Have you been surfing through several online sites to learn a language? In the 21st century, the world has come to realize the importance of knowing more than one language. No matter what your native language is, learning a second language opens up a new dimension of opportunities for you.
Among the several online apps and websites available for learning a language, Babbel has been gaining popularity among language enthusiasts. Have you come across it and wondered whether you should give it a try or not?
Let’s dig in the Babbel review to help you determine if you want to try learning a language using it or not!
What languages you can learn with Babbel
Improved since its beginning, currently, Babbel has 14 available languages:
- Spanish (Latin America)
- Spanish (Spain)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Russian
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Dutch
- Polish
- Swedish
- Norwegian
- Danish
- Indonesian
- Turkish
Accessing Babbel and its usability
Babbel is primarily an app that you can download and use on both Android and iOS devices. You can even learn to use your desktop computer. In the case of using Babbel offline, through the app you can have access to all the lesson contents.
Babbel uses speech recognition to help the users with pronunciation like native speakers. Listening to the speaker’s voice, the app will provide feedback. The app’s developer has stated that it is browser-based, so a server or API call is not required to check the pronunciation of the speaker.
It is important as it means that the app will be able to work faster. Even if it is a great feature, the rest of the app is slow at loading, so it is a tie in the end for the user.
Babbel’s teaching methods
Babbel is designed similar to a professional language course. So, even if it seems tedious, you will find a range of language skill development content. Language exercises include matching words to images, fill-in-the-blank worksheets and repeating words in the microphone to improve pronunciation.
You will find many review materials as you advance through the course. This is vital to check your improvement and ensure consistent language skill acquisition. Additionally, exercises like fill-in-the-blank help you to check your understanding of grammar.
Most language learners do not enjoy memorizing grammar, so Babbel uses exercise tricks to improve grammar without memorizing.
Babbel perfect for whom?
The contents of Babbel are developed by linguists and educators, so you are guaranteed to find accurate and intense course lessons. Once you start learning any of the languages, you will find a placement test to determine which level you are at the beginning.
In the case of Russian, it might be hard to navigate with the intense beginner lessons as too much content is covered for basics. For beginners, learning Russian using Babbel can show successful results if you have strong determination.
On the other hand, other languages like German and Spanish are designed proficient for beginners to advanced level. The courses are better stocked with vocabulary, materials and grammar exercises. However, if you are past the foundation level and are looking for advanced vigorous content, you might explore other options other than Babbel.
Based on your targeted languages, you can let Babbel set you up according to your level and then start learning.
Is Babbel affordable for you?
When it comes to the pricing of Babbel, it is quite straightforward. You can subscribe to any of their 4 plans. The monthly subscription price decreases if you choose a longer subscription plan.
- The lowest one-month subscription costs $12.95.
- A three-month subscription costs $26.85.
- A six-month subscription costs $44.70.
- A twelve-month subscription/ yearly costs $83.40
If you select the longer subscription plans, you get a discount of different percentages. For a yearly subscription, you can receive up to a 48% discount. This competitive pricing of Babbel is standard, given their extensive language materials. Additionally, they offer coupons which you can redeem to adjust your budget.
If you are hesitant to pay, you can simply sign up and try out their first few free lessons. Although this trial of Babbel is limited, you can surely try and see if it suits you. To add to your relief, you can even get your money back after a 20-day subscription if you are not happy with the courses. So, no risk factor for you to give it a try!
Core Benefits
- Users preferred Babbel to other contemporary sites like Duolingo because of its more professional approach to language acquiring methods.
- The placement test helps in determining whether you are a beginner or an intermediate learner. It enables you to have a clear understanding of your language acquisition.
- The language courses are developed by in – house linguists and educators, so the learners can learn naturally.
- The wide range of languages available for you to learn adds to the usability of Babbel.
- Compared to other language learning apps and sites, Babbel is reasonably priced.
Drawbacks of Babbel
- As Babbel is developed with professional language methods, it might be tedious lessons and units to keep your motivation going.
- Customers have categorized Babbel as a well-marketed language app. But it hasn’t lived up to many of its users.
- If you are looking for easy takeaways, Babbel is not for you. Due to its intense course plans, one must stick up till the end to achieve notable improvements.
Bottom line
While Babbel is far better than Duolingo because of its professional language courses and sufficient supplement resources, Babbel has its drawbacks as well. With Babbel, you can learn to speak like a native speaker in your target language. It is a preferable choice for languages like Russian, German and Spanish However, languages like Japanese, Arabic and Chinese need substantial development.
If you are determined to keep up with the intense lessons and make the most of your activities and exercises using Babbel, then surely it is worth a try.
