Whether you’re goinginto the wilderness or simply on a Wi-Fi-free adventure, language learning doesn‘t have to stop when you‘re offline.
I’ve tested out these eight language learning apps and am here today to show you how they work offline. Each app offers somethingdifferentintermsof practicing vocabulary, grammar, and conversation without internet access, includinga few classic flashcard options to round out your learning.
Memrise is designed to make language education catchy and fun, while comprehensive. Both iOS and Android users will benefit from this download. It provides an offline mode so you can easily continue your practice anywhere.
With Memrise, you follow themed courses (e.g. foundational vocabulary, common expressions, conjugation rules etc.) to learn your language in a logical way. It’s a unique approach to language study but it still packs all of the components we expect from a language program.
As you study you’ll get games, videos featuring native speakers, chatbots and more. You can even record your own pronunciation for comparison with native speech.
FluentU brings you immersive language practice with authentic videos in a range of languages.
For offline learning, you can download PDF transcripts to keep your practice going anywhere. So even if you can’t watch a video at the moment, you can still learn a language’s vocabulary in context.
If you get back on the grid at some point (no pressure), you can use FluentU’s video library for continued learning. It contains material like travel vlogs, music videos, and news reports in your target language. Each clip comes with interactive subtitles. Click any word you don’t recognize for an instant definition and native pronunciation.
FluentU is currently available for 10 languages, including Chinese, Korean, Spanish, German and French.
Google Translate is a workhorse for language learners.
Personally, I use it all the time. It provides a quick text translation, customizable phrasebook and even translates conversations in an instant.
One of its best features is the ability to get the meaning of a sign, menu or even billboard with the camera translation. Never get lost again—just point at a street sign and wait for the translation. This app is great for travelers!
What you may not realize is Google Translate delivers for offline learning, too. It’s possible to download languages onto your device so they’re available for use even when the device is not connected to the internet. Google Translate’s language packs are available in more than 50 languages.
Some even offer offline camera translation!
Plus, when you’re not actively looking for a translation, this app is perfect for offline vocabulary building.
Naver Papago Translate is a text, voice, conversation and image translation app for iOS and Android users. It’s available for 11 languages, including French, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese and more.
For offline learning, there’s a phrasebook containing basic expressions. It’s a fun, fast way to boost your communication abilities whenever you’ve got some down time.
When you get back on the grid, Naver Papago offers a full dictionary as well as real-time translations. You can even enable location services and Naver Papago will suggest languages for translation depending on where you are!
In case you’re wondering, papago means “parrot” in Esperanto. It’s a bird with language abilities, so it does seem to be a fitting name for such a useful app!
Offline features: Assorted number of lessons (premium only)
Duolingo is a familiar language-learning program. You may already recognize their fun, green owl mascot Duo, who accompanies learners on their journey from beginner to advanced levels. Available for about 30 languages, this app teaches in small, manageable lessons.
There’s the voice recognition segment that pulls no punches—when you’ve mispronounced a word or phrase, you’ll be prompted to try again. Have practice conversations with chatbots or join a club with other learners.
When lessons are completed Duo will commend you and tell you how many days in a row you’ve been working on a particular language. This is a fun way to learn a language!
Duolingo’s offline mode includes an abridged number of its lessons. When you’re offline, the progress tracking features will be turned off.
It teaches 12 languages at all levels on iOS and Android platforms. If you’re not sure where you fall on the learning scale, don’t worry! Busuu will give you a placement test to determine the perfect starting point for your language-learning journey.
Busuu’s program is designed to teach you a language through brief but consistent study—just 10 minutes a day. It covers key vocabulary, conversational phrases, grammar skills and even allows for real practice with native speakers.
Offline features: Download lessons on app to use offline
Rosetta Stone is a popular choice for language learners, and it also has an offline mode which allows you to study without internet access.
Once you’ve downloaded the desired course content via the Rosetta Stone app while connected to the internet, you can then easily switch to offline mode and work your way through the lessons you selected.
The app will save your progress and performance data, and sync with your account when you reconnect to the internet. This allows for a seamless learning experience, and makes it a great option for those who are looking to study on the go.
50LANGUAGES is a free app that offers both online and offline resources. It’s geared toward beginners—even those with absolutely no experience—as well as anyone who wants to polish up their language skills. As the name suggests, they cover more than 50 languages.
If basic communication skills are what you’re going for, this is certainly a good choice. You’ll follow audio lessons, which are available to download for offline listening. Other learning materials include language tests and flashcards.
If you want to take your studies pre-internet, print books are available to purchase to supplement the programs.
There are 100 lessons to explore—try listening to a lesson a day!
Bonus Offline Option: Flashcards
Flashcards? They’re not just for kids! In fact, they’re a key component in nearly every language program. They’re a customizable method for building a strong vocabulary.
Travelflips are flashcards that provide basic phrases suitable for everyday use. They come in Spanish, Italian, German and French and are packed in a neat little box that’s perfect for traveling.
I have both the Italian and French cards and love them. I’m hoping they follow up with more languages!
Berlitz also offers a ready-made flashcard option. Their flashcard sets include German, Spanish, French and Chinese.
These are designed with children in mind, but beginning learners of any age would get a vocabulary boost from using them.
Going offline doesn’t have to mean a language program is also turned off.
Put today’s technology to good use with the above offline language learning apps to continue your language journey—and keep up the habit of daily language practice! Add an old school option and you’re all set to learn anytime, anywhere!
