Babbel Review: Better Than Duolingo But Still Not That Helpful

My encounter with Babbel was back in 2018 when I was preparing for a trip to Zagreb, Croatia. Little did I know that this decision would kickstart a journey that would see me using Babbel for various languages over the years.

I had a good experience with it initially and found myself using it consistently for quite a while. The app's structured approach and bite-sized lessons fit perfectly into my busy pre-travel schedule. 

Babbel is particularly useful for beginner learners, offering foundational skills and structured courses designed for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of the language.

However, as I got serious with language learning, I realized that while Babbel is a useful tool, it’s far from perfect and has its fair share of shortcomings. 

In this Babbel review, I'm going to take you through my personal journey with the app, sharing both the highs and the lows. We’ll discuss what makes Babbel stand out in the crowded field of language-learning apps, and where it falls short. 

What's the Babbel method and promise…

When I first stumbled upon Babbel, I was intrigued by its origin story. Created in 2007 by Markus Witte and Thomas Holl, Babbel, a prominent language learning app, was born out of frustration with traditional language learning methods. 

As someone who's tried countless language apps and methods, I could relate to their desire for a more effective approach.

Babbel's philosophy revolves around practical, conversation-based learning. It’s not about memorizing random words or conjugating verbs in isolation. 

Instead, it focuses on getting language learners to speak from day one. This resonated with me, as I've always believed that language is meant to be used, not just studied.

What really caught my attention was Babbel's impressive language offerings. They cover 14 languages, including popular choices like Spanish, French, and German, but also less commonly taught languages like Indonesian and Turkish.

As a language enthusiast, I appreciate this diversity. It's refreshing to see a platform that caters to widely-spoken languages and often overlooked ones.

A brief overview of Babbel's approach as a language learning app

Diving into Babbel, I quickly realized its approach was different from other apps I've used. Unlike Duolingo's gamified system or Pimsleur's audio-heavy method, Babbel balances structure and flexibility.

What sets Babbel apart is its focus on contextual learning. Instead of throwing random phrases at you, Babbel introduces new vocabulary and grammar points within real-life dialogues, incorporating structured grammar lessons as part of its comprehensive learning approach. 

This approach immediately clicked with me. I found myself learning phrases I could actually use in conversations, not just to pass a quiz.

Another standout feature is Babbel's speech recognition technology. While it's not perfect (no speech recognition is), I found it helpful for improving my pronunciation. It's like having a patient tutor who listens to your practice without judgment. 

How Babbel aims to teach “real-life” language skills

One of the things I've always struggled with in language learning is bridging the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world usage. Babbel seems to understand this challenge well.

The app's language course is structured around everyday scenarios like ordering coffee, asking for directions, or making small talk. This practical focus is a breath of fresh air compared to apps that have you learning how to say "The bear drinks milk" (I'm looking at you, Duolingo).

I particularly appreciate how Babbel incorporates cultural notes into its lessons. Learning a language isn't just about words and grammar; it's about understanding the culture too. These little insights helped me grasp nuances that I might have missed otherwise.

The languages offered and course structure

Babbel's language offerings impressed me not just for their number, but for their diversity. From widely spoken languages like Spanish and French to less common ones like Danish and Indonesian, there's something for every language enthusiast.

What I found particularly exciting was the inclusion of endangered languages like Occitan. As someone passionate about language preservation, I'm thrilled to see Babbel contributing to keeping these linguistic treasures alive.

The course structure follows a logical progression, starting from absolute beginner and moving up to advanced levels. I found the pacing to be just right: challenging enough to keep me engaged, but not so difficult that I felt overwhelmed.

Each course is broken down into manageable lessons, usually around 10-15 minutes long. This bite-sized approach fits perfectly into my busy schedule. I could easily squeeze in a lesson during my lunch break or while waiting for the bus.

One thing to note: the depth of content can vary depending on the language. More popular languages like Spanish and German have extensive courses up to advanced levels, while less common languages might only have beginner to intermediate content, which may not be as comprehensive for advanced learners.

Babbel outshines Duolingo but still has a long way to go

As someone who's tried numerous language-learning apps, I can confidently say that Babbel has a clear edge over Duolingo. However, don't get too excited just yet. 

While Babbel may be the better choice between the two, it still falls short in many areas crucial for achieving true fluency.

Let's start with the positives. When I first switched from Duolingo to Babbel, I immediately noticed a significant improvement in the quality and relevance of the content. 

Unlike Duolingo’s often-nonsensical phrases (I mean, when will you ever need to say “The bear drinks milk” in real life? ), Babbel focuses on practical, everyday language. You’ll learn phrases you can actually use when traveling or conversing with native speakers.

Another area where Babbel shines is its approach to grammar. While Duolingo often leaves you guessing about grammatical rules, Babbel provides clear explanations and context. 

I found this incredibly helpful when tackling tricky concepts like German cases or French subjunctives. You're not just memorizing; you're understanding why the language works the way it does.

However, it's not all roses. Despite its improvements over Duolingo, I still found myself hitting a plateau after a few months of consistent use. The app is great for beginners, but if you're aiming for intermediate or advanced proficiency, you'll likely find yourself wanting more.

One of the biggest drawbacks I noticed is the lack of extensive speaking practice. Yes, Babbel has some speech recognition exercises, but they're limited and don’t really prepare you for real-world conversations. 

You might be able to pronounce words correctly, but stringing them together in a fluid conversation? That's a whole different ball game.

Don't get me wrong—if you're choosing between Duolingo and Babbel, I'd recommend Babbel in a heartbeat. It's a more serious, structured approach to language learning that will give you a solid foundation. But if you're truly committed to becoming fluent, you'll need to supplement Babbel with other resources.

My advice? Use Babbel to build your basic vocabulary and grammar understanding. But don't stop there. Complement it with language exchange apps, podcasts in your target language, and, if possible, conversation practice with native speakers. 

My experience with Babbel: What I like and what needs to be improved 

After using Babbel consistently for several months, I've developed a good sense of its strengths and weaknesses. While it's certainly not perfect, there are aspects of the app that I genuinely enjoyed and found beneficial in my language-learning journey. 

Compared to other language learning apps, Babbel offers a variety of exercise types that keep the learning process engaging and effective.

At the same time, I've identified areas where Babbel could definitely use some improvement. Let me break it down for you.

What I enjoyed about using Babbel daily

One of the things I appreciated most about Babbel was its structured approach to daily learning. 

Unlike some apps that leave you feeling directionless, Babbel provides a clear learning path. 

Each day, I knew exactly what I needed to focus on, which made it easy to maintain a consistent study habit.

The lessons are bite-sized, typically lasting around 10-15 minutes. This was perfect for my busy schedule; I could easily squeeze in a lesson during my lunch break or while waiting for the bus. The app does a great job of making language learning feel manageable and not overwhelming.

I also found the review system particularly helpful. Babbel uses spaced repetition to reinforce what you've learned, presenting words and phrases at increasing intervals. This really helped me retain information better than simple rote memorization. 

There were many times when I was surprised to recall a word I'd learned weeks ago, all thanks to this clever review system.

Another aspect I enjoyed was the variety of exercise types. From fill-in-the-blanks to matching exercises and speaking practice, the mix kept things interesting and engaged different learning styles. I never felt bored or stuck in a monotonous routine.

Babbel's subscription plans also offer unlimited classes, providing flexibility for learners to attend as many live online classes as they wish, catering to different commitment levels.

Features that stood out (e.g., cultural tidbits, real-world conversations)

What really sets Babbel apart, in my experience, are the little extras that go beyond basic vocabulary and grammar included in their Spanish course. 

The cultural tidbits sprinkled throughout the lessons were a particular highlight for me. 

For instance, when learning German, I didn't just learn how to order a coffee – I also learned about the importance of coffee and cake time (Kaffee und Kuchen) in German culture. These insights made the learning process more engaging and gave context to the language I was acquiring.

The real-world conversations were another standout feature. Unlike some apps that teach you impractical phrases, Babbel focuses on dialogues you'd actually encounter in everyday situations. 

I found myself learning how to make hotel reservations, navigate public transportation, and even engage in small talk about the weather—all skills that came in handy when I actually visited the country whose language I was learning.

I also appreciated the pronunciation exercises. Babbel uses speech recognition technology to help you perfect your accent. 

While it's not flawless, it gave me more confidence in my pronunciation than I'd had with other apps. Being able to compare my pronunciation to that of native speakers was invaluable.

Lastly, I found the grammar explanations to be clear and concise. Instead of drowning you in technical jargon, Babbel presents grammar concepts in a way that's easy to understand and apply. 

The app introduces grammar gradually, always in the context of real sentences, which I found much more effective than trying to memorize conjugation tables.

While these features definitely enhanced my learning experience, it's important to note that Babbel isn't without its flaws.

Areas where I felt Babbel fell short for advanced learners like myself

First and foremost, I found the speaking practice to be somewhat limited. 

Yes, Babbel offers speech exercises, but they don't really prepare you for real-world conversations. You're essentially just repeating words or short phrases, which is a far cry from the back-and-forth of actual dialogue. 

As someone who wants to use the language I'm learning, this was a significant drawback. I often found myself wishing for more interactive speaking exercises or even simulated conversations.

Another issue I encountered was the lack of depth in some language courses. While popular languages like Spanish and French have extensive content, I noticed that less common languages had noticeably less material. 

For instance, when I tried learning Dutch, I hit a wall much sooner than I did with German. This inconsistency can be frustrating if you're learning a less widely spoken language.

The app's linear progression system also left something to be desired. While I appreciate the structure, I sometimes feel the app is too rigid. 

There were times when I wanted to jump ahead to a more advanced topic or review something specific, but the app didn't allow much flexibility in this regard. 

You're pretty much locked into their predetermined path, which can feel constraining if you have specific learning goals or prior knowledge in the language.

As well, I found the cultural content, while interesting, to be somewhat superficial. 

Don't get me wrong, I loved the cultural tidbits, but I wished for a more in-depth exploration of cultural nuances, especially as I advanced in my studies. 

Language and culture are deeply intertwined, and I feel Babbel could do more to help learners truly understand the cultural context of the language they're learning.

Lastly, and this might be a personal preference, but I found the user interface to be a bit dull compared to some other language apps. 

While I appreciate that Babbel doesn't go overboard with gamification like Duolingo does, I think they could make the learning experience more visually engaging without sacrificing their serious approach to language learning.

If you're considering Babbel, it's important to be aware of these limitations. It's a solid app for building a foundation, but you'll likely need to combine it with other methods if your goal is true fluency.

Babbel vs. Babbel Live: Which one should you actually try?

The choice between the two really depends on your learning style, goals, and budget. Let me break down my experience with both to help you decide which might be the better fit for you.

Let's start with the original Babbel app. It's a self-paced, interactive platform that I found great for building vocabulary and grammar foundations. 

When I used it, I appreciated the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere. The bite-sized lessons fit easily into my busy schedule—I could squeeze in a quick session during my lunch break or while waiting for the bus. 

If you're someone who values flexibility and likes to learn at your own pace, the original Babbel might be your best bet.

However, I did find myself hitting a plateau with the app after a few months. While it's excellent for beginners, I felt it lacked the depth needed to push me to more advanced levels of fluency. That's where Babbel Live comes in.

Babbel Live, which I tried next, offers live online classes with real teachers. This was a game-changer for me. Suddenly, I was able to practice speaking in real time, get immediate feedback on my pronunciation, and ask questions about tricky grammar points. The classes are small - usually around 6 students - which meant I got plenty of speaking time and personalized attention.

What I really loved about Babbel Live was the opportunity for authentic conversation practice. In the app, you're mostly repeating phrases or filling in blanks. But in the live classes, I found myself engaged in actual discussions, debating topics, and even role-playing real-life scenarios. This did wonders for my confidence and fluency.

Another big plus of Babbel Live is the cultural insights you gain. The teachers are native speakers, and they often share fascinating tidbits about their home countries and cultures. This added context really helped the language come alive for me in a way that the app alone couldn't achieve.

That said, Babbel Live does require more commitment, both in terms of time and money. You need to schedule classes and show up at specific times, which might not work for everyone's schedule. It's also pricier than the app-only version.

Here is a table that summarizes the difference between Babbel and Babbel Live:

So, which should you choose? Here's my take:

If you're a complete beginner, on a tight budget, or have a very unpredictable schedule, start with the original Babbel app. It's a great way to build a foundation and get comfortable with the basics of your target language.

But if you're serious about reaching fluency, have some flexibility in your schedule, and can afford the higher price point, I'd highly recommend giving Babbel Live a try. The combination of structured lessons and live interaction with teachers and fellow students can really accelerate your progress.

Ideally, I'd suggest using both in tandem if you can. Use the app for daily practice and reinforcement, and supplement with live classes for speaking practice and deeper understanding. 

In what scenario does it make sense to rely on Babbel for your language learning? 

Babbel isn’t for everyone. It might work for you in some cases and fail you in certain scenarios.

Ideal scenarios for using Babbel (e.g., beginners, busy professionals)

In my experience, Babbel really shines for beginners. When I first started learning German, I found Babbel's structured approach incredibly helpful. 

It breaks down complex grammar concepts into digestible chunks and introduces vocabulary in a logical, progressive manner. If you're just starting out with a new language, Babbel can give you a solid foundation to build upon.

I've also found Babbel to be a godsend for busy professionals like myself. With a packed schedule, it's often hard to find time for language learning. But Babbel's bite-sized lessons, typically around 10-15 minutes long, fit perfectly into my day. I often complete a lesson during my lunch break or while commuting. The app's flexibility allows me to maintain consistency in my learning, even on the busiest days.

Another scenario where Babbel excels is in preparation for travel. Before a trip to Spain, a friend used Babbel to brush up on his Spanish. The app's focus on practical, everyday phrases was perfect for this. She learned how to order food, ask for directions, and engage in basic small talk—all skills that proved invaluable during my trip.

Babbel is also great if you're looking to refresh the language skills you've previously learned. When I decided to revive my rusty French, Babbel's review system helped me quickly recall forgotten vocabulary and grammar rules. The app's spaced repetition technique was particularly effective in cementing this knowledge in my long-term memory.

How to integrate Babbel into a broader language learning strategy

I used Babbel as my primary tool for language learning in 2018. Each day, I aimed to complete at least one Babbel lesson. This gave me a consistent dose of vocabulary and grammar practice. However, I didn't stop there.

To complement Babbel's lessons, I made a point of seeking out authentic content in my target language. I often listened to podcasts or watched YouTube videos in German. 

This exposed me to natural speech patterns and colloquialisms that Babbel doesn't always cover. It also helped improve my listening comprehension, which is crucial for real-world language use.

One area where I found Babbel lacking was in speaking practice. To overcome this, I started using language exchange apps to chat with native speakers. 

This not only improved my speaking skills but also gave me insight into the culture behind the language — something that's hard to get from an app alone.

I've also incorporated writing practice into my routine. While Babbel does include some writing exercises, I felt I needed more. So, I started keeping a journal in my target language. This helped reinforce the vocabulary and grammar I learned on Babbel in a more creative, personalized context.

Lastly, I made sure to regularly assess my progress. Every few months, I took a standardized language test. This helped me identify areas where I've improved and where I still need work. 

Based on these results, I adjusted my learning strategy, sometimes focusing more on certain aspects of Babbel or seeking out additional resources for areas Babbel doesn't cover as thoroughly.

Get French Classes: A strong and better Babbel alternative if you’re learning French

Babbel is a decent language learning tool, but it still falls short in many areas crucial for effective language learning. And if you're specifically looking to learn French, Get French Classes is a way better option.

As someone who has experienced the frustrations of language learning apps firsthand, I can confidently say that Get French Classes addresses many of the shortcomings of platforms like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Duolingo . 

Here's why I believe it's a game-changer for French learners:

Structured, immersive learning path

Get French Classes goes beyond a simple curriculum—it offers a meticulously crafted journey through the French language. 

Each course is designed with a specific real-life situation in mind, such as navigating a bakery, office, or social event. This approach ensures that what you're learning is immediately applicable to your daily life.

The structure is carefully planned to build upon previous lessons, creating a logical progression from beginner to advanced levels. But it's not just about vocabulary and grammar. 

Each lesson is infused with cultural insights, local customs, and even regional variations in French. For instance, a lesson about ordering in a café might include:

• The etiquette of French dining

• Common local expressions you'll hear in a café

• Differences between ordering in Paris versus Marseille

• The cultural significance of café life in France

This immersive approach helps you not just speak French, but think in French, understanding the cultural context behind the words you're using.

Balance of self-study and live interaction

At Get French Classes, we believe that the best learning experience happens when you blend self-paced learning with invaluable live interaction. 

So, we designed our program around that philosophy. 

Here's how:

Self-study components:

• 50+ interactive video lessons that allow you to practice pronunciation and receive instant feedback

• 100+ carefully designed assignments that apply what you've learned to real-world scenarios

• A vast library of supplementary materials including audio content, cultural notes, and grammar explanations

Live interaction:

• 6 hours of private classes tailored to your specific needs and learning style

• 6 hours of group classes offering opportunities for dynamic conversation practice, debates, and role-playing exercises

• Live sessions with native French tutors who can explain nuances, answer questions, and provide immediate feedback

This balanced approach ensures that you're not just memorizing phrases, but truly understanding and internalizing the language. The self-study components allow you to learn at your own pace, while the live interactions provide the crucial practice and feedback needed to truly master French.

Community and accountability

We also created a robust system to keep you motivated and engaged throughout your learning journey:

Learning pods

You're placed in a carefully curated group of six students at similar levels, guided by a dedicated tutor. 

These pods engage in:

• Weekly discussions on various topics

• Cultural exchange activities

• Virtual "field trips" to French-speaking regions via video tours

• Collaborative projects that require using French in practical ways

Accountability partners

You're paired with another learner to:

• Check-in on each other's progress regularly

• Practice speaking French together outside of class time

• Motivate each other to stick to learning goals

Community forum

A broader platform where all learners can:

• Share resources and learning tips

• Organize language exchange meetups

• Plan trips to French-speaking countries

• Discuss French culture, movies, books, and current events

Progress tracking

The platform provides detailed analytics on your learning progress, including:

• Time spent on different activities

• Improvement in various skill areas (speaking, listening, reading, writing)

• Achievement of specific learning milestones

Best of all? Our learners are happy, here's proof:

Affordability without compromise

Get French Classes’ pricing is for all budgets. At $307 for a comprehensive course, we offer exceptional bang for your buck. 

Here's what makes it stand out:

• Lifetime access: Unlike many platforms that limit access, you get lifetime access to course materials. This allows you to revisit and review even after you've completed the program.

• All-Inclusive pricing: No hidden fees or upsells. The price includes all video lessons, assignments, private tutoring, group classes, and community access.

• Job board access: Get French Classes provides access to a job board featuring French-speaking positions, adding tangible career value to your learning.

• Recognized certificates: Upon taking our DELF DALF exam, you receive certificates that are recognized by many employers and educational institutions, adding professional credibility to your language skills.

• Free updates: As the course content is updated and improved, you get access to these updates at no extra cost.

When compared to private tutoring (which can cost $50-$100 per hour) or immersion trips (easily running into thousands of dollars), Get French Classes offers a cost-effective path to fluency without sacrificing quality or comprehensiveness.

Flexible schedule

The way we designed our program makes it suitable for everyone, even people with tight schedules.

Here’s how.

• Bite-sized lessons: Core lessons are broken down into 5-10 minute segments, making it easy to fit learning into even the busiest schedule.

• 24/7 access: All course materials are available round the clock, allowing you to learn whenever it suits you best.

• Flexible live sessions: Private and group tutoring sessions can be scheduled at your convenience, with options available across different time zones.

• Microlearning opportunities: Daily challenges and quick exercises that can be completed in just a few minutes, perfect for squeezing in practice during short breaks.

This level of flexibility ensures that your French learning fits seamlessly into your life, no matter how busy or unpredictable your schedule may be.