Real Results From Real Learners
Before choosing the best app for language retention, it’s essential to know what other learners are saying. Let’s see what the Ling app users have to say with some reviews taken directly from Google Play:
“A natural way of learning a language by listening and reading in the native language by showing you, rather than sharing the English to learning language translation. This method allows the learner to absorb grammar, like children learn a language instead of memorizing words and rules. It is a very useful app!”
★★★★★
Sestra Mae
“Fantastic app. I found the languages not available anywhere else, and the practice sessions are interactive as well with pictures, matching words, and repetitions to make it easier to remember.”
★★★★★
Dr. Adeel Khan
“Simple. Fun. Make little steps and actually learn and remember.”
★★★★★
kas valo
Pricing
- Monthly price: $16.99
- Six month price: $64.99
- Annual price: $89.99 (with 7-day free trial)
2. Lingoda: Best For Retaining Language Through Live Interaction
Lingoda has been helping students learn languages online since 2013, and they have a good thing going. Live and online classes are their bread and butter, and they don’t mess around regarding quality.
Every teacher there has at least two years of experience, so you know you’re in good hands. The live interaction part? That’s what helps make the language stick. It feels natural, like you’re having a chat with a friend.
Devices: Web
Standout Features
- Group Classes: Lingoda’s group classes are like a small, friendly classroom online, with no more than five students. This setup encourages interaction and helps the language stick in your mind.
- Private Classes: If you prefer personal attention, Lingoda’s private lessons are tailored to your needs, focusing on what you want to learn.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: People love the flexibility. Change teachers? Change times? No problem. One user said, “I can change to different teachers and times that I love and am available. It is so convenient for me to arrange my schedule.”
- Room for Improvement: Some folks found that while some teachers are super dedicated, others rush through. One learner said, “Some teachers are very dedicated, while others just finish the class and leave… Overall, my experience is still positive.”
Pricing
- 5 classes: $184.99 – $239.99
- 12 classes: $251.99 – $321.99
- 20 classes: $349.99 – $475.99
- 40 classes: $629.99 – $839.99
3. Fluenz: Best App For Immersive Cultural Experience
Ever wanted to learn a language and truly live it? Fluenz does just that. With a six-day Spanish immersion program filled with top-notch teachers, meals at fancy restaurants, and trips to famous museums, Fluenz takes you right into the heart of the culture.
You don’t just learn words and grammar. You get to know the culture and make your target language a part of your daily life. Interested in knowing more? Read our detailed Fluenz review and find out why it’s also a top choice for starters in language learning.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Standout Features
- Simulated Classroom Environment: Fluenz gives you the feel of a real classroom. You watch video tutorials, do interactive activities, and have a teacher who explains everything clearly.
- Comprehensive Content: Fluenz offers video lessons that dig into grammar and plenty of material and exercises to help you practice.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users appreciate the ability to try sessions and download everything for learning on the go. One user praised, “You’ll REALLY have it on demand… and you won’t have to use Wi-Fi even if you have it!”
- Room for Improvement: Some users had difficulty with the app on Android devices. One person expressed frustration, saying, “Can’t understand how to do a writing workout… Spending more time figuring out the app functionality rather than learning Spanish.”
Pricing
- All languages (one-time payment): $2698.00 – $3860.00
- One language (one-time payment): $187.00 – $2388.00
4. Pimsleur: Best App For Conversational Practice
If you want to dive into a language and make it stick, Pimsleur can be a good option. This language app focuses on conversational practice, helping you speak and read in your chosen language.
With Pimsleur, you’re memorizing words while engaging in real conversations. The app offers 30-minute lessons you can take anywhere, making it easy to fit your learning style.
And with features like voice recognition and hands-free mode, you can practice naturally and authentically. Want to know more? Read our complete Pimsleur review and find out why its features enhance memory recall.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Standout Features
- Read and Speak: Pimsleur doesn’t just teach you to speak. It helps you read your new language without losing focus on speaking.
- Skills Practice: Practice sentences and phrases by topic with Quick Match & Speed Rounds. Flashcards help you practice vocabulary.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users love the conversational approach and find the app impressive. One user said, “The best way to start learning a new native language… Somewhat expensive, but you get a lot for your money.”
- Room for Improvement: Some users have reported glitches and crashes, especially on specific devices like the Pixel 7 Pro. One user mentioned, “Great app, but please work on the bugs.”
Pricing
- Free with basic and very limited features.
- Monthly premium: $19.95 (one language), $20.95 (all languages)
- Yearly premium: $164.95 (all languages)
5. Rype App: Best For Personalized Retention Based On Individual Needs
Rype is like a personal guide on your language-learning journey. Instead of just giving you materials, it pairs you with real human tutors for one-on-one video calls.
And guess what? It’s not going to break the bank. You can have a half-hour class for less than $10 (hourly rate). But it’s not just about the price. What makes Rype special is how it shapes the learning around you.
It’s flexible, personal, and designed for anyone serious about learning a foreign language. Whether you’re starting fresh or brushing up, Rype is worth looking for.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Standout Features
- Personalized Lessons: Rype offers one-on-one lessons with teachers, focusing on your needs and goals.
- Flexible Scheduling: With 30-minute sessions, you can fit learning into your day, no matter how busy you are. It’s learning at your own pace.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users praise the excellent teachers and the attentive support team. The communication between teachers and students has improved, and scheduling is easy. One user noted, “Most importantly, I’m making progress in my language skills.”
- Room for Improvement: Some users have had auto-renewal and refund policy issues. One user described it as “Very shady!!!” and another mentioned that the platform wasn’t for them.
Pricing
- 4 hours: $99.00/month
- 8 hours: $197.00/month
- Daily: $349.00/month
- Annual: $295.00
6. Memrise: Best For Authentic Conversations
Last but not least is Memrise, a language learning app that makes language retention through authentic conversations. It lets you understand and retain them in a real and engaging way.
By immersing you in genuine conversations with native speakers and providing practice with an AI tutor, Memrise ensures that the language becomes a part of you. You’ll learn to speak like a local, understand various accents, and enjoy the language-learning process.
What sets Memrise apart is its focus on real-life language use. The words and phrases you learn are those that people actually use. Eager to dive deeper? Don’t miss our fail-proof Memrise review.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Standout Features
- AI-Language Tutor: Practice speaking with MemBot, your personal AI tutor, and gain confidence in your language skills.
- Real Native Conversations: Tune into over 30,000 conversations between real natives and get a feel for how they actually talk.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users love the real-life approach to language learning. One user said, “I can confidently understand accents and listen to words and phrases they actually use.”
- Room for Improvement: Some users have faced challenges with the app’s redesign. One user expressed frustration, saying, “The new design doesn’t seem to consider my past progress, and I’m stuck with learning the basics again.”
Pricing
- Monthly premium: $14.99
- Yearly premium: $89.99
- Lifetime subscription: $199.99
Why Use Apps For Language Retention?
- Easy and Handy: What’s great about these apps is that you can dive into language lessons whether you’re on the bus or having a coffee break. It’s all about fitting language practice into your daily routine, making it a habit.
- Fun and Engaging: These apps aren’t your typical classroom lecture. They’re packed with fun activities and games. It feels more like playing than studying, which keeps you hooked and eager to learn more.
- Smart Repetition: Ever noticed how some language apps remind you of words just when you’re about to forget them? That’s spaced repetition at work. It’s a clever way to make sure vocab sticks in your memory for the long haul.
- Tailored to You: I love how these apps adjust to your learning speed. Struggling with verbs? They’ll give you more practice on that. Flying through vocabulary? They’ll up the challenge.
- Instant Feedback: Got a minute to spare? Get your phone, do a quick language exercise, and get immediate feedback. It’s super satisfying to know right away what you’ve nailed and where you need a bit more practice.
- All-Round Learning: Reading, writing, listening, speaking – these apps for language retention cover it all. It’s a full language workout, ensuring you develop a balanced skill set. Plus, switching between different types of exercises keeps things fresh and interesting.
Do These Apps For Language Retention Really Work?
Yes, these apps for language retention indeed work, and here’s why:
- Fun and Engaging Methods: The Ling app and Memrise turn learning into a game, making retention more natural.
- Personalized Learning: Apps like Rype offer customized lessons tailored to individual needs, making learning more engaging.
- Real-Life Conversations: Memrise and Fluenz immerse you in authentic conversations, helping you understand and speak like a local.
- Community Support: Several of these apps build a community of learners, providing motivation and support.
As such, these apps can be a great way not only to learn, but to make sure that learning stays with you long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apps For Language Retention
How Do You Retain Language Skills?
To retain language skills, it’s essential to get regular exposure to the language, use it constantly, and avoid long gaps. It’s also better to actively use the language by speaking, writing, and thinking, rather than just listening and reading. Language immersion, be it total immersion by traveling, or partial immersion with movies, music, books, and podcasts, can greatly help as well.
What Is Language Retention?
Language retention refers to maintaining proficiency in a language over time. That is, essentially, not forgetting the language you’ve learned (or even your mother tongue). It’s the opposite of language attrition, which is decreasing proficiency or even completely losing a language.
How Do You Retain Foreign Language Vocabulary?
Some ways to retain foreign vocabulary include spaced repetition, active recall, contextual learning, and mnemonic devices. Some language learning apps, such as Ling, incorporate all these methods. The Ling app uses spaced repetition to review words just when you’re most likely to forget them, implements active recall in its interactive exercises, teaches vocabulary in context instead of memorizing long lists, and incorporates mnemonic devices like flashcards to make sure you don’t forget what you’ve learned.
Start Learning And Remembering With The Ling App!
Among all the apps for language retention, the Ling app shines the brightest. With its focus on fun and complete learning, it makes sure you learn and actually retain your language skills.
What’s more, it offers a 7-day free trial so you can test the app and see how you like it before you commit.
For reference, here’s what you can learn in just 7 days with the Ling app:
- Day 1: Basic words and phrases
- Day 2: Basic sentences
- Day 3: Numbers and family
- Day 4: Counting
- Day 5: Activities
- Day 6: Food and tastes
- Day 7: Vegetables and fruits
So, are you ready to embark on a language journey that sticks? Download the Ling app now and start on the easy path to hard languages!
