Learn German ONLINE: The Best Websites & Apps

Whether you’re planning a move to Germany, already living here, or just want to learn the language for fun, learning German online is becoming more and more popular today. So, after years of testing and trialing different language-learning websites and apps, I’m excited to present to you 10 of the best websites and apps to learn German.

In this blog post, we will look at:

✅ Online language schools
✅ Offline language schools
✅ Online language apps

NOTE: There are several different types of German classes you can enroll in (some are even paid for by the state – we go through these tips in the Welcome Program), so just make sure that if your place of work or visa requirements request that you take part in a particular program (eg. intensive, part-time, integration, etc.) make sure you’re signing up for the correct school. Again, we go through all these details in depth in the Welcome Program.

Online Language Schools to Learn German Fast

There are many language schools out there making a lot of promises when it comes to learning German online, but after testing out more than a dozen, a few favorites stick out from the crowd.

Lingoda

Lingoda is as modern as it gets when it comes to language learning technologies. Their classes run 60 minutes long via Zoom chat where you can chat and learn live with a native German speaker in a small group class of up to 5-6 students. You have the opportunity to add and remove classes where they fit your schedule and buy package plans either individually or in bulk. When you’ve finished a level, you are also able to receive a certification/proof of your German language level which can be very important if you’re looking for a job here in Germany too. I’m currently taking Lingoda classes and love them – feels like being in the classroom, only online.

Source: Lingoda

SmarterGerman

SmarterGerman is a very unique program. It isn’t run by a large organization, but one man in particular, who also happens to be extremely successful on YouTube when it comes to helping you learn German. Michael has been a German teacher for more than 20 years and has found a way to “break the cycle” so to speak when it comes to actually learning German in a fun and interesting way. He breaks down the German language in a logical way that is easy to understand.

Important to note: these are not one-on-one video calls, but a pre-recorded online language school.

Source: SmarterGerman

Rocket Languages

Rocket Languages is one of my favorite online language courses simply due to their incredible ability to interact with you throughout the content without offering live video calls (instead offering an AI experience). I typically find that online language learning that’s not live, does not offer me the push I need to begin learning. Rocket Languages has been the first and only non-live learning method that has helped me learn the German language, and… their prices are fantastic!

They also offer a free trial! 

Source: Rocket Languages

Deutsche Welle 

If you’re not ready to jump on the intensive learning bandwagon just yet, Deutsche Welle offers you a great way to learn the language for free. Of course, you’re not getting all the perks you might from a paid platform, but the quality of their language instruction is excellent and can all be found on YouTube.

Source: DW

Online Language Schools to Learn German Fast

Offline language schools are often one-on-one or in a larger group setting in person. Many of you will likely choose to take an offline language course when you arrive in Germany and have settled into your first apartment. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as just listing the top 10 best offline language schools for you here because many of them are only offered in particular cities. One of the most well-known and well-recognized though is the Goethe Institut. There are also various locations for Speakeasy and Sprachschule AKTIV which may be worth looking into as well.

Goethe Institut 

The Goethe-Institut is the legend of German language courses worldwide. While their courses are rather pricey in comparison to today’s modern language learning options online, they’ve certainly got that “German stamp of approval”. As an official institution, Goethe is often a popular language school to attend when you arrive here in Germany for intensive language courses. You will receive the appropriate certifications to receive your residence permits here in Germany and they are often able to work with the immigration office to help get you started in Germany.

Good to know: The Goethe Institut also offers online classes as well as wonderful and interactive video guides for free to get started in learning German before you even get here.

Source: Goethe Institut

Online Language Apps to Learn German Fast

In the world we live in today, I get it, it’s hard to find time to sit down and intensively learn the language. Although I highly recommend taking an intensive language course at some point before moving to Germany (or right when you arrive), apps can’t be the easiest and quickest way to build our confidence in learning the language. And, let’s face it – these apps are amazing!

LingApp 

LingApp is another fun one to keep you learning on the go! It is a well-organized app that breaks down the vocabulary, dialogues, and grammar for you piece by piece. While some apps tend to lack when it comes to enforcing the importance of German grammar, LingApp does a great job at integrating tables and charts throughout the language levels so that you understand why German sentences are built the way they are.

Source: LingApp

Babbel

You’ve likely already heard of them before, Babbel is the #1 selling language learning app and has been dominating the space for quite a while now. Babbel feeds you lessons in bite-size pieces (10-15 minutes to be exact) so if you’re planning on learning the language on the go, this is a fantastic option. Their courses were designed by experts and built to ensure that you find the shortest pathway possible to be able to have a real-life conversation. For me, this was so important when moving to Germany!

Source: Babbel

Busuu

Busuu is a fantastic tool if you catch yourself making the same mistakes over and over again (like I do). Instead of allowing you to move forward with a lesson, they’ll ensure you repeat it until you’ve mastered it. This persistence is exactly what has helped me progress quickly in learning the language. They also put a large importance on the articles/prefixes that come before a word which can help you learn the language properly from the get-go.

Source: Busuu

Duolingo 

Duolingo is an excellent way to get started learning the German language. If you’re not sure where you’re at or want to learn a few words before jumping into an intensive course, this is a great way to get started and prepare. You’ll be notified every day when it’s time to start learning (or should I say playing) again which ensures you keep on track when you need to be.

Source: Duolingo

If you’re planning your move to Germany shortly, don’t forget to make sure you’ve got yourself set up with a bank account beforehand! We’ve got a list of the 10 best bank accounts right here for you.