German is used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other countries. It supports study, work and everyday communication. Grammar takes practice, but apps, videos and online courses make learning more accessible. The tools below serve different purposes. Combine vocabulary work with reading, listening, writing and real conversation; no single app guarantees a particular proficiency level.
1. Duolingo
Format: mobile app and website.
Link: duolingo.com/course/de/en/Learn-German
Features:
- Interactive exercises: short tasks covering vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening and pronunciation.
- Game elements: points, streaks and achievements can support a study habit.
- Daily practice: choose a manageable target, such as 10–20 minutes, and add conversation practice.
Best used for: regular review and habit-building. Content and levels depend on the course and base language; finishing an app is not equivalent to passing a B1 examination.
2. Deutsche Welle (DW) — Learn German
Website: learngerman.dw.com
Materials: online courses, audio, videos and exercises.
Features:
- Courses and themed materials: choose material at your level; Nicos Weg covers A1–B1.
- Interactive practice: grammar tasks and listening practice supported by video and audio.
- Language in context: everyday situations connect new words with life in Germany.
Best used for: structured self-study with free DW materials. This is an international broadcaster’s learning resource, not an authority issuing visa language certificates.
3. Alman Bildung online courses
Website: https://almanbildung.com
Features:
- Choosing your level: the website lists A1 and A2 programmes. Check the syllabus and a suitable starting point before enrolling.
- Study materials: audio lessons and interactive exercises support review at convenient times.
- Preparation and proof of proficiency: ask which examination the course prepares you for and who issues any certificate. A practice test or course-completion document is not automatically an accepted visa certificate.
Best used for: learning with a structured programme and practical tasks. For an official purpose, separately check which examination the mission, university or employer accepts.
4. Babbel
Platform: mobile app and online portal.
Link: babbel.com/learn-german
Features:
- Structured lessons: vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and dialogue practice.
- Short sessions: easy to fit into a daily routine.
- Review: revisit new words and check whether you can use them in sentences.
Best used for: structured practice. A trial lesson is available; check paid access and subscription terms before buying.
5. LingQ
Platform: website and mobile app.
Link: lingq.com/en/learn-german-online/
Features:
- Reading with audio: texts and recordings help you learn words in context.
- Vocabulary practice: save unfamiliar words and return to review them.
- Your interests: choose engaging topics; importing lets you use your own material within the service’s terms.
Best used for: reading and listening while building vocabulary. Compare free limits with paid features.
6. Memrise
Platform: mobile app and website; features depend on the product version.
Link: memrise.com
Features:
- Words and phrases are practised through review and examples of usage.
- Short practice sessions: use exercises and native-speaker videos to recognise familiar words in speech.
- Community courses: their format and access have changed. Check Memrise’s current announcements and where the course is hosted; older instructions about app access may no longer apply.
Best used for: vocabulary review and exposure to natural pronunciation. Add your own speaking and writing practice.
7. Easy German — YouTube
Link: Easy German on YouTube
Features:
- Street interviews: conversations on varied topics show everyday expressions and pronunciation.
- Subtitles: German text helps connect sound and spelling; try watching again without relying on translation.
- Everyday topics: daily life, culture, habits and speakers’ experiences.
Best used for: listening practice and conversational German. Note a few useful expressions from each video.
8. Deutsch für Euch — YouTube
Link: Deutsch für Euch
Features:
- Language explanations: choose grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation videos for your current learning goal.
- Visual format: revisit explanations and examples at your own pace.
- Cultural context: notice the situations in which words and forms of address are used.
Best used for: working through specific difficulties. Check the topic, date and explanation language; the channel supplements a structured plan.
9. Verbformen.com
Link: verbformen.com
Features:
- Verb conjugation: German verb forms by tense and person; the relevant term is conjugation, not declension.
- Search and examples: look up a word and compare its forms with usage examples.
- Exercises: explore available exercises and write your own sentences using the forms.
Best used for: reference checks and correcting grammar mistakes. A table is more useful when you apply the form in context.
10. Anki
Platform: desktop, AnkiDroid for Android and AnkiMobile for iOS. Desktop and AnkiDroid are free; AnkiMobile is paid.
Link: apps.ankiweb.net
Features:
- Flashcards: save words, phrases and grammar examples. Include articles and plurals for nouns.
- Spaced repetition: the app schedules reviews using your assessment of how well you remember the answer.
- Customisation: create your own decks or check the quality of shared ones. Too many new cards at once can overload your review schedule.
Best used for: systematic vocabulary retention. Flashcards support learning but do not replace reading comprehension or conversation.
Combining the tools
Choose one main course and one or two supporting resources. A manageable routine is more useful than constantly switching between ten apps. Divide your tasks:
- Grammar: study a topic in DW or another structured course, then check forms and write your own examples.
- Vocabulary: choose a review tool and learn words with common combinations.
- Pronunciation and listening: listen to short videos or podcasts, repeat phrases aloud and check understanding without subtitles.
- Self-study plan: set a small daily goal and weekly check what you can now say, understand or write.
German supports real tasks: meeting people, studying, job hunting and travel. Link your learning to those situations. For formal proof of proficiency, prepare for the specific accepted examination; for communication, practise regularly with people.
Enjoy your learning! Try a few tools and keep those you actually use. Check current features, prices and cancellation terms. Consistency and purposeful practice matter more than the number of installed apps.
