Babbel - Language Learning

First, a number of people say Babbel is a scam merely because its developers dare charge for it. In fact, the only scam here are the one-star reviews of people who demand that all software must be free. Second, Babbel has a wide variety of drills and exercises. It helps keep users engaged and interested. It strikes a good balance of input (listening and reading) and output (speaking and writing). Third, Babbel is very good about reviewing previous material, and this is invaluable for those who need vocabulary to be integrated into memory. Fourth, Babbel provides just the right level of grammar to the student. It doesn’t bury you in dense verbiage, but it presents grammar tips in just the right amount — and precisely in the context in which it is demonstrated. This helps the grammar lesson to stick in the mind. Fifth, Babbel offers podcasts — with supplemental text. This helps reinforce the lessons it presents. Finally, Babbel also offers live classes with certified teachers and tutors. Granted this comes at an additional charge, but it’s a great option for those who want to take their language learning to the next level. Babbel is for the serious student. It’s not a toy (like Duolingo). It’s not designed for ten-year-olds. It’s for teenagers and adults who truly want to learn a language — and to this end it employs native speakers for realistic voice recordings. All language learning apps have their share of pros and cons. But I can’t recommend this app highly enough. It’s excellent, and if you stick with it, and you persevere, you will definitely learn a lot.

Got a 60% off coupon in email. Got a year for less than $6/momth. Its actually been really enjoyable and pretty gratifying.

I like this app and the learning I have received from it. And, I was planning to renew once I received some extra funds after losing my job. Instead, the app renewed without my approval causing my account to over draw and fees placed upon my bank account. Why do these companies do this? Now, I have no desire to renew my subscription and will not be back.

It auto renewed and they won’t give me a refund

I love that I can learn at my own pace. I can go back and review what I need to practice on. I love that I can choose which method of learning, such as flash cards, speaking direct, and writing. This makes it more fun to learn. If I get busy and lapse on my lessons, I get a reminder in my email to review my lessons!

Good so far but a lot of memorization. Lessons are too brief to learn and understand early on. For example, in Spanish conjugating verbs ir needs a full lesson plan. Not a 5 minute review.

That is correct. After signing up for a year course on my iPad, one month later I turn the app on and it asks me to subscribe. The app has no login information for those who purchased it. It only has a trial lesson and subscription info. I'm still signed in on my phone so They know I have an account. I prefer to use my iPad and use my phone for short reviews. Beware they may take that too. I also emailed them with no reply.

Too difficult for a true beginner.

So I was bored one day and decided I wanted to learn Russian. I’m on lesson 3 or 4, and: привет, мой друг! Highly recommend.

Even though I selected travel as my only reason for learning a new language, my Babbel lessons and exercises included a variety of things and very little travel phases and vocabulary.