Duolingo: Language Lessons
authentic ratingAn outstanding tool for sustaining interest at the start, but not for real speech. It teaches word recognition in exercises rather than live speaking. Long-term users write directly: thousands of words collected and still cannot hold a conversation.
38real score
4.73store star
5,273,821ratings
About the rating
storeAvg 4.79, textAvg 4.26. Moderate gap. Positive reviews are often brief and enthusiastic. Long-term user criticism is substantive: word count without speaking ability. Organic picture.
Strengths
What users love
- Wide language selection including rare ones (Hawaiian). The game format keeps beginners engaged. Several users report saying short Spanish phrases after two weeks.
Weak spots
What users hate
- Grammar explanations have been removed. Free speaking is not practiced. The hearts and streaks mechanic optimizes for daily engagement rather than actual learning. Progress stalls at basic phrases.
Who it is for
Complete beginners who want a fun, low-friction way to start a language and build the habit, paired with a substantive course for real progress.
Screenshots
